Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon part ways

Norwegian Cruise Line said its partnership with Nickelodeon won’t be renewed when it expires at the end of the year.

Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob Square Pants and Dora the Explorer have been on select Norwegian ships for the past three years.

“These experiences will not appear on Norwegian Escape and on Norwegian Epic as of October 2015 and on the remaining four ships beginning in January 2016,” the statement said.

In some cases, Norwegian will have to dismantle fixtures, such as the SpongeBob characters that decorate its water play parks. There have also been Nickelodeon character meet-and-greets, a poolside show, an arts and crafts experience and a Nickelodeon-themed Pajama Jam Breakfast.

Norwegian said it will continue to make investments “to further elevate our family programming” on its ships. 

Norwegian Breakaway christened in extravaganza

By Tom Stieghorst

Norwegian Breakaway was officially christened in an hour-plus extravaganza that culminated in a Rockettes chorus line and a crash of a champagne bottle onto the side of its Peter Max-painted hull.

The festivities were held in 10 areas throughout the ship and simulcast to each area.

Norwegian CEO Kevin Sheehan presided in the main theater, with help from key players such as "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro and chef Geoffrey Zakarian.

SpongeBob SquarePants and his Nickelodean friends danced in the Bar at the Atrium and the cast of ballroom dance show "Burn the Floor" tangoed in the Manhattan Room restaurant.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, delivered an invocation for the ship. Other dignitaries on hand were New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg; the premier of Bermuda, Craig Cannonier; and Perry Christie, prime minister of the Bahamas.

Sheehan noted that he used to drive a cab in New York (a video briefly flashed a copy of his 1975 license). "I'm a New Yorker through and through," he said.

"We've taken the best of New York City and taken it to sea," he said. "You get the best of both worlds"