Children can now create their own personalized souvenir on a Carnival cruise ship – a cuddly stuffed bear complete with “birth certificate” stating the bear’s name along with when the toy critter was made. Carnival Cruise Line and the Build-A-Bear Workshop are partnering for the first Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea.

The workshop will be rolled out on the Carnival Dream and is expected to be fleetwide aboard all 25 Carnival ships by summer 2017.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop is a popular part of American culture and we’re delighted to provide our guests with an opportunity to make their own custom-designed bear and create a lifetime of memories,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

The bears will have their own “voice” through a recordable sound chip with kids recording their own special message. For those children who would prefer another animal, the ship also offers a choice of monkeys, leopards, turtles and other furry friends – plus a St. Jude Bear with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of Carnival’s primary charitable partners.

“We are especially grateful to partner with Build-A-Bear Workshop to raise money for the special kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Duffy said.

Cruisers can make their own custom-designed bears at pop-up Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea workstations located within Camp Ocean facilities or join ship cruise directors for festive bear-building parties held each cruise along with music, bear-theme snacks and photo opportunities.

The pop-up workstations are set up at designated times throughout the cruise and include everything to make a cute huggable bear. The events will include racks filled with various outfits and accessories as well as iconic stuffers that allows participants to add soft stuffing to make their bear as plush and cuddly as they want. Prices for the bears start at $20 with outfits and accessories starting at $5.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop stores have always been a destination for families, and our partnership with Carnival Cruise Line will offer passengers the chance to take part in the fun of making new furry friends while onboard,” said Sharon Joh, president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line