Royal Caribbean + Fisher Price...

[Jason]

Fisher-Price, Royal Caribbean target 'small cruisers'

Fisher-Price Inc., a unit of Mattel Inc., and Royal Caribbean International have announced a new partnership to develop a series of programs and services for the cruise line's travelers with young children.

Terms of the marketing pact were not disclosed Wednesday.

Royal Caribbean said since 2000, the company has seen a more than 50 percent increase in the number of children under the age of three on cruises with their parents.

East Aurora, N.Y.-based Fisher-Price will develop a series of educational programs, described as fun and interactive. Mattel (NYSE: MAT) is based in El Segundo. The programs will debut on Explorer of the Seas this month and will be available on all Royal Caribbean ships by the end of March 2005. The sessions are free of charge and are hosted by Royal Caribbean's specially trained youth staff.

The Aqua Babies program targets parents with children ages six months to 18 months with six themed sessions, each designed to introduce babies to different types of skills and activities to enhance development. Aqua Tots encourage toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years old to explore and develop their imaginations and build self-confidence. Playful activities are incorporated into the themes.