P&O Cruises Australia is breaking with the longstanding tradition of having an actual human christen ships.
It has announced that Nickelodeon cartoon character Dora the Explorer will become the godmother of the revamped 77,000-gt Pacific Explorer (built 1997).
The intrepid Hispanic traveller, or presumably an actor in a costume, will christen the vessel on 2 July in Sydney alongside other characters from the kids' channel like Spongebob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, according to the Cruise and Ferry website.
“We’re excited for Dora to take on her new role as godmother of Pacific Explorer,” said Ben Cox, general manager of Nickelodeon Australia.
“Nickelodeon is synonymous with family entertainment and we can't wait to bring our characters onboard this fantastic ship to host the best family party yet.”
The vessel was previously Dawn Princess, but was converted at Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore.
Let's hope Swiper the larcenous fox is not invited.
