JACKSONVILLE, FL (CelebrityAccess) Carnival Cruise Line announced a new initiative designed to support U.S. military families alongside seven-time GRAMMY-award winning superstar Carrie Underwood and representatives of Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit that builds strong, stable, and secure military families. The year-long ‘Honor. Family. Fun.’ program will help raise funds for Operation Homefront and culminate in a special private pierside concert for service men and women and their families starring Underwood aboard new the Carnival Vista, when the vessel makes its U.S. debut in New York City at the Port of New York on November 4, 2016.
"Military families represent a cornerstone of our country and we are honored by the opportunity to partner with Carrie and Operation Homefront to bring much needed awareness and aid to our troops and their loved ones," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "The partnership will bring to life many of the heartwarming stories our troops have to share while in turn bringing them some fun along the way."
In 10 cities along the course of Carrie Underwood's The Storyteller Tour, which kicks off in Jacksonville, Fla on January 30, select military families, chosen in partnership with Operation Homefront, will be treated to a personal meet-and-greet with Underwood before her concerts.
"I'm honored to be able to join Carnival Cruise Line and Operation Homefront to lift up these soldiers and their families," said Underwood. "I am really looking forward to meeting them on my tour and for the opportunity to personally thank them for all they do for our freedom."
The final stop in the cross-country Honor. Family. Fun. campaign will be New York City, where Carnival, Operation Homefront, and Underwood will treat hundreds of military families to a special concert aboard the new Carnival Vista at the Port of New York on November 4, 2016.
In the coming weeks, Carnival will launch a new shipboard military appreciation program. Each ship will host a special event on board to recognize active and retired military personnel and their families and will kick off with a welcome video featuring Carrie Underwood.
Finally, it was also revealed that Carrie Underwood will join the Carnival LIVE! roster of artists in early 2017 with further details to be announced at a later date.
