Let’s face it: cruising is about having fun. Whether you’re cruising on board a mega cruise liner or a small, intimate yacht, you’re most probably not doing it to morosely ponder the increase in your bank overdraft over the last few years.

Having a comedian on board the ship will of course go a long way to lift your spirit, even if you have reason enough to be morose. You might therefore be delighted to hear that wacky comedian Paul Merton has committed himself to a new series of travel adventures on board the world’s largest ocean liner.

The first in his brand new series of crazy travel adventures was aired on Channel 5 on Wednesday night. In this series the comedian embraces six of the most varied (and popular) holiday choices of the UK travelling public.

Merton’s fans will immediately be reminded of his recent series of travel documentaries that were set in India and China.

The first episode of the new series, entitled On a Cruise, was shot on board Royal Caribbean’s flagship Allure of the Seas.

Those who are familiar with Royal Caribbean would have recognised more than one familiar face – among them that of Captain Zini and Scottish Sam of guest services, with his trademark dry sense of humour.

Merton commented “I had some incredible experiences. For instance, I got off the cruise ship in Mexico and had the strangest time. First of all, I went diving on a famous reef and shook hands with a man underwater.”