16 April 2008

Let the Kids Run Away to the Circus at Sea

P&O Cruises has brought the magic of the circus tent to its cruises, introducing regular juggling classes and acrobatic stage shows to amaze passengers as part of a new Ã¢â¬ËœCircus at SeaÃ¢â¬â¢ initiative.

Launched on Pacific Dawn this April, Ã¢â¬ËœCircus at SeaÃ¢â¬â¢ will run on selected cruises throughout the fleet in 2008 and features a talented West Australian acrobatic family act known as Cameo Rascale.

Cameo Rascale acrobat Steve Capener has been performing internationally with his wife Gayle for 18 years, while their two children Nicole (10) and James (12) joined the act six years ago to create a unique and entertaining family show.

The Capener family will perform daring acts of balancing, juggling, roller boarding and adagio Ã¢â¬' the art of circus acrobalance Ã¢â¬' in their evening shows onboard.

Free juggling classes will be open to adults and children giving passengers the chance to learn the secrets of juggling and display their talents in front of their friends, families and other passengers.

The most skilled juggler of the family, James, will also host a separate class during select school holiday cruises for children aged 7-12 years in P&O CruisesÃ¢â¬â¢ kids club, the Shark Shack. The kidsÃ¢â¬â¢ club will also offer face painting and airbrush tattooing to keep youngsters entertained.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises in Australia, said the Circus at Sea program would give passengers even more reason to choose a cruise holiday.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThese new initiatives give our passengers Ã¢â¬' children and adults alike Ã¢â¬' the opportunity to try something they wouldnÃ¢â¬â¢t normally do. ItÃ¢â¬Ëœs about creating memories that last long after the cruise is over,Ã¢â¬~ Ms Sherry said.

Sydney-based superliner Pacific Dawn was designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano and features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, a three-storey atrium lobby, Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe DomeÃ¢â¬~ entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge, fitness centre and dedicated childrenÃ¢â¬â¢s facilities.

While AustraliaÃ¢â¬â¢s favourite ship, Pacific Sun, provides endless fun with a huge 35-metre waterslide and three kidsÃ¢â¬â¢ clubs. To keep adults entertained there are five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools.

I know the QE2 has kennels, but I wonder where they are going to keep the elephants and tigers on the Dawn?

A Report by The Mole