[Santa Clarita] – Princess Cruises presented a check to the American Heart Association for $832,000, the result of the line’s fundraising cruise this past February to support heart health. The special sailing was fully themed around this important cause and was part of the company’s “Cruising for a Cause” program.

The funds were raised from a portion of each guest’s cruise fare and a 100 percent matching amount from Princess Cruises.

“We are pleased to have presented such an enlightening cruise experience, as well as raise money to educate and provide resources to combat heart disease which is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “Because we care about the health and well-being of our employees and guests, supporting the American Heart Association was a great partnership.”

Princess President Jan Swartz (center) and Chief Medical Officer Grant Tarling (center right) present a check for $832,000
to Nickki Peavey vice president of corporate relations (from left), Kathy Rogers, executive vice president and
Silke Rible, senior national accounts manager of the American Heart Association.

This special cruise, which fittingly took place over Valentine’s Day aboard Ruby Princess, included a variety of activities and educational opportunities focused on heart-healthy living, including training in the American Heart Association’s Hands-Only™ CPR; seminars on how to better manage stress, diet and exercise; a survivor’s reception for those who had overcome heart disease; complimentary blood pressure screenings; and a fundraising walk on deck, patterned after AHA’s successful HeartWalks.

“The American Heart Association is extremely grateful to Princess and guests aboard the Cruise for Heart for helping raise awareness about heart disease and stroke,” said Al Royse, American Heart Association chair-elect. “Thanks to their generous donation, we can help even more people improve their heart and brain health.”

An impressive lineup of special guests on the cruise included a renowned cardiac surgeon, a celebrity chef, a fitness expert, an award-winning author, a four-time Super Bowl champion, and even Bernie Kopell, the actor who played the doctor on the iconic  television series The Love Boat. The festivities were capped off with an elegant Ruby Red Gala party, romantic onboard renewal of vows ceremony and heart-warming wedding of a couple who had been affected by heart disease.

This cruise was the company’s second fundraising voyage. Princess Cruises previously raised $600,000 for veterans causes last November aboard Caribbean Princess, with donations made to Operation Homefront and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.

About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Santa Clarita-based Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 18 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 1.7 million guests each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 111 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.