Dennis sets sail on Royal Caribbeano

BRANDORA Editorial Staff - November 2019

Rocket Licensing has teamed up with Royal Caribbean International to commission a brand new, one-of-a-kind Beano comic strip to celebrate the $165m makeover of Allure of the Seas. The story sees the notorious mischief-maker Dennis, joined by side-kick Gnasher and family Minnie, toddler Bea and Mum and Dad to become the very first guests onboard the new-look Royal Caribbean ship.

The comic opens with the family arriving at a campsite in Barcelona.

But before long they are asked to leave by snooty owner Basil Shifty who’s concerned about the chaos the family could cause.

Crestfallen, the family head to the port of Barcelona where Allure of the Seas is docked.

There they are greeted by Royal Caribbean Managing Director Ben Bouldin, who doesn’t share Mr Shifty’s concerns and invites them on board via the ‘V VIP FAST TRACK’.

The Menaces then have free rein to try out all the epic features onboard the biggest and most innovative ship sailing Europe in 2020, including:

• Glow-in-the-dark laser tag – The Menaces gear up for a total intergalactic adventure, where Dennis zaps Minnie in a clash for the Crystal City!
• Spotlight Karaoke – Dad rocks out on stage at the ship’s dedicated karaoke bar, whilst Gnasher watches on in awe
• Splashaway Bay – A kids’ favourite, Minnie checks out the splash pools, water cannons, fountains and drench buckets, before soaking an unassuming Dad!
• The Perfect Storm – Dennis and Minnie spot Dad get stuck in one of the trio of adrenaline-inducing ‘Perfect Storm’ waterslides
• Ultimate Abyss – Dennis and Minnie plummet 10 storeys down the tallest slide at sea

Whilst Dennis and the gang get stuck into the ‘thrill’, Mum’s ecstatic that someone will even look after the kids at the award-winning kids’ club, before going on a hunt to find the spa and chill.

Angeles Blanco - Director of Global Licensing, Beano Studios, commented: “Royal Caribbean is such a great partner for Beano, as the extensive facilities on board the Allure of the Seas allow the much-loved characters to get up to their usual mischief and adventures as a family. We’re thrilled with the new comic strip.”

Rob Wijeratna, Joint Managing Director, Rocket Licensing, who manage licensing for Beano in the UK and Ireland, and who organised the partnership, added: “The synergy between Royal Caribbean and Beano brands is perfect and this fun, cheeky comic strip provides an exciting new story for fans of the Beano, old and new. It’s great to partner with family orientated brands to further the reach of this much-loved evergreen brand.”

Ben Bouldin, Associate Vice President and Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean, said: “We wanted Britain’s most iconic family to test out everything Allure of the Seas has to offer, to prove that even the Menaces can enjoy spending quality family time together – and apart – on a Royal Caribbean holiday. We’re all about creating awesome, unforgettable experiences for families and we hope the comic strip captures the imagination of the nation”.

From May 2020, Allure of the Seas will be sailing 7-night Western Mediterranean itineraries that depart from Barcelona. Download the full comic here.

Rocket Licensing worked closely with PR company W Communications, which looks after Royal Caribbean’s UK press office, on the campaign.