Carnival partners with MUSC Children’s Hospital in 2011

Carnival Cruise Lines and the Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Hospital have formed a partnership for 2011.

Under the yearlong agreement, Carnival will create four “fun centers,” mobile units with a Nintendo Wii, TV and DVD player that can be rolled to patients’ bedside. Fun Ship Freddy, a Carnival mascot, will perform shows for children each quarter, beginning Dec. 17, in the MUSC Children’s Hospital atrium, along with a Carnival cruise director and others.

The goal for the partnership is to provide $50,000 through a combination of monetary and in-kind donations and fundraising efforts. Donations will include two laptops, 1,000 Towel Pals to be companions for the children, and a fundraiser at the Cooper River Bridge Run. Another fundraiser is being planned for spring.

Mike Julius, managing director of U.S. sales for Carnival, said, “We are excited to expand our partnership with MUSC Children’s Hospital after a fun tie-in at last year’s Cooper River Bridge Run. This hospital makes a positive impact on these children’s lives. It is extremely important to Carnival Cruise Lines, and part of our ongoing corporate philosophy, to give back to the Charleston area community in a meaningful way while bringing smiles to children’s faces.”

Carnival officially launched the first year-round cruise service from Charleston in May. The Carnival Fantasy cruises from Charleston to the Bahamas and to Key West, Fla. In 2011, Carnival is planning a series of Bermuda cruises from Charleston.

“We are thankful for the positive reception Carnival has received since the launch of our year-round cruise service,” Julius said.