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 Camp Ocean line, will launch this November aboard the Carnival Party.
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 through a series 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 entertainment and education to give both our youngest 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 opportunity to discover many of the wonderful aspects of space through fun activities while taking away unique lessons.”
The Space Cruisers program includes activities for children and their families. Highlights include:
Optimal orbit (2-8 years)
Younger children 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 part of your mission (ages 6-11)
In this class, kids can join the long tradition of astronauts and design their own mission patch to take home to tell their story.
Spaceship Rocket Workshop (ages 6-11)
While combustion 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, children will go through the steps needed to build a base on Mars.
ASTRO! (family friendly)
Essentially space-themed bingo, participants will have the opportunity to call out the constellations as they appear on a unique star projector.
In addition to the new programming, one area of Camp Ocean will feature an illuminated space wall displaying the planets, as well as an illuminated constellation display on the ceiling.
“The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is where the epic history of the US space program is brought to life through fun and inspiring activities, exhibits and educational activities,” said Therrin Protze, CEO of the Complex. “We are excited to bring some of that experience aboard Carnival Celebration for the Space Cruisers program.”
Space Cruisers will debut at Carnival Celebration when it departs on its inaugural voyage from Miami this November. It will then be distributed at Mardi Grad in time for the holiday season. Various activities from the program will later be rolled out across the fleet in time for spring break.
