Cruise management group Oceanic, Turner to launch Cartoon Network-branded cruise ship

CRUISE management company Oceanic Group will launch a themed cruise ship, inspired by Cartoon Network characters, in the fourth quarter of this year in partnership with media company Turner.

The 11-deck cruise liner Cartoon Network Wave, which will be docked at the Singapore Cruise Centre, is a project that will require an investment in excess of US$100 million, Oceanic Group chief executive Daniel Chui told The Business Times.

Cartoon Network Wave, which has a capacity of over 2,000 people, will offer three-day, five-day and seven-day cruises, with the longest cruise travelling to four destinations around the region. Oceanic Group has earmarked 12 other destinations in the Asia-Pacific besides Singapore, including Thailand, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and Japan.

The theme is inspired by characters from Carton Network's shows such as The Powerpuff Girls and Adventure Time. Aside from restaurants and bars, the cruise liner will also feature entertainment, activities, recreation as well as retail options.

This comes as the Oceanic Group is diversifying into the cruise business with what it identifies as a differentiated product.

Mr Chui added: "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."

Ricky Ow, president of Turner Asia Pacific, added: "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."