By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor
The mermaids and pirates have returned to Newport Aquarium at Newport on the Levee.
The popular Mermaid and Pirates experience runs through October 14. It includes opportunities to witness mermaids swimming underwater in the Coral Tunnel among their tropical fish friends.
Visitors can also make friends with a mermaid on dry land in Shark Ray Bay Theater and hear all about their adventures across the world’s seas.
The experience focuses on education and conservation, as well as fun, for visitors of all ages.
Mermaid Liora, who greets guests as they enter Shark Ray Bay Theater, said you don’t have to be born with a tail to be a mermaid.
“All you have to do is become an ocean ambassador and take care of our planet,” she said. “Simple things like swappping out single-use straws for metal straws or silicone straws, swapping out single-use water bottles for a reusable one. If you don’t have one, you can go to our aquarium gift shop and pick one up.”
New for 2018, experience the all new Mermaid Cove where a mermaid can swim right up and meet you.
These special mermaids are visiting Newport Aquarium from different parts of the world, and along the way you’ll hear about how important ocean conservation is for them and all sea life.
“I’m from the Mediterranean, but all of my sisters are spread out around the world, some of us from the Bahamas, some of us are from Norway, but we’ve all kind of come together for a reunion,” Mermaid Liora said. “I hitched a ride with some friendly pirates.”
Pirates are also part of the experience and are included in activities such as Friday night’s preview party.
Dave and Sarah Martin were attending the preview with Tesla Martin, 11 and River Martin, 2, for the first time.
“It’s pretty cool,” Dave Martin said. “The kids love it. Tesla gets to dress like a mermaid and I get to wear a pirate hat.”
The Martins just became Newport Aquarium members this year, but have made many visits, including one very special date.
“We got married here three years ago,” Dave Martin said. “Her mom gave us three options and with this one, we got to have sharks at our wedding.”
The nuptials took place at Shark Ray Bay Theater and the reception was in the Riverside Room, with the Cincinnati cityscape as a backdrop.
“The ceremony was great,” Sarah Martin said. “As we were walking down the aisle, the sharks just kind of stopped and hovered. They liked the lights flashing, so they just kind of hung out.”
There are also two opportunities for guests to enjoy a Sunday Morning Mermaid and Pirates Breakfast in the Riverside Room, for an additional fee.
After breakfast, guests are invited into the Aquarium before it opens to the general public. All guests get exclusive access to meet a mermaid up-close and out of the water during an exclusive meet and greet, and see one swim in the Amazon Tunnel Exhibit.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet and greet a pirate during breakfast.
Another special themed activity is the Mermaid Overnight Adventure on Friday, October, 12. Different areas throughout the aquarium are set up for guests to sleep, including the tunnels and Shark Ray Bay Theater.
It’s like a big sleepover, pajama party with a mermaid. It includes a special animal encounter and a tour of the aquarium. Guests bring a sleeping bag and the Aquarium provides yoga mats.
It’s a fun, family experience for the kids, but adults are invited as well.
The special events sell out quickly so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
The Mermaid and Pirate Experience is included with Newport Aquarium admission and features (click on links for more information):
Stingray Hideaway has been transformed into Mermaid Cove.
Visit with mermaids from different parts of the world and learn how important ocean conservation is for mermaids and all sea life.
Every day during Mermaids, visitors have the opportunity to personally meet and talk with one of the Mermaids as well as have a special photo opportunity.
Meets and Greets are held in Shark Ray Bay Theater and the schedule varies by day:
Monday-Friday: 10:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am – 4pm *
Sunday: 11am – 5pm **
* 9am for Passholder Early Opens
** 10:30am for Mermaid & Pirate Breakfasts
Be amazed during the daily mermaid appearances as you watch them swim in the Coral Reef Tunnel with their favorite Newport Aquarium animals.
Schedule:
Monday-Friday: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:30pm *
Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00pm **
* 9:30am for Passholder Early Opens
** 9:30am during Mermaid & Pirate Breakfasts
Special events (click on the link for pricing and additional information):
October 12
Come experience mermaids like never before during this exclusive Mermaid Overnight Adventure.
Mermaids and Pirates Breakfasts
October 7 & 14 at 8:00 a.m.
Enjoy breakfast with your family, Mermaids and Pirates in our Riverside Room overlooking a spectacular view of the Ohio River and Downtown Cincinnati.
For more information on the Mermaid and Pirates experience, or other Newport Aquarium events and activities, click here.
Contact Mark Hansel at mark.hansel@nkytrib.com