ABOARD THE MSC DIVINA – Those little blue creatures known as Smurfs are now delighting youngsters of all ages on the new MSC Divina. The 3,500-passenger ship has a Smurfs-themed Mini Club (ages 3-6) and a Junior Club (ages 7-11),  as well as other fun-filled family activities with the ship’s giant Smurf mascot as the guest of honor.

The Smurf mascot plays a number of key roles such as DJ and sous-chef during family events. Activities include Smurfs Family Disco, Smurfs Live Talent Show and Smurfs Master Chef – a special cooking demonstration held by the head pastry chef in which children learn how to make biscuits and cakes with hands-on experience.

Listen for The Smurfs 2 movie soundtrack, with the Britney Spears song Ooh La La, in the disco. A sequel to 2011 The Smurfs, The Smurfs 2, was released July 31, 2013, while The Smurfs 3 will be released July 24, 2015.

The Smurfs were created in 1958 by artist Pierre Cuilliford under the pseudonym Peyo. Originally in comic books, the Smurfs were later brought to the big screen and television. They have also inspired records and CDs that have sold millions of copies, as well as being the inspiration for entire collections of figurines and toys and many more products.

Today, there are more than 100 Smurfs whose names are based on adjectives that emphasize their characteristics. For example, “Jokey Smurf” likes to play practical jokes on his fellow Smurfs. “Clumsy Smurf,” of course, is clumsy. Other Smurfs are Brainy, Greedy, Vanity, Lazy, Dreamy and Grouchy.

Some Smurf characters are named for their professions – Poet, Actor, Handy, Harmony, Farmer, Clockwork, Painter, Tailor, Miner, Architect, Reporter, Timber, Barber and Doctor Smurf. Smurfette is the first female Smurf.

The leader of the Smurfs is Papa Smurf, known for his bushy white beard, red pants and matching red cap. A wise elder, Papa Smurf is always looking out for the welfare of the other Smurfs.

A bit of trivia that I like is that Mark Harmon, the actor and lead character on the NCIS television show, is called “Papa Smurf” by his fellow actors in the series. Sounds like a compliment to me.

By Jackie Sheckler Finch