Women’s Equality Day celebrates and honors the women’s suffrage movement and acknowledges the hurdles that women have had to overcome in their stride toward equality and progress.

Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, along with fellow titleholders Miss Universe Aruba 2022 Kiara Arends and Miss Universe El Salvador 2022 Alejandra Guajardo Sada, celebrated Women’s Equality Day by speaking with Carnival Vista Captain Claudio Bozzo and female deck and engine officers about the importance of women’s empowerment.

Gabriel, a Houston native, is the first Filipino-American to win Miss Universe and Miss USA, and much of her platform is about embracing one’s culture. Her mission is to inspire women and young girls to achieve their goals while owning who they are.

“The Miss Universe Organization advocates for a future forged by women,” said Gabriel. “It’s gratifying to meet with the women of Carnival Vista today, and see that they are also breaking barriers and achieving success in non-traditional roles.” This week, Gabriel, Arends, and Guajardo will take part in several events while sailing aboard Carnival Vista, including the Groove for St. Jude dance party, an onboard fundraiser for longtime Carnival partner, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The three women will also enjoy spectacular shore excursions in Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Belize City, Belize, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival Cruise Line has been focused on its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for years. The company has made progress in increasing the number of women officers in its deck and engine departments, as well as women leaders in other departments.