One of my favorite things about Carnival Cruise Lines is that they are the Official Celebration Partner for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Numerous times throughout the year, Carnival hosts fantastic parties for the children at St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee.

From the teen formal to special activities throughout the year – Carnival brings the fun. Plus, each time a child celebrates their birthday at St. Jude – Carnival provides the cake! I had the opportunity to volunteer at one of the events last year and it was a life-changing experience to see the kids faces light up during their day of fun.

When you sail with Carnival, you can help raise funds for the kids at St. Jude by participating in activities onboard the ship. Here’s a look at ways to give back —

Groove for St. Jude

With a $10 donation, you can join the Groove for St. Jude dance party held during each sailing on the pool deck. It’s a true party on deck and participants receive a wristband and t-shirt for joining in on the celebration.

Dance along with the DJ spinning tunes, join in on the fun games and have a great afternoon at sea. I love knowing that 100% of the proceeds from this party benefit the children at St. Jude.

image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Tasty Treats 

While I’m not a coffee drinker, I love stopping by the ship’s Coffee Bar for their delicious desserts. Brownies, cupcakes and even chocolate covered strawberries (my favorite) can be found at the coffee bar. A late-night snack or an afternoon pick-me-up, I’m a big fan of the treats here.

While there is an additional cost at the Coffee Bar, many of the desserts are designated as benefitting St. Jude, so be on the lookout for those tasty treats. You won’t be disappointed – they are delish.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

When the new Carnival Vista debuts in May 2016, the onboard candy shop, Cherry On Top, will also feature speciality ice cream sundaes. The Brownie Buoy sundae was specifically selected by the children at St. Jude and a portion of the proceeds from each sale will go to the hospital.

image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Beary Cuddly Workshop

My girls and I spent a few hours on our last sea day at Camp Carnival participating in the Beary Cuddly Workshop. Similar to the Build-a-Bear program, kids can choose a stuffed animal and create their own souvenir.

Choose from a cat, dog, bear, lion and even a reindeer. Choose clothes for your animal and then use the stuffing and accessories to create your own animal. My girls had so much fun with this activity and I loved knowing a portion of the monies went to St. Jude.

Carnival Supports St. Jude

Carnival Cruise Lines recently presented St. Jude a check for $5 million — all monies raised onboard their ships over the past two years – allowing them to meet their fundraising goal two years in advanced.

Carnival has raised $8 million in total for the hospital since the start of their partnership in 2010. The new fundraising goal is $10 million goal by 2020 and I think it’s safe to say they’ll easily meet that goal.

image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

My family and I enjoy participating in these activities each time we sail with Carnival. It’s fun and I appreciate knowing my dollars are going to such a great cause like St. Jude. I’m ready to sail again and help them reach their $10 million goal.

** I have participated in previous media sailings with Carnival Cruise Lines, but I received no compensation for writing this post. Thoughts and opinions here are my own. **