Carnival Cruise Line, the cruise line that carries the most military members, is expanding its Military Appreciation Gathering to a full Military Appreciation Day on all North American sailings beginning July 20, 2023.

On Carnival’s ships, Military Appreciation Day will begin the week of July 24. Special messaging will be shown on the Carnival Seaside Theater screen, along with announcements by the Cruise Director and Captain, during this event. During Military Appreciation Day, a large United States Flag will be displayed in the ship’s atrium on sailings lasting four days and more.

In addition to celebrating our military heroes, Carnival Cruise Line expanded its Military Appreciation Gathering into a full day in honor of our Armed Services personnel and their families. “It’s a wonderful tribute to our Armed Services personnel and their families,” said Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy. Our new Military Appreciation Day serves as an incredible salute to military service members and their families at Carnival, which carries more active and retired military personnel than any other cruise line.”

With the addition of several enhancements, Carnival cruises will continue to feature Military Appreciation Gatherings on Military Appreciation Day. Through Carnival’s partnership with Operation Homefront, a nonprofit dedicated to building strong, stable, and secure military families, guests can now learn more. With a quick swipe of their Sail & Sign card, Carnival guests can soon donate to Operation Homefront. A portion of the proceeds from the group photos will benefit Operation Homefront, which is offering a discounted rate to guests. A special pin will be given to every member of the military attending the gathering, while a special hero coin will be given to the longest-serving veteran.

Guests can enter the raffle by swiping their Sail & Sign cards at the Military Appreciation Gathering in order to qualify for the monthly giveaway of a free cruise.

Guests in the military have the opportunity to attend a Veterans Meet and Greet on all Carnival sailings. It will be held in the Heroes Tribute Lounge on Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance and Carnival Pride – a venue on Carnival ships that honors military members. There will also be a Veteran’s Table during Tea Time on these sailings.

Besides the Heroes American Pale Ale, Carnival is also introducing a new beer. The beer is made with Veterans Blend Hops, which combine citrus and tropical flavors. Carnival ships that carry breweries, including Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista, will exclusively produce the Heroes American Pale Ale. With each pale ale purchased, Carnival will donate a dollar to Operation Homefront. Each time a guest purchases a pint glass from the Heroes Tribute Lounge, Carnival will donate one dollar to the nonprofit.

Since 2016, Carnival has held a Military Appreciation Gathering on every cruise to honor veterans, as well as special discounts and savings for military personnel. Carnival is proud to recognize military service and holds a Military Appreciation Gathering on every cruise. On Carnival ships (excluding Australia and ships sailing in Europe), 1,510 military gatherings will take place in 2023.