Carnival Bringing Build-A-Bear Workshops To Its Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line and Build-A-Bear Workshop have entered into an exclusive partnership that will bring the unique retail-entertainment experience to the line’s fleet.

The first Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea is being rolled out aboard Carnival Dream and is expected to be fleetwide aboard all 25 Carnival ships by summer 2017.

Building upon Carnival’s position as the family cruise leader hosting 700,000 kids a year, Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea provides children of all ages an opportunity to make their own cuddly bear that can be customized with a variety of outfits and accessories, from tutus and high-top sneakers to, appropriately enough, vacation wear like bathing suits and sunglasses.

Each bear comes complete with its own “birth certificate” with the bear’s name and date he or she was created, as well as a logoed drawstring bag. Additionally, the bears have their own “voice” via a recordable sound chip with kids recording their own special message.

And the fun doesn’t stop at just making bears — kids can create monkeys, leopards, turtles and other furry friends, as well as a St. Jude Bear with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of Carnival’s primary charitable partners.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop is a popular part of American culture and we’re delighted to provide our guests with an opportunity to make their own custom-designed bear and create a lifetime of memories,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We are equally grateful to partner with Build-A-Bear Workshop to help raise money for the special kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” she added.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop stores have always been a destination for families, and our partnership with Carnival Cruise Line will offer passengers the chance to take part in the fun of making new furry friends while onboard,” said Sharon John, president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “The arrival of the new Build-A-Bear Workshop experience on Carnival Cruise Line ships is an exciting example of how we’re bringing our nearly 20-year-old brand into more places than ever before.”

Participants can make their custom-designed bears at pop-up Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea workstations located within the Camp Ocean facilities or join the ships’ cruise directors with festive Build-A-Bear At Sea parties held each cruise and featuring music, bear-themed snacks and photo opportunities. The pop-up workstations are set up at designated times throughout the cruise and include everything to make a cute, huggable bear with racks filled with various outfits and accessories as well as an iconic stuffer that allows participants to add soft stuffing to make their bear as plush and cuddly as they want.

Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea complements the wide variety of family-friendly activities available aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships which also include complimentary children’s programs for kids 2-17, spectacular water parks with corkscrew water slides and splash zones, miniature golf courses, video arcades, poolside DiveIn Movies on giant LED screens, outdoor play spaces, volleyball and basketball courts and more.

Prices for the bears start at $20 with outfits and accessories starting at $5.