Relaxation and charity will mix when a major cruise line and its passengers observe American Heart Month with a special fundraising voyage in February 2014.
For the latest event in Princess Cruises’ “Cruises for a Cause” program, the Ruby Princess will sail the Caribbean during the Valentine’s Day holiday from Feb. 10-15 in an effort to raise funds for the American Heart Association (AHA).
Cruise passengers can opt to convert a portion of their fare into a contribution to the AHA. In order to encourage charitable giving, Princess Cruises will match passengers’ contributions dollar for dollar with the goal of raising $1 million for the cardiac health organization.
For the five-day cruise, the ship will depart from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on Feb. 10 and stop in the beautiful Caribbean ports of Cozumel, Mexico, and Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Accompanying cruise passengers on the ship will be a number of cardiac health experts and celebrities hosting a range of special events. Activities will include hands-on CPR lessons, healthy eating classes, seminars, a fundraising walk, and other heart-healthy educational opportunities.
Featured guests aboard the Ruby Princess will include several authors, TV celebrities, and a motivational speaker. Other guests will include a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Kathy Magliato, and chef Marc Anthony Bynum, who will offer cooking lessons for health-conscious passengers. In the past, promotional materials for the event featured Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed Captain Stubing on the hit 1970s romantic sitcom The Love Boat.
As a Valentine’s Day cruise, this sailing will offer plenty of opportunities for couples. During the tranquil Caribbean voyage, they can renew their vows and enjoy themed events, exquisite dining, and many other romantic activities.
The cruise is the second of Princess’ “Cruising for a Cause” initiative. The program’s inaugural sailing, which launched in November 2013, raised $600,000 for two veterans’ charities, Operation Homefront and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
