More than 125 Head Start and elementary school students on St. Croix experienced a Christmas celebration on board the Carnival Sunshine, the Tourism Department announced in a news release Friday. It was the ship’s inaugural call to St. Croix.
The party was sponsored by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, Carnival Cruise Lines and the Tourism Department.
“We are really thankful to the FCCA and individual lines for the Christmas spirit they share each year with our students,” Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty said. “This may be the most meaningful port stop they make all year.”
The event began at Buddhoe Park with music, dancing and face painting before moving onto the ship. Students and teachers were welcomed by the Carnival Christmas elf. Singing, dancing and falling snow rounded out the shipboard celebration. It continued with refreshments at Tourism’s welcome center at the Ann E. Abramson Pier.
During the event, each child received a gift, lunch and a picture with St. Nick.
Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital representative Keith James received a donation of gifts for the children at the hospital. Human Services Commissioner Vivian Fludd also was present.
