Norwegian cuts ties with Nickelodeon

Norwegian’s agreement with Nickelodeon, whereby the cable network brand provides family entertainment aboard several of the cruise line’s ships, will not be renewed for 2016.

Although originally intended to be included in the debut of the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Epic in Oct. 2015, the company has said in a statement to PAX that the Nickelodeon programs will not appear as part of the new vessels’ offerings, and that the remaining four ships (Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Gateway and Norwegian Breakaway) will also not feature the popular kids’ brand starting January 2016.

Although the cruise line did not provide a reason as to why the contract is not being renewed despite former plans to include it in new and upcoming itineraries, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said they “Thank Nickelodeon for being a great partner and helping us to provide family entertainment on board our newest vessels… our fleet-wide offerings will continue to raise the bar on family entertainment at sea.”

The brand will continue to offer its other youth programs, with the 2016 season, including Splash Academy and Entourage for kids and teens.