Carnival Cruise Line Recognizes New Orleans Military Heroes With Special Onboard Tribute in Honor of Veterans Day

In celebration of Veterans Day, Carnival Cruise Line partnered with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Administration (VA) to honor more than 80 local veterans with a tribute reception and luncheon aboard Carnival Valor and presented them with a commemorative coin in honor of Veterans Day.

Additionally, Carnival presented a 15-passenger van to the VA to assist with transportation of veterans participating in its programs and services.

“Veterans and active armed forces members have sacrificed in service of their country, and so this is our way of showing them the gratitude they so deserve,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “It is an honor to partner with the local VA and welcome these brave men and women aboard Carnival Valor, just as it is an honor to carry more active and retired military than other cruise line.”

The commemorative event in New Orleans, La., was one of six honoring hundreds of veterans and active-duty military members in Carnival’s homeport cities this week, including Miami, Orlando and Tampa in Florida; Galveston, Texas; and Long Beach, Calif.

Carnival has a long-standing relationship with Operation Homefront to support military families and has held a Military Appreciation Gathering on every cruise since 2016. In 2023, the fleet will host more than 1,500 military gatherings attended by thousands of military service members and their families. Recently, Carnival expanded the popular gathering into a full Military Appreciation Day on all sailings in North America to incorporate the Military Appreciation Gathering, a flag raising in the atrium and other signage and recognition moments during the course of the day. Many ships in the fleet also now feature the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge – a popular bar that serves as ongoing recognition of sacrifices made by Armed Services personnel and their families.