Princess Cruises holds ’Cruise for a Cause’ to benefit American Heart Association

Donations of up to $1 million will help advance association’s lifesaving mission

DALLAS, Sept. 12, 2013 – The American Heart Association is collaborating with Princess Cruises on a first-of-its-kind cruise that will feature specially themed programs, entertainment and activities to promote heart-health awareness. The ship departs for the Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Feb. 10 and returns after a five-day cruise.

Princess has been working with the American Heart Association to find ways to enhance the health of their management, employees and millions of cruising passengers.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States, with one in every three deaths attributable to heart disease and stroke,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Because we care about the health and well-being of our employees, passengers, and all members of the Princess family, we felt the American Heart Association would be the perfect fit for our charity cruise.”

This special “Cruise With Heart” will raise funds exclusively to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to help improve the health of all Americans by 20 percent by 2020. A tax-deductible portion of every fare will be donated to the American Heart Association and will be matched, up to $500,000, by Princess Cruises for a total possible contribution of $1 million. This is the second of the company’s new “Cruising for a Cause” initiatives in which Princess will dedicate funds to charitable causes.

Princess provides its passengers with many ways to stay fit and eat healthy while cruising -- from fitness centers, sports courts, yoga classes and Zumba® to tasty light menu alternatives.  Many itineraries stop at exotic ports where activities like hiking, biking and a variety of water sports are offered.

“Cruise with Heart” will feature special guests and speakers along with activities focused on heart health, such as free blood pressure screenings, classes in  Hands-Only CPRTM, healthy cooking demonstrations and a 5K walk around the ship’s main deck.  Princess will add special theming to many of their signature onboard programs and entertainment.

“In order to help people make positive changes in their health, we need to meet them where they are – whether at work, school, home or even on vacation,” said American Heart Association Chair Bernie Dennis. “We are pleased that Princess Cruises supports our mission through donations and is helping to drive behavior change by offering additional options to support the American Heart Association and an active, healthy lifestyle.”

For more information on the Princess Cruise to support the American Heart Association, visit  www.princess.com/cruisewithheart. For additional tips on staying healthy while at home or on vacation, visit www.heart.org/healthyliving.

Princess Cruises® is a proud supporter of the American Heart Association.

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www.heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

About Princess Cruises
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Contact:
Kailey Shatzer 
214-706-1358
Kailey.shatzer@heart.org
 

Contact Information

Kailey Shatzer

214-706-1358

American Heart Association

Contact via E-mail