Summer Season with Meaningful Community Volunteer Efforts

As the Alaskan tour season concludes, Carnival Corporation shifts its focus from providing memorable vacations to contributing to the state’s overall well-being. In 2024, through the efforts of Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line, significant impacts were made via donations and volunteer work. These initiatives have not only benefited the local residents and visitors but have also underscored Carnival Corporation’s commitment to improving life quality in Alaska.

Bonnie Westlund, the sustainability and community relations director for Holland America Line – Princess for Alaska and the Yukon, emphasized the company’s dedication to community support. With nearly 300 full-time employees and over 3,500 seasonal workers in Alaska, Carnival Corporation’s contributions extend beyond tourism. Last year’s efforts included substantial monetary and scholarship programs, where 20 high school graduates from various Alaskan communities received scholarships to further their education. Additionally, partnerships like that with SeaShare helped distribute 64,000 servings of seafood to food banks, addressing food security in the region.

The company’s volunteer efforts were equally impactful, with nearly 1,000 hours dedicated to community service. Examples include a comprehensive clean-up and maintenance of school buses in the Denali Borough School District, enhancing safety with lighting upgrades, and organizing a blood drive that potentially saved over 60 lives. Moreover, the All Aboard for Children fundraiser, a tradition for over two decades, raised funds for Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital, showcasing long-term commitment through both staff volunteering and donations of food and wine.

In a unique initiative at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, a chef’s garden project produced nearly 1,900 pounds of vegetables, which were used to serve guests and donated to local food programs. This project not only added to the dining experience for tourists but also supported community health initiatives like the Food as Medicine program at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. Westlund highlighted that these efforts reflect the company’s values and spirit, aiming for a lasting positive impact on Alaskan communities.