Carnival Cruise Line to Launch Children’s Space Program

Carnival Cruise Line is partnering with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to design a children’s space program with activities inspired by NASA science. The new program, part of the line’s Camp Ocean lineup, will launch this November aboard Carnival Celebration.

 The Space Cruisers curriculum is designed “to be as educational as it is fun,” the line said. Children, ages 2 to 11, will be given “missions” to complete via an array of hands-on learning experiences. Those who complete their missions will earn a themed mission patch.

“Space cruisers will truly take our offerings to the next level with the perfect balance of fun and education to give both our younger guests and their families something to be excited about,” said Melissa Mahaffey, director of youth experience for Carnival Cruise Line. “Kids are always looking to explore new things, and this program gives them the chance to discover many of the awesome aspects of space through fun activities while taking away unique learnings.”

The Space Cruisers program includes activities for kids and their families. Highlights include:

Optimal Orbit (ages 2-8)
The littlest kids will learn about the pull of gravity and how planets, satellites and other objects move through space in a hands-on experience with a giant trampoline.

Design Your Own Mission Patch (ages 6-11)
In this class, kids can join the long-standing tradition among astronauts and design their own take-home mission patch to tell their story.

Space Cruisers Rocket Workshop (ages 6-11)
While combustion-powered rockets are off the table at sea, kids in this workshop will learn how to build high-flying paper rockets.

Mars Base Connect (family-friendly)
Working with their families, kids will go through the steps it takes to build a Mars base.

ASTRO! (family-friendly)
Essentially space-themed bingo, participants will have the chance to call out constellations as they’re displayed on a unique star projector.

In addition to the new programming, an area of Camp Ocean will feature an illuminated space wall that showcases the planets, as well as a display of light-up constellations on the ceiling.

“Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is where the epic story of the U.S. space program is brought to life through fun and inspirational activities, exhibits and educational activities,” said Therrin Protze, CEO of the Complex. “We’re excited to bring a piece of that experience aboard Carnival Celebration for the Space Cruisers program.”

Space Cruisers will debut on Carnival Celebration when it sets sail on its inaugural voyage from Miami this November. It will then be rolled out to Mardi Grad in time for the holiday season. Various activities from the program will later rollout fleetwide in time for spring break.