Carnival Corporation has embarked on its annual holiday community outreach, delivering joy, support and festive cheer to thousands of residents across its partner destinations, the company said in a statement.
Students and staff from Grand Turk’s Eliza Simons Primary School, Ona Glinton Primary School and children in care of the Department of Family & Children Services took part in three ship visits on Grand Turk. The children enjoyed guided ship tours, shared a festive lunch and were greeted by Santa Claus, who distributed toys to the children. Carnival Corporation participated in the annual Grand Turk Christmas Parade by sponsoring a dedicated parade float, joining the community in celebrating the island’s holiday traditions.
In The Bahamas, the cruise company supported six community-focused holiday events designed to reach residents of all ages. Activities included a special children’s day celebration at Celebration Key, a senior citizens luncheon and multiple toy distribution events. Together, these initiatives brought residents together across several communities to share in the spirit of the holiday season.
In Jamaica, a 21-member volunteer team from the Carnival Horizon visited St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital to support the facility during the holiday season. While time was spent uplifting young patients in the pediatric ward through storytelling, carol singing, and the distribution of toys, the team also assisted hospital staff with cleaning the learning center which Carnival Cruise Line had refurbished in 2023.
In addition to spreading holiday cheer, Carnival Cruise Line continued its hurricane recovery support in Jamaica with the delivery of another shipment of relief supplies aboard Carnival Horizon, which arrived in Ocho Rios on December 18. Coordinated in partnership with Direct Relief, the Miami HEAT and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, the shipment included 24 pallets of essential medical and hygiene supplies to support hospitals and clinics as they continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa.
Carnival Corporation also participated in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Holiday Gift Project, ensuring hundreds of children received gifts just in time for Christmas. This year, the initiative shared gifts and holiday entertainment with children in The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia, helping those who may not otherwise have had that opportunity.
In addition to its broader holiday outreach, Carnival Cruise Line is marking its first holiday season at Celebration Key by partnering with local businesses and Bahamian team members to bring the spirit of the season to life. Together they have created a festive tropical wonderland, featuring a 20-foot Celebration Key-themed tree in Lokono Cove and an 8-foot sand sculpture tree in Santa’s Village at Starfish Lagoon.
“The holidays are a time for connection and appreciation and we are grateful for the opportunity to share the season with the many communities we work alongside throughout the Caribbean,” said Marie McKenzie, senior vice president, government & destination affairs for Carnival Corporation. “From supporting local holiday traditions to collaborating with Bahamian businesses and team members at Celebration Key, these efforts celebrate the communities we work with and the people who help make this season special.”
