Carnival Cruise Line threw out its cupid arrow on Valentine’s Day to more than 800 hundred military families aboard its newly renovated Carnival Freedom while welcoming the charming vessel to its new year-round homeport of Galveston, TX.
Through the partnership with Operation Homefront, Carnival treated the service families to meals, entertainment and overnight accommodations. In additional Carnival Cruise Lines presented a $100,000 check to Operation Homefront. The national non-profit organization provides financial support and programs to military families and wounded warriors.
Among the day’s festivities was a special outdoor on-deck performance by musical superstar Martina McBride. She gave a magnificent performance with her brilliant band and gorgeous back-up singers.
McBride performed for over three hours and entertained the crowd with some of her popular songs as well as tunes from her new CD, “Everlasting.”
She told the audience that she was honored to performed for them. “I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to perform again on a Carnival ship and am thrilled that I was chosen to be part of this wonderful event that honors U.S. service members and their families,” said McBride.
“I’ve played for many audiences in my career, but it will truly be a privilege to salute these incredible families and partner with Carnival to bring an extra special Valentine’s Day.”
Major John Considine, his wife Marily and their two beautiful children were among one of the invited military families. They reside in Fort Hood and Major Considine is an Army Engineer Specialist. He has recently come off of a Tour of Duty in Afghanistan.
“This is really big what Carnival is doing for us. We drove down from Fort Hood and are just really happy being here. The kids are really having a good time too,” saidMajor Considine.
The Considines have been married for 14 years. Marily teaches preschool in Killeen, TX which is less than five miles from Fort Hood. She is a breast cancer survivor and serves as the face of the Central Texas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen foundation.
Marily is actively involved working with the USO (United Services Organizations). In 2013, she was awarded Fort Hood’s Spouse of the Year. She was featured on the Today Show in New York for a special Mother’s Day Surprise. When the Considines arrived back home, they had a complete backyard makeover, including an outdoor kitchen courtesy of the Today Show.
A special moment for Major Considine was 11 years ago when he returned from duty he was a father. “I had a beautiful six-month old baby daughter. It was so special seeing her for the first time. I was so proud,” he said. For the birth of their second child, he was at home on leave.
Carnival Freedom recently $70 million makeover consists of a new family entertainment programming including Seuss at Sea, as well as the new Camp Ocean kids facilities.
The latest updates also incorporate a number of bar, dining and entertainment innovations. The Blue Iguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint were developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri. There are also several poolside bars and a spacious roomy swank bar on the 5th level called the Red Frog Rum Bar that also offers nightly live entertainment.
Carnival Freedom offers four-to-seven-day cruises that visit beautiful ports throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida.
For more information on contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.