Cruise lines start catering to the Barbie demographic (VIDEO)

WASHINGTON – Cruise lines are starting to cater to a younger audience.

Sometimes, a much younger one.

Cruising isn’t what it was 10 years ago when most passengers were 45 and older.

As the demographics change, the cruising industry changed its itineraries and amenities.

Every age group gets targeted now with activities that suit their interests, The New York Times reports.

Last year, Carnival Cruise Lines carried more than 700,000 passengers under 18.

On Norwegian Cruise Lines, families are only outnumbered by baby boomers. And teenagers accounted for 42 percent of the child segment.

Royal Caribbean is rolling out a Barbie experience on all of its ships next month.

There will be Barbie-themed staterooms complete with tea parties, dance classes, movies and fashion design for girls 4 to 11.

See how Royal Caribbean is promoting the Barbie Dream Cruise:

WTOP’s Veronica Robinson contributed to this report. Follow @VRobWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.

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