By
Rebecca Gibson |
Princess Cruises has donated US$832,000 to the American Heart Association (AHA), as part of its ‘Cruising for a Cause’ fundraising programme.
Raised during a ‘Cruise for Heart’ trip onboard Ruby Princess in February 2014, the total donation comprises a portion of each guest’s cruise fare and a 100% matching amount from the cruise line.
“The AHA is extremely grateful to Princess and guests on the ‘Cruise for Heart’ itinerary for helping to raise awareness about heart disease and strokes,” said Al Royse, AHA chair-elect. “Thanks to their generous donation, we can help even more people improve their heart and brain health.”
During the cruise, guests participated in a number of activities and educational opportunities focused on heart-healthy living including complimentary blood pressure screenings; a fundraising walk on deck; AHA Hands-Only CPR training; and seminars on how to better manage stress, diet and exercise. Guests also attended a Ruby Red Gala party, while a couple that had been affected by heart disease renewed their vows onboard.
Several special guests joined the cruise including a renowned cardiac surgeon, a celebrity chef, a fitness expert, an award-winning author, a four-time Super Bowl champion, and actor Bernie Kopell who played the doctor on The Love Boat series.
“We are pleased to have presented such an enlightening cruise experience, as well as raising money to educate and provide resources to combat heart disease which is the leading cause of death in men and women in the US,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “Because we care about the health and well-being of our employees and guests, supporting the AHA was a great partnership.”
Last November, Princess raised US$600,000 onboard Caribbean Princess for Operation Homefront and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.