Several cruise lines have established partnerships with some
of the world’s best-known entertainment companies in order to delight their
younger passengers. Imagine seeing your child’s face light up when they meet a
favorite character – maybe Dora the Explorer, Alex the Lion from “Madagascar,”
or a Disney princess. Even though you’re all grown up, you might be thrilled to
share a high-five with Mickey Mouse, too!
Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered Nickelodeon since 2010,
and the “Nickelodeon at Sea” experience has been maximized on the
groundbreaking and family-friendly Norwegian
Epic. The kids will love dancing with SpongeBob SquarePants at Dora the
Explorer’s Dance Party; they’ll scream with laughter at “Slime Time Live!” in
the theater (and yes, someone will get “slimed” with Nickelodeon’s signature
green goo). Kids can also get close to their Nickelodeon favorites at
arts-and-crafts sessions, character breakfasts, and various meet-and-greets
around the ship. Parents are welcome to take photos; or, hand your camera to a
staff member for a photo of your whole family with a favorite character.
Royal Caribbean’s partnership with DreamWorks Animation equips
selected ships with characters from blockbuster movies like “Shrek,” “Madagascar”
and “Kung Fu Panda.” Fun-loving ogres Shrek and Fiona, the Penguins of
Madagascar and others pop up tableside at character breakfasts and entertain
during deck parades (the kids are invited to join in!). On the Allure of the Seas, Alex the Lion and
other characters from “Madagascar” perform with high divers, swimmers and
acrobats during the Madagascar Aqua Show; and, characters from “How to Train
Your Dragon” are the stars of their own ice show (what happens when a dragon’s
fiery breath meets ice?).
Disney Cruise Lines has a built-in partnership, so it’s no
surprise that beloved Disney characters roam the ships. Every Disney ship
features scheduled character greetings; the daily newsletter will have details.
The irrepressible characters make surprise appearances, too, so keep your
camera close at hand. Characters also feature in most of the live shows – you can
even see some legendary Disney villains at the comedy revue on the Disney Dream. Finally, a farewell
reception gives the kids (and you) a chance for some final hugs and photos with
the gang. The characters on each ship vary a bit, but you may encounter favorites
like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Pluto, Peter Pan,
Cinderella, a variety of princesses, Ariel the mermaid, Captain Jack Sparrow, or
Princess Anna and Queen Elsa from “Frozen.”
To find out more about options for a character-laden cruise
that your kids will never forget – and that you’ll love, too – talk with Anita
Thompson, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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