Carnival Cruise Line, known for having the most military service members on their cruises, has taken their Military Appreciation Gathering to a new level and now hosts a Military Appreciation Day on all of their sailings in North America.
From July 24th, Carnival cruises will be holding a Military Appreciation Day, with messages broadcast on the Seaside Theater screen and announcements from the Cruise Director and Captain. On extended journeys of four days or more, a large United States Flag will be proudly displayed in the ship’s atrium to mark the day.
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, commented that the extension of their Military Appreciation Gathering to a full day is an excellent way to recognize the commitment of our military personnel and their families. Carnival is known as America’s Cruise Line, and they are honored to carry more active and retired military service members than any other cruise line. Their new Military Appreciation Day is a fantastic salute to the people who serve in the Armed Services and their families.
At each Carnival voyage, a Military Appreciation Gathering will be held and will be expanded for Military Appreciation Day. Passengers will be able to study more about Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization concentrating on strengthening military families. Soon, Carnival will provide a way for customers to donate to the charity just by swiping their Sail & Sign card. Guests can also purchase group photos from the gathering at a reduced price, and a portion of the revenue will be given to Operation Homefront. Members of the military attending the gathering will receive a special pin, and the longest-serving veteran will be presented with a hero coin.
Every month, Carnival is offering a complimentary cruise to a member of the military and their chosen guest. To be entered into the giveaway, participants simply have to use their Sail & Sign card at the Military Appreciation Gathering.
Those serving in the military have the chance to join a Veterans Meet and Greet when they cruise with Carnival aboard ships such as Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Pride. This event will take place in the Heroes Tribute Lounge, a special venue that recognizes members of the military. Additionally, veterans will be able to reserve a table for Tea Time in the dining room.
Carnival has come up with a new brew, the Heroes American Pale Ale, that is made with Veterans Blend Hops, which feature citrus and tropical flavors. This beer can only be found on board Carnival ships that have breweries, such as Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista. In addition, for every pale ale purchased, Carnival will donate a dollar to Operation Homefront. Furthermore, Carnival will continue its existing practice of donating one dollar to the nonprofit when people buy a Heroes Tribute Lounge pint glass.
Carnival is honored to show their gratitude for military service by hosting Military Appreciation Gatherings on every cruise since 2016. Additionally, throughout the entire year, they offer exclusive savings and discounts to veterans. In 2023, a grand total of 1,510 such events will take place across the Carnival fleet (excluding Australia and ships sailing in Europe).