Royal Caribbean's "Destination Joy" Helps Make Wishes Come True

While we don't often hear about their efforts, cruise lines have historically supported local charities in their corporate homeports and ships’ ports of call. In addition, they commit their time and funds to a number of charitable organizations nationwide here in the United States. Royal Caribbean Intl, a national sponsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 2000, will be participating in Destination Joy®—the Foundation’s annual summer program—and raising money during various events scheduled throughout the fleet during the month of June.

“We are proud to take part in Destination Joy to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation make every child’s wish come true,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Our company is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, and this includes the amazing work the Make-A-Wish Foundation does for children facing life-threatening medical conditions to give them hope, strength and joy.”

Throughout June, Make-A-Wish® donation cards will be available on all of Royal Caribbean Intl’s 20 ships. Guests will be able to donate any amount they choose, and their donation will appear as an onboard charge. Along with the donation cards, guests will be able to participate in auctions where they can bid on unique onboard experiences, such as an opportunity to be on a ship’s bridge and blow the whistle while it departs a port, a behind-the-scenes galley tour and lunch with the ship’s executive chef, and many other priceless experiences. In addition, guests can also participate in the line’s Walk for Wishes® program, where guests make a donation, get an “I walked for Wishes” t-shirt and walk a mile with the ship’s staff and officers to raise funds. In 2008, Royal Caribbean raised more than $450,000 through the generosity of guests and crew.

Royal Caribbean’s Wishes at Sea program has helped make cruise wishes possible for more than 1,300 children. Royal Caribbean works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to create the perfect wish for each child whose desire is to have an unforgettable, dream-come-true vacation with his or her family.