Witness the Sydney Harbor’s magical transformation into a festive wonderland aboard the Carnival Splendor by Carnival Cruise Line on July 8. This event marked the annual Grinchmas Family Fun Day, a festive celebration in collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
During this special day, fifty families, including SCHF patients, indulged in a myriad of holiday-themed activities. These activities included a heartwarming Christmas tree lighting ceremony amidst cascading snow, harmonious caroling sessions, and engaging family games.
“Being a consistent supporter of Syndey Children’s Hospitals Foundation, the Carnival team takes immense joy in giving back to the patients and their families,” expressed Kara Glamore, Vice President of Carnival Cruise Line Australia. “Welcoming them onboard for delightful events like today’s Grinchmas Family Fun Day is truly extraordinary.”
The festivities included a heartwarming reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and enchanting appearances by popular Dr. Seuss characters such as the mischievous Cat in the Hat and the iconic Grinch himself, offering entertainment and memorable photo sessions for the families.
The team at Carnival Cruise Line continues their philanthropic tradition by presenting a donation of $62,758 to SCHF, courtesy of generous Carnival guests who contributed through onboard events held during the cruise line’s Australian sailings.
Kate Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer at SCHF, articulated, “For many children, the essence of childhood is far from ideal. Instead of playdates, their schedules are filled with appointments; sleepovers are replaced with hospital stays; and what should be first experiences often become their last.”
She further added, “Thanks to the kindness of Carnival Cruise Line, we can go on making a significant impact in the lives of the 159,000 children who seek assistance at our state’s children’s hospitals each year.”
The Magical Transformation of Carnival Splendor Into a Festive Paradise
The Grinchmas in July sailings by Carnival Cruise Line, now in their second year, offer four roundtrip voyages departing from Sydney between June and July on board the Carnival Splendor. These journeys redefine the cruise experience with a spellbinding winter celebration. These specialized sailings blend traditional Christmas revelries with exclusive onboard entertainment.
This year’s Grinchmas celebration introduced a range of fresh elements, including the grand debut of Max, the Grinch’s faithful companion, a variety of themed merchandise and delectable festive cuisines, classic holiday films, a theatrical spectacle, and a colossal Christmas tree.
The onboard schedule also featured a lively Grinchmas Deck Party, an enthralling scavenger hunt, and a competitive ugly Christmas sweater contest.
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The sailings comprised a 10-night South Pacific journey commencing on June 24, a 4-night expedition to Moreton Island on July 4, and culminated with a 9-night South Pacific cruise that set sail after the SCHF event on July 8. This voyage explores Noumea and Lifou, New Caledonia, along with Mystery Island, Vanuatu.
The final Grinchmas voyage of the 2024 season is scheduled to embark on July 17, offering another 4-night escapade to Moreton Island. Each Grinchmas in July cruise aboard the 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor achieved full occupancy.
These sailings form part of Carnival Cruise Line’s enduring Seuss at Sea program, which encompasses fun-filled activities like the Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast, the vibrant Seussapalooza Parade, and the engaging Seuss Storytime, all themed around the beloved characters from the world of Dr. Seuss.
Since 2016, Carnival Cruise Line has actively supported the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, raising over $375,000 through various initiatives. These funds help enhance healthcare services for children, including the provision of a Child Life Therapist for the cardiac ward and resources for music therapy programs.
Those interested in contributing to SCHF’s ongoing initiatives for providing care can make donations via their official website.
