America’s Cruise Line Exceeds Goal Raising $85,000+ for Gary Sinise Foundation

MIAMI, Oct. 19, 2024 – Jumping at the chance to support military and first responders assisting in hurricane relief efforts, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy earned her wings completed a tandem skydive over Tampa Bay, culminating a fundraiser she led that delivered more than $85,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation. The funds were raised to help those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the tandem skydive coincides with the inaugural Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise on Carnival Paradise. Additionally, the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation is matching funds to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project. Video from the jump is available here.

            Duffy’s tandem dive took place as Carnival Paradise departed from the Port of Tampa Bay. Duffy accepted the challenge to jump, as part of the celebration of the SFLI cruise, with the Round Canopy Parachute Team, a non-profit that honors the history of Allied Airborne Forces, as well as members of the USSOCOM Para-Commandos, the U.S. Special Operations Command's premier aerial parachute demonstration team. Duffy jumped from the “Tico Belle,” a World War II veteran C-47 aircraft flown during the Normandy D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.

“Jumping from a plane was a rush, but the real thrill is supporting a meaningful cause in one of our important homeport communities,” said Duffy. “I thought my first-ever skydive would be a good fundraising opportunity, and I’m so grateful to everyone who donated to this effort. I’m proud we can deliver this significant donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation, a great organization supporting the work of military and first responders assisting in hurricane relief efforts.”

The tandem skydive followed a day full of events at the Port of Tampa Bay, including a special performance by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, and on board Carnival Paradise. The SFLI chartered the ship to ensure special forces alumni, their families, Gold Star families, and friends can enjoy a five-day cruise to The Bahamas and strengthen the bonds within their community. This Special Forces cruise is bringing together Green Berets that served from the Korean War to present times to enjoy a reunion at sea.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

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ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the first cruise line to sail over 100 million guests and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise industry and popularized the cruise vacation as an affordable and fun travel option. Carnival operates from 14 U.S. and two Australian homeports, as well as seasonally from Europe and employs more than 48,000 team members representing 120 nationalities.

Carnival’s fleet of 27 ships reflects an exciting period of growth that continues with the addition of seven ships through 2033: two ships joining in February 2025 when P&O Cruises Australia integrates into Carnival; a fourth and fifth Excel class ship scheduled for 2027 and 2028 respectively; followed by three additional new ships from an innovative new class currently under development. Carnival’s next new guest offering will be the all-new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, set to debut on Grand Bahama next summer.

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