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CRUISE SHIP FEATURE
CARNIVAL HORIZON NAMING CEREMONY page two |
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The Lip-Sync Battle
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Immediately following the naming ceremony, several of the people who had participated took part in a lip sync contest in Horizon's main theater, the Liquid Lounge. Styled “Lip Sync Battle: Horizon”, the contest was modeled after the Paramount Network TV series. It was a taste of a new entertainment offering that is being rolled out across the Carnival fleet.
The event began with a duet that had Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy dancing and lip syncing. They were supported by the ship's production cast and had full theatrical lighting. This was followed by the main battle. Philadelphia Eagles place kicker Jake Elliot appeared in full rock star regalia and gave his version of Whitesnake's arena anthem "Here I Go Again," This was followed by Queen Latifah in stylish rain gear performing the Weather Girls classic "It's Raining Men." Both performances were supported by dancers from Horizon's production cast. 
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Above: Carnival executives Arnold Donald and Christine Duffy showcase hidden talents.
Below: Philadelphia Eagles place kicker Jake Elliott reveals his rocker side. Below left: Queen Latifah joins with Horizon's production cast. 
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Spotlight on St. Jude's
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Carnival used the naming ceremony as an opportunity to spotlight St. Jude's Children's Research Center, a charity that the cruise line has long supported. St. Jude's is a leader in the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It does research to find cures and treats its young patients without charge. Carnival used the occasion to present St. Jude's with a check for $100,000.
“Along with celebrating the arrival of Carnival Horizon to the U.S., we also thought what a great opportunity to honor our partnership with St. Jude's Children's Reserach Hospital.” Ms. Duffy commented. “Our partnership with St. Jud's began in 2010 and Carnival is the official celebration partner. Over the years, our guests, our crew, our travel partners have demonstrated incredible support through the onboard activities and shoreside events such as 'Groove for St. Jude's' dance party that we have on every sailing and our annnual 'Day of Play,' which we host in Memphis with the kids and families of St. Jude's To date, we have raised $16 million to help St. Jude's.” “To commerorate our partnership, we decided to honor St. Jude's with by showing 33 different artistsic creations that were done by the patients of St. Jude's on our 24 foot Dreamscape [a curving LED tower in Horizon's atrium,]. As the beautiful works that you will see on the Dreamscape convey, creative expression is an important activity for healing and facing the challenges of treatment. As a professional advisory board member for St. Jude's, I know that the children of St. Jude's are some of the bravest, most amazing kids anywhere.” Above right: The Dreamscape LED tower in Horizon's atrium displaying artwork done by patients at St. Jude's.
Right: Ms. Duffy presents a check to Richard Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and toVictoria, a patient at St. Jude's. |
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New Venues
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Guy Fieri, chef, restaurateur, author and television personality was aboard for the official opening of Guy's Pig and Anchor Barbeque Smokehouse/Brewhouse (right). This is a new specialty dining venue premiering on Carnival Horizon. It combines home smoked-on-board barbecue and traditional sides created by Fieri along with a selection of distinctive craft beers brewed on board at a brewery located within the restaurant.
Other new venues that were on display included: The Dr. Seuss Waterworks (below) and the Bonsai Teppanyaki restaurant (below right). 
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Fireworks
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To top off the evening, there was was a fireworks display over the Hudson River. A warm clear evening, the display was also visible from USS Arlington (LPD 24), which was berthed next to Horizon, and some of the other ships participating in New York's Fleet Week 2018.
In noting that members of the military had been invited aboard Horizon for the celebration, Ms. Duffy commented:.“Carnival is a huge supporter of our military.. We sail more military personnel than any other cruise line. And we are very proud of the partnership we have with Operation Home Front, an organization that is dedicated to assisting military families. We recognize members of military and their families on every cruise with a tribute that brings together our active and retired service men, women and their families to thank them for their service and sacrifice “ |
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Cruise ship feature - - Carnival Cruise Lines - - Carnival Horizon - Naming Ceremony - page two