Cruise lines are partnering up with big-name brands to provide kid-friendly activities on board their ships. Now families have more options when choosing itineraries designed to keep their children entertained and learning, too.
MSC Cruises has partnered with LEGO Group to bring families the LEGO Experience at sea, featuring LEGO designed playrooms and entertainment options. MSC Cruises is implementing a special program across its fleet where children and adults alike will have a chance to compete in LEGO-themed competitions and games on designated days during a sailing; and children who participate in the LEGO Experience will receive an official LEGO Junior Master Builder diploma. Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet Sailor Walkabout, the LEGO sailor mascot, who will be on board for photo ops and entertainment.
“Adding LEGO to MSC Cruises’ portfolio demonstrates our ongoing commitment to looking at new and exciting ways to offer an outstanding experience to our cruisers of all ages. We are thrilled to partner with a company like LEGO that shares the same commitment to families. LEGO is loved by kids and adults alike and our at sea LEGO programs will have everything from competitions and games to a Lego tech experience, making it an ideal experience for families,” says Ken Muskat, executive v.p. of sales, public relations and guest services.
In addition, the LEGO Group is working on a redesign of the play areas on the MSC Armonia, which re-enters service on Nov. 19. It’s the first ship in MSC Cruises’ Lirica class undergoing the Renaissance Program refurbishment—featuring separate clubs and facilities for children in five distinct age groups, ranging from newborn to age 17. The inaugural sailing departs from Genoa and stops in France, Spain, and Gibraltar before arriving in Portugal, its final destination. LEGO offerings aboard the MSC Armonia include LEGO DUPLO featuring games and challenges for children under three years old; the Classic LEGO bricks and Vertical Play Wall for children ages 7 to 11; and Building Happening for kids 6 to 11 featuring themed builds with limited bricks. There will also be a LEGO corner in the onboard shops with LEGO products for sale. In addition, the company is working on a LEGO MSC Cruise toy ship design, which will be available on MSC Cruise ships in the future.
All LEGO features will be complimentary to guests and be incorporated on the two new ships scheduled for delivery in 2017. For more information, visit msccruisesusa.com.
Princess Cruises joins forces with Discovery Consumer Products (the licensing company for Discovery Communications) to create Discovery At Sea, an interactive onboard program offering activities and shore excursions for families.
“This is such an exciting partnership between our two companies because we are both passionate about exploring the world,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “We’re creating meaningful and memorable shared experiences while also fueling a lifelong passion for travel.”
The Discovery At Sea program, debuts in early 2015 and features themed tours, science activities, hands-on programs, and games. The interactive experiences are designed to bring to life the nature, wildlife, and history of the regions guests are visiting. The Discovery At Sea program will be based on Discovery Channel programming such as TLC, Animal Planet, and the Science Channel, including shows such as “Shark Week,” “Mythbusters,” and “Deadliest Catch.” Planned activities include Discovery Under the Stars; Shark Week at Sea; Baking at Sea with TLC; Discover, Animal Planet and Science Channel shore excursions; and the Discovery Kids and Teens program, featuring brain teaser competitions, videos, puzzles and apps from Discovery. Princess ships will also air TV programming such as the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC. For more information, visit princess.com.
News from Disney
Disney Cruise Line will be sailing to the British Virgin Islands, stopping in Tortola, in January 2016.
“We are excited to begin this partnership with Disney Cruise Line, and welcome their passengers to experience our beautiful BVI when they begin stopping in Tortola in early 2016,” said Sharon Flax-Mars, director of tourism for BVI.
The Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic will sail from Port Canaveral to the Eastern Caribbean with stops in Tortola on 11 sailings. Departure dates for 2016 include Jan. 2, 16, & 30; Feb. 13 & 27, Mar. 12 & 26, and Apr. 3, 9, 17 & 23. For more information, call (888) 325-2500 or visit disneycruise.com.
