In February, we were on the Crown Princess for Valentine's Day. There was a special ceremony in which passengers who were couples could renew their vows. We took a pass and opted instead for a romantic dinner on our balcony. After you've celebrated (?) as many Valentine's Days as we have, it's either redundant or unnecessary.
Or both.
That was one of the two "hearts" that can be associated with this day of love. Next February 14. Princess Cruises will celebrate the other which, in our opinion, is far more meaningful. That would the tangible heart, the one that beats in everyone's chest until it doesn't, and sometimes it stops much too soon.
On the Ruby Princess, the emphasis will be on a healthy heart rather than a loving one. This is to support the American Heart Association and is expected to raise a million dollars for heart health programs and educational research. An estimated $500,000 from a portion of cruise fares will be matched by Princess, and the cruise line will feature guest speakers, educational activities and programs about healthy living on the five-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman and Cozumel.
The cruise is the second in the Cruising for a Cause series Princess will launch in November on the Caribbean Princess, a cruise to support U.S. veterans. Why Princess chose June to announce it is because CPR awareness is being celebrated this month, not because it's American Heart Month.
That's in February, but you already knew that, didn't you?
For one reason or the other.
Carnival Splendor
8 nights
September 30, 2013
New York (return): Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Nassau
Inside: $369
Cost per day: $46
www.carnival.com