Cruise News: Norwegian Expands Nickelodeon Cruises

One of the really fun things we enjoyed during our recent cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic was the Nickelodeon program. No, we don't have children, but it was so much fun to watch the excitement the kiddies on board experienced when they encountered their favorite characters and took part in the Nickelodeon activities. Mel and I just happened to pass SpongeBob SquarePants in the Atrium one night and his Nick escort graciously snapped the photo at left with our camera. Hotel Director Richard Janicki later told me that's not uncommon—Norwegian isn't focusing on making money by limiting photo ops to those taken by ship photographers and guests are encouraged to use their own cameras, even during the scheduled official Meet and Greet activities when numerous Nick escorts are on hand to shoot the snapshots for them. A nice touch for the family budget.

Up until last week families could experience Nickelodeon only on board Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Epic, but Norwegian has expanded the popular program and welcomed Nickelodeon aboard Norwegian Gem as well, giving guests the opportunity to cruise with SpongeBob, Patrick, Dora the Explorer, and Diego, among other favorite Nickelodeon characters. The new Nickelodeon experiences on Norwegian Gem include some of the popular family events, shows and activities that were first introduced in April 2010 on Norwegian Jewel and in July 2010 on Norwegian Epic, plus an exciting line up of new experiences.

Each cruise features Nickelodeon’s all-new Pajama Jam Character Breakfast. Upon arriving in the Spinnaker Lounge, guests, who are encouraged to wear their pajamas, are greeted with a goody bag filled with surprises and props for use during the event. Donning their pajamas, Team Nick and the rest of the gang sing and dance while families enjoy their morning meal. Each child attending the breakfast receives a complimentary, keepsake photograph.


Nickelodeon characters don their pajamas for the new Pajama Jam Breakfast on Norwegian Gem

Splash Mobs add a whole new element of surprise, bringing a new energy and excitement to the ship. These spontaneous, impromptu games are fun for the whole family with pies, slime, and other surprises. Additional elements include Dora’s Dance Party, where children ages six and younger have the chance to sing and dance to their favorite songs with Dora the Explorer and Team Nick; Nickelodeon Character Meet and Greets; Nick Jr. Story Time; and Nickelodeon arts and crafts.

Families can enjoy all of these exciting events as Norwegian Gem sails a series of 7-day Bahamas and Florida voyages from New York City through Sept 1, 2012. Ports of call include Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida; Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island) and Nassau, Bahamas, as well as three days at sea. From Sept 8 through Oct 10, 2012, Norwegian Gem will sail 10-day Eastern Canada and Quebec cruises, followed by a series of 9-day Eastern Caribbean voyages.

Images: CruiseDiva.com and Norwegian Cruise Line