In a press release issued on February 1st, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy invited Carnival guests to support military families by auctioning off a special pair of Carnival Jubilee boots – just like the handcrafted pair she wore while welcoming the ship’s first guests on board in Galveston, Texas, where the ship is homeported. Carnival shared a video message from Duffy announcing the charitable fundraiser, which can be watched here.
The red, white and blue custom boots were handmade by Houston-based Parker Boot Company and were designed by Carnival designer Petu Kummala. Soon, the boots worn by Duffy will be on permanent display on board the ship as home of many nods to its Texas homeport.
The second pair of Carnival Jubilee boots will be commissioned by Carnival for the person who makes the highest pledge donation to Carnival charitable partner Operation Homefront, a national non-profit organization building strong, stable and secure military families. The boots would typically cost about $8,000, but 100 percent of the donations will go to Operation Homefront and if the winning bid exceeds $10,000, Carnival will add a seven-day cruise in a balcony stateroom on Carnival Jubilee to the mix.
“These cowboy boots are an ultimate piece of Carnival regalia, and such a fun way to celebrate the arrival of our new Carnival Jubilee. Even more special though is the opportunity for someone to have the only other pair that will ever be made – and for a cause we’re all passionate about here at Carnival. We’re proud to sail more veterans and military families than any other cruise line, and so proud that our guests support our causes generously,” said Duffy.
To pledge a bid for the boots, email [email protected] with the amount pledged and your name, phone number and VIFP number (if you have one handy). The auction will run for three weeks, and Carnival will post updates daily on a special blog, here. Carnival will announce the highest pledged donation to Operation Homefront, and the winner of the boots, at Carnival Jubilee’s official naming ceremony.
