Princess Cruises collaborates with American Heart Association
Princess Cruises announces cruise to donate to the American Heart Association.
In the cruise world of indulgence, opulence and over-the-top design, I was happy to learn about Princess Cruises’ plan to pay it forward. “Cruising for a Cause” is Princess Cruises’ new cruise initiative where passengers, charitable organizations and Princess Cruises all benefit.
Princess Cruises’ has announced their second “Cruising for a Cause” Caribbean cruise. With “heart-healthy” as the theme, the Ruby Princess will embark on a five-night cruise over Valentine’s Day, round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Grand Cayman and Cozumel on February 10-15, 2014.
As you might expect on a cruise to benefit the American Heart Association, there will be all sorts of onboard programs to increase awareness about heart health via guest speakers, enrichment programs and educational activities.
If you’re old enough to remember The Love Boat television show or if you’re into the reruns, you’ll be heartened to know that Gavin McLeod, a.k.a. Captain Steubing, will be the official host for this cruise. Along with Hands-OnlyTM CPR instruction, Princess Cruises has also planned cooking demonstrations for heart-healthy cuisine, a fundraising Walk on Deck and a Ruby Red Gala.
For those who already follow or would like to follow a heart-healthy diet, Princess Cruises dining room menu features dishes that are prepared with low-sodium, low-fat and low-cholesterol. You can easily spot these healthy choices on the menu by the “V” (for vegetarian) and/or a small lotus flower that indicates a heart-healthy selection.
The American Heart Association will benefit as a tax-deductible portion of everyone’s cruise fare, expected to be close to $500,000, will be matched by Princess Cruises kicking in another $500,000 to total a $1 million donation. Cruise prices range from $599 to $1,649 per person. Your tax deductible donation can range from $100 to $300 per person. Everyone will receive a follow-up document indicating their contribution for tax records.
November 9, 2014 is the first of this series of cruises, in support of two U.S. veterans’ charities. Sailing to the western Caribbean, the Caribbean Princess will depart from Ft. Lauderdale on a four-night voyage. When I last checked, space was still available for this cruise. Sounds to me like a great way to spend Valentine’s Day.
For more information visit: PrincessCruises.com
