Norwegian gets rid of Nickelodeon characters

See ya Sponge Bob. So long Squidward.

The Nickelodeon characters that have appeared on select Norwegian Cruise Line ships for the past several years are slated to ride into the sunset.

Norwegian said Thursday that Nickelodeon will not be a part of its new Norwegian Escape ship set to debut in November. In addition, Nickelodeon will be gone from Norwegian Epic by October and from four other ships including Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway after the first of the year.

The partnership agreement between Norwegian and Nickelodeon, a cable channel owned by Viacom, concludes at the end of 2015. Norwegian did not say why the agreement is not being renewed, but in a statement said it will continue to invest in upgrading the quality of its family programming.

In addition to character appearances, Nickelodeon themes were part of an arts and crafts experience, a poolside show and a Pajama Jam Breakfast for kids. The Nickelodeon character statues are also part of the water play parks on several ships.

Most competing lines have characters as part of their kids' programming, including Dr. Seuss creatures on Carnival Cruise Lines, Dreamworks characters on Royal Caribbean International, and a whole stable of princesses and superheroes on Walt Disney Co.'s Disney Cruise Line.

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