TV Pick: Hubertus Meyer-Burckhardt and the History of Cruising on ARD

Bild von Hans Toom auf Pixabay
Just before the holidays, when many people are already mentally packing their suitcases, the German TV channel "Das Erste" (ARD) presents a special journalistic highlight for all ship enthusiasts. On Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10:55 PM, host Hubertus Meyer-Burckhardt takes viewers on a historical journey. The production "Auf hoher See | Von Pauschal bis Superluxus" (On the High Seas | From Package Deals to Super Luxury) is far more than a simple holiday documentary. Designed as an elaborate docu-drama, the film sheds light on the evolution of an entire industry – from its visionary beginnings to today's mass market.

All news also on X formerly Twitter

The format of the series "Unsere Geschichte" (Our History) chooses an exciting approach: it combines historical reenactments with modern documentary styles. This is necessary because no film footage exists for many decisive moments in maritime history. Viewers witness how Albert Ballin, the legendary Director General of HAPAG, developed a revolutionary idea around 1890.

Ballin faced an economic problem: In winter, stormy crossings on the North Atlantic were in low demand, leaving expensive ships sitting idle in the port. His solution was the invention of the "pleasure voyage" – the birth of modern cruising. Of particular interest: Ballin's great-grandson, Heinz Hueber, speaks in the film. Through the discovery of private estates, he offers a new perspective on the shipowner, correcting the image of a desperate businessman and revealing him as a tireless visionary.

The documentary does not shy away from opening the more serious chapters of maritime history. One focus is on the "Fritz Heckert," the holiday ship of the FDGB in the GDR. While passengers enjoyed the sun on deck, the sea became an escape route for others.

The story of Christian Grävinghoff is portrayed impressively. For him, the view over the railing – whether looking to starboard (right) or port (left) – meant not relaxation, but a chance for freedom. His planned jump into the freezing Baltic Sea is reconstructed through intense reenactments, highlighting the drama that once unfolded on the oceans.

The leap into the present leads viewers into the world of today's mega-liners. Here, the enormous logistical effort behind the crew's smiles becomes visible. Christina Steinle, Staff Captain at AIDA, provides insights into her daily work routine, which is characterized by weeks of constant readiness.

That the sea remains the final authority despite state-of-the-art technology is confirmed by Captain Karl-Ulrich Lampe with reports of so-called rogue waves. To ensure safety on board, the film also focuses on "hidden champions," such as the lifeboat manufacturer Hatecke from Drochtersen. They ensure that passengers can disembark safely even in an emergency.

Broadcast Information: "Auf hoher See | Von Pauschal bis Superluxus" airs on December 22, 2025, at 10:55 PM on ARD/Das Erste.