C'Mon Barbie, Let's Go Cruising

Sept. 12, 2012— -- Barbie can officially add "cruiser" to her long resume.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line announced this week the Barbie Premium Experience will be available on select ships starting January 2013 and will be available fleet-wide by March 2013.

The premium experience includes a Barbie-themed stateroom with a Barbie, blanket and pillowcase, tote bag, toothbrush and toiletries bag; an invitation-only Tiaras and Teacups party; a mermaid dance class where children learn the moves from the movie Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2; a fashion designer workshop where kids can create their own Barbie fashions; and a fashion show where they will walk the "pink carpet." The cost is $349.

But kids of parents who don't want to pay for the premium experience won't be left out. There are complimentary Barbie-themed activities available through the cruise line's kids' club. The experience offers Barbie movie night, Barbie story time and plus Barbie movies on their stateroom televisions.

Bringing Barbie to the seas is a partnership between Royal Caribbean International and Mattel, the creator of the Barbie doll.

"Barbie remains the most popular doll of all time and a powerhouse brand among girls of all ages," said Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "She is everywhere girls are today, so it only makes sense that girls can now find her at sea exclusively aboard Royal Caribbean's fleet of world-class ships."

Royal Caribbean is a popular line for families. Its competitor, Disney Cruise Line, added a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique -- a popular attraction at Walt Disney World – to its newest ship, the Disney Fantasy. The boutique makes over boys and girls into their favorite princesses and pirates. The price ranges from $16 for the most basic package to $595 for the Royal Sea Package which includes three makeover and a glass slipper and glass slipper necklace with royal invitation to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique delivered to their stateroom.