Nickelodeon Sets Course for Themed Family Cruise
In the latest expansion of its recreation initiatives, Nickelodeon is launching a family summer cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
The seven-day excursion will depart Miami on Aug. 10 and feature stops in Cozumel, Mexico, George Town, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a Nick-themed private beach in Labadee, Hatit.
SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer will be among popular Nickelodeon characters along for the ride, which will feature Nick-themed on-board activities, including live game shows with the network’s trademark green slime.
A FlowRider surf simulator, an H2O Zone water park, an ice skating rink, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a rock-climbing wall and a full-size basketball court will also be aboard.
“We’re expanding to have more offerings for families,” said Nickelodeon spokeswoman Joanna Roses.
The idea is to appeal to parents who grew up watching Nickelodeon shows, as well as the current generation of Nick’s audience, she said.
The first standalone Nickelodeon theme park is due to open at the Minneapolis Mall of America in March. Several North American theme parks already have “Nick Central” areas with branded rides, costume characters and merchandising. Nick characters will also be present in the Al Ahli Park being developed in Dubai for a 2011 opening.
Nickelodeon has also partnered with Marriott to develop as many as 20 resort properties projected to be under construction by 2020.
Tickets for the Nickelodeon cruise are on sale now, with more information available at www.nickfamilycruise.com
