For the first time, some of the world’s most famous cartoon characters will set sail on their very own cruise liner, Cartoon Network Wave. This fully-branded ship is the result of a partnership between Oceanic Group, Asia-Pacific’s leading cruise management company, and Turner, the global media giant behind Cartoon Network.
From left: Christina Siaw, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cruise Centre; Ricky Ow, President of Turner Asia Pacific; Daniel Chui, Chief Executive of Oceanic Group; and Yap Chin Siang, Assistant Chief Executive (Policy & Planning Group), Singapore Tourism Board, along with Cartoon Network heroes at the Cartoon Network Wave signing event. (Photo credit: Cartoon Network Wave)
Set to make its maiden voyage from its home port of Singapore in late 2018, the 11 guest-deck, 2,000-capacity Cartoon Network Wave will be one vast haven for Toon-loving travellers. With the ocean as a backdrop, families will enjoy the world’s first immersive Toon vacation at sea, and an adventure with their favourite Cartoon Network stars.
While there are many existing projects by Turner’s location-based entertainment team including Cartoon Network-branded restaurants, theme parks and waterparks around the world – and even planes and trains – this is the first time anywhere that a cruise liner has undergone a full Cartoon Network transformation.
The theme and entire onboard experience of Cartoon Network Wave are inspired by Cartoon Network’s universe of well-loved characters from iconic shows such as Adventure Time, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls and We Bare Bears. This includes a variety of diverse entertainment, activity and recreation features, as well as retail and food and beverage options.
Cartoon Network Wave will be docked at the Singapore Cruise Centre and will sail to 13 popular destinations in the Asia Pacific region, including Malaysia, Thailand, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and Japan. Dates and itineraries for its routes around Asia Pacific will be announced in the coming months.
Oceanic Group formalised its partnership with Turner in a signing ceremony on January 25 (Thursday) in Singapore, marking the official launch of Cartoon Network Wave, the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed cruise and Singapore’s first homegrown contemporary cruise product.
Oceanic Group’s Chief Executive Daniel Chui said the partnership represents the company’s commitment to capitalise on Asia’s growing cruise travel market. “A homegrown cruise project, Cartoon Network Wave heralds the start of a new vacation experience for cruise-goers in Asia where cruise travel meets personalised journeys through experiential story-telling. With Singapore’s position as a cruise hub in Asia, we believe it is only fitting that we dive right in and ride the surging tide of this passenger cruise wave.
“Cartoon Network Wave will revolutionise cruise travel in the Asia-Pacific region and create and curate new cruise experiences for holiday makers, cruise goers and generations of pop culture fans.”
Ricky Ow, President of Turner Asia Pacific, said: “Turner is always looking at new ways to bring our characters to life – and Cartoon Network Wave will be their home on the high seas. The ship has remarkable potential to offer our existing fans a truly unique immersive experience, as well as create new ones. We couldn’t be more excited by the partnership with Oceanic Group in jointly creating a world first.”
Yap Chin Siang, Assistant Chief Executive (Policy & Planning Group), Singapore Tourism Board, said: “The debut of Cartoon Network Wave as a new homegrown cruise product is testament to the vitality of Singapore as Southeast Asia’s leading cruise hub. It will also augment Singapore’s appeal as a top family destination by adding to the diversity of Singapore’s line-up of offerings. We look forward to more family visitors coming from the region with Cartoon Network Wave’s exciting deployment here.”
Online bookings
Online bookings for Cartoon Network Wave will start later in the year. More details on the booking dates and itineraries will be released on the Cartoon Network Wave website (http://www.cartoonnetworkwave.com). Fans can also subscribe to Cartoon Network Wave’s soon-to-be launched Facebook and Instagram for the latest update.
