Paddington Bear To Set Sail For The First Time In 50 Years - 15/04/2008
- Iconic Iconic bear joins Ocean Village this summer -
- Kids travel free in Caribbean 2008/09 -
He sailed in to British hearts in 1958 when he arrived in London on a ship from deepest Peru. Now 50 years on, Britain’s most lovable and well-travelled bear, Paddington, will set sail again when he joins Ocean Village as the casual cruise line’s fleet arrives in the Med for its summer season.
As of May 2008, Paddington Bear will become a permanent addition onboard Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two. The marmalade-munching bear will be a regular in the onboard kids club ‘Base Camp,’ and fan - both young and old - will have the chance to meet, take photos and even have tea with this iconic character. Paddington’s appeal spans not only generations but also continents with his books selling more than 30 million copies worldwide, in 30 languages, across 70 titles.
Peruvian-born Paddington will join classic children’s character Bagpuss, who became a resident crew member only last summer onboard both Ocean Village ships. Gill Haynes, Head of Marketing Communications comments: “Though a renowned traveller, Paddington will join many of our first time cruisers this summer as he embarks on his debut Mediterranean season onboard Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two.
“With this exciting new addition we can offer families memorable experiences with not just one, but two of the most popular and enduring children’s characters of all time. Mums and Dads have grown up with both Paddington and Bagpuss and children today still adore them. These cult icons will delight and entertain the young, and young at heart, and once again demonstrate our commitment to providing imaginative, high-quality and family-friendly holidays.”
Paddington Bear adds to Ocean Village’s already bulging portfolio of children’s facilities including Base Camp and the teen Hideout zone, night nursery, dedicated youth team, SEGA Village, and of course Bagpuss’ onboard show and presence.
To celebrate Paddington Bear’s permanent addition to the casual cruise line’s fleet, Ocean Village is offering free cruises for children travelling throughout Paddington’s 2008/2009 debut Caribbean season.* One or two children of any age can travel free on 7 and 14 night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the original Ocean Village ship or Ocean Village Two when sharing with two people paying the adult fare; flights included.
For further information on this offer, onboard entertainment or to book, visit www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk, call 0845 358 5000 or contact your local ABTA travel agent for details.
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For further information, please contact Claire Honey, Marie Wardell or Samantha Darlaston at Consolidated on 020 7781 2300; email oceanvillage@consol.co.uk.
Notes to editors:
Ocean Village offers a choice of four Mediterranean itineraries from April – October 2008.
The original Ocean Village ship explores the Eastern Mediterranean, offering two jam-packed seven night itineraries - ‘Temples and Tavernas’ and ‘Olives and Ouzo’. Sister ship Ocean Village Two sails to the hottest and coolest Riviera destinations in the Western Med this summer with the ‘Tapas and Togas’ and the ‘Villas & Vino’ itineraries.
Prices in the Med this summer start from £499 per person (based on 6 May 2008 Villas and Vino departure on Ocean Village Two ) and all 7 night itineraries can be combined in to 14 night sailings which start from as little as £829 (6 May departure). Prices based on two adults sharing an NN grade cabin departing 6 May 2008 on Ocean Village Two. Regional flight supplements may apply.
*Kids travel free when sharing a cabin with two people paying the adult fare on Caribbean 2008/09 holidays. Offer excludes Christmas and New Year and other holiday periods, is subject to availability and ends 31 May 2008.
