By
Rebecca Gibson |
In a cruise industry first, P&O Cruises Australia has named popular Nickelodeon character Dora the Explorer as godmother of its latest ship Pacific Explorer.
Dora the Explorer will officially christen Pacific Explorer at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal on 2 July alongside Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Skye from PAW Patrol. Fans can win tickets to the celebration by visiting www.nick.com.au/win before 25 June 2017.
“We’re excited for Dora to take on her new role as godmother of Pacific Explorer,” said Ben Cox, general manager of Nickelodeon Australia. “Nickelodeon is synonymous with family entertainment and we can't wait to bring our characters onboard this fantastic ship to host the best family party yet.”
Formerly Princess Cruises’ Dawn Princess, Pacific Explorer was recently converted in a multimillion-dollar project at Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore. The ship was fitted with various innovations, including the longest waterslides at sea, an interactive water park, an outdoor Big Screen, a barefoot lawn bowls, and P&OEdge Adventure Park – with activities such as zip lining and rock climbing.
“In keeping with the ship's family appeal, it felt only fitting to invite a much-loved household name like Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer to be godmother,” said Sture Myrmell, P&O Cruises’ president. “She’s a family favourite, enjoys adventure and trying new activities, and is a perfect fit to help showcase all that our ship has to offer.”
Pacific Explorer also features various dining venues including Luke’s, a new fast-casual poolside grill by Australian chef and restauranteur Luke Mangan, and a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria called 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco.
“We’ve taken the winning features of our existing ships and added a whole new layer of excitement with some big wow moments like the waterslides and the bowling green and the elegant new small bar The Bonded Store, featuring a cocktail list created in partnership with Sydney-based award-winning Archie Rose Distilling Co, as well as whisky and gin-making classes,” said Myrmell.
The 77,000gt Pacific Explorer arrived in her new year-round homeport of Sydney, Australia on 19 June and embarked on her first 10-night cruise to the Pacific Islands on 22 June.