Princess Cruises to Remake Youth Areas With Discovery Themes

(Source: Travel Weekly)

Princess Cruises will remake the youth centers on its ships in partnership with Discovery Communications, starting with the Grand Princess.

Catering to specific age groups, there are three themes.

The current Pelicans, for ages 3 to 7, becomes The Treehouse, a bright whimsical forest and animal-themed center, Princess said. Shockwaves, for ages 8 to 12, becomes The Lodge, which is inspired by the outdoors and filled with sports activities and places to explore, hang out and lounge.

For teens 13 to 17, Remix will convert into The Beach House, with a surf theme.

The two younger groups will also get regional programs focused on the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe that will immerse them in the culture, nature and customs of those areas.

New youth and teen center programming includes "MythBusters" science activities with three hands-on challenges, featuring the show's star, Tory Belleci. "MythBusters" is a Discovery Channel show.

Princess first partnered with Discovery in 2015 for Discovery at Sea,, which included various tie-ins to Discovery's nature and science programs.

Princess and Discovery will also create a family fair in the Piazza featuring carnival-like booths and activities, family trivia, Stargazing with Discovery at Sea, family game night and new family-themed programs.

After the Grand Princess, the new youth centers will be rolled out during drydocks of Caribbean Princess (March) and Regal Princess (April), Sea Princess (October) and Island Princess (November).

Princess last overhauled its youth centers in 2012 with the introduction of the Royal Princess.