Princess Cruises Announces Benefit Cruise to Support American Heart Association

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises is celebrating CPR awareness during the month of June by announcing a special cruise to benefit the American Heart Association (AHA). Expected to raise $1 million for the Association's heart health programs and educational outreach, the cruise is the second in Princess' new "Cruising for a Cause" series that devotes an entire sailing to support a charitable cause.

Sailing from February 10-15, 2014, aboard Ruby Princess on a Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, the five-day voyage will offer passengers a heart-themed experience, focused not only on "affairs of the heart," but also a variety of onboard features themed around heart health awareness – including special guest speakers, educational activities and other programs to foster healthy living.

A portion of each passenger's cruise fare, totaling approximately $500,000, will be matched by Princess Cruises with an additional $500,000, for a total of $1 million. The proceeds will be used to support the American Heart Association's mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

"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 second charity cruise."

The American Heart Association cruise will sail on a Western Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale, with calls at Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Cruise fares range from $599 to $1,649 per person based on double occupancy. A tax-deductible portion of each fare ranging from $100 to $300 per person, depending upon cabin category, will be donated to the American Heart Association.

The cruise is the second of the company's new "Cruising for a Cause" initiative where Princess will dedicate entire sailings to support select charitable causes. This new, industry-leading program will provide the line's passengers, many of whom are looking for opportunities to make positive contributions to their communities and the world, a way to make a difference even as they vacation. The first cruise, to support U.S. veterans, will sail November 5-9, 2013, aboard Caribbean Princess.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

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. The organization teams 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 heart.org or call any of AHA's 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 1.4 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).

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SOURCE Princess Cruises