Cruise lines are in the business of building spectacular ships and creating memorable experiences for vacationers, families, and corporate groups. But did you know that cruise lines are also committed to supporting our communities? As global corporate citizens, cruise lines are giving back in a big way and proving that Corporate Social Responsibility is not just a trend – global outreach is part of their company culture. We are honored to call these cruise lines our partners and pleased to share a few of their charitable initiatives with you.

MSC CRUISES & UNICEF “GET ON BOARD” FOR CHILDREN IN BRAZIL

As a family-owned and family-oriented cruise line and the leading cruise company in Brazil, MSC Cruises demonstrates its commitment to the Brazilian community through an alliance with UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Brazil’s children suffer alarming levels of poverty in the major metropolitan areas. According to a 2009 UNICEF report, children living in poverty are 21 times more likely than their peers to be illiterate. Through the “MSC for UNICEF” initiative, MSC Cruises is supporting a UNICEF program to ring a brighter future to children in 126 vulnerable communities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo by helping provide greater access to quality education.

MSC Cruises hopes to raise awareness of this important program on its cruise ships, and every guest receives an informational brochure in their stateroom. Cruise guests are also invited to “Get on Board for Children” while making a difference with a tax-deductible donation.

MSC Cruises is proud to be involved with this important initiative, a demonstration of their commitment to help build a better world for present and future generations. Full details of the partnership, the program and how to help Brazil’s most vulnerable children build a better life can be found online at www.msc-unicef.com

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.- COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are also making positive waves around the globe. From their U.S. and international offices to wherever their ships sail worldwide, they are committed to helping out at the local level though donations to non-profit organizations and volunteer days. Here are just a few of their programs:

Royal Caribbean’s Get Involved Everywhere (G.I.V.E.) Day is one the largest volunteer efforts by a single company on a single day. Every spring, the cruise line’s 40,000 employees join forces to pitch in at schools, children’s homes and neighborhoods in the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. During G.I.V.E. for the Holidays, shipboard employees raise money for the charity of their choice at a destination on their itinerary.

Through a partnership with the Make a Wish Foundation Wishes At Sea on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Xpedition ships make wishes come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses. By donating cruises, RCCL has helped thousands of families enjoy a special time together. In fact, since 2000, Royal Caribbean has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise and has contributed more than $2.8 in in-kind services.

To read about Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. global Community Relations program and find out how this cruise company is positively impacting our world, go to www.royalcaribbean.community.

CARNIVAL FOUNDATION – GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY

Carnival Cruise Lines believes that being a member of a community means giving something back. Although much of Carnival’s charitable efforts involve youth and arts-related organizations, the company also assists our communities during time of crises. Carnival works closely with various national and international relief organizations, coordinating corporate and employee donations for emergencies such as hurricanes in the U.S. and Caribbean.

Shipboard personnel also do their part to help our communities, participating in beach clean-ups, and donating their time and talent to orphanages and children’s charities throughout the Caribbean and other regions.

Recently, during the launch of its newest and largest “Fun Ship” Carnival Dream, Carnival Cruise Lines announced a major, multi-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During the three-year partnership with St. Jude, the cruise line’s goal is to raise $3 million to help achieve the hospital’s mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. To support the hospital, Carnival is creating a number of fun, interactive on-board fundraising activities that will involve guest participation.

Go to www.carnivalfoundation to find out more about Carnival’s myriad of philanthropic efforts.

NCL CORPORATE GIVING

For the past 40 years, while NCL has been busy delivering dream vacations, the cruise line has also been committed to supporting communities around the world. The company donates more than 100 cruises a year to organizations that have a broad, community-wide appeal in the areas of health and welfare, children’s issues, arts and culture, and civic programs.

Since 2001, NCL and NCL America have raised more than $1 million for Hawaii-based charities through charity events on board its ships. In 2005, the NCL America Foundation was created to support programs that enhance local communities in Hawaii by making grants to various charitable not-for-profit organizations. The foundation supports groups that: preserve and protect our oceans; educate Hawaii’s family, children and visitors about the importance of our natural and cultural heritage; enrich the lives of children and youth.

NCL team members have been quick to provide assistance when large-scale disasters have struck such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Tsumami. They’ve also helped out in port destinations that have been hit by natural disasters by donating much needed supplies.

NCL is proud of its corporate giving programs and are honored to support organizations that have touched thousands of lives. You can find out more about NCL’s community efforts at www.ncl.corporategiving

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