Ahoy, ahoy, it’s time to spread Christmas joy! Renowned Christmas-stealer the Grinch has had a change of heart as he was caught sneaking off Carnival Luminosa with a sack full of gifts and goodies, delivering them to the well-deserving children at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Carnival Cruise Line, a proud supporter of Children’s Hospital Foundation since 2019, had arranged a surprise visit to spread holiday cheer to hospital patients when the Grinch caught wind and took it upon himself to join in on the FUN.
Determined to ensure there would be “no sad faces on Christmas,” the Grinch spent the day bringing smiles and gifts to some of his young fans alongside the Carnival FUN Squad. He is celebrating Christmas with guests onboard Carnival Luminosa throughout the month of December.
“It’s clear the Grinch’s heart has grown three sizes,” said Carnival Cruise Line VP Kara Glamore. “We were delighted to have him join the Carnival team to spread Christmas cheer to patients and families of the Queensland Children’s Hospital. The smiles we saw are a beautiful example of the meaningful ways we want to give back to the Queensland community that has continued to welcome us with such open arms.”
Funds raised by Carnival’s team and guests go towards supporting kids like Layla Hall and her family. From the outside, Layla seems like any other bubbly, happy six-year-old. But unlike other kids her age, she’s already bravely battled and beat leukaemia twice.
During challenging times, Children’s Hospital Foundation became a source of comfort for Layla and her family during every stage of treatment. Support from Carnival helps to support patients like Layla by providing a place to play and special experiences like craft packs and special ward visits to provide moments of joy and distraction.
“It was the hardest thing we ever faced as a family,” recalled Layla’s Mum, Devon Hall. “Children’s Hospital Foundation brought light to our darkest days. Their support made all the difference, turning the hospital into a place of hope rather than fear.”
Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Lyndsey Rice said, “Every December, more than 9,000 children receive care at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, with one in three traveling from regional or remote areas to access the vital treatment they need. For these children and their families, Christmas often feels far from home. That’s why we’re so grateful to partners like Carnival for helping bring the magic of the festive season to life within our hospital walls. Their ongoing generosity both in-hospital and from guests on board cruises, help us create moments of joy and connection – not just at Christmas, but all year round.”
Carnival Cruise Line has raised a total of over $73,000 for Queensland’s Children’s Hospital Foundation through its recurring Conga for Kids event onboard Carnival Luminosa since the ship began sailing from Queensland in November 2022.
This summer marks Carnival Luminosa’s third cruise season being homeported in Brisbane and from March 2025, an additional ship, Carnival Encounter, will be homeported at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal year-round.
Guests – or rather, Whos – onboard Carnival sailings during the month of December can expect appearances from the Grinch as well as a host of other festive fun, including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, carol-oke, holiday bingo and trivia, and themed food and beverage offerings.