Cruise ship passengers know that the mandatory safety drill is important and necessary. Maybe not fun but a procedure that must be done before the ship sets sail. Stateroom videos also help reinforce that safety message.

Taking its safety as seriously as it takes its fun, Carnival Cruise Line combined the two. And who better to spread that big message but the line’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. The result? Carnival is unveiling an entertaining and creative new safety briefing video. Read more...

“We are very excited to have Shaq as part of the Carnival Team,” Carnival Christine Duffy said in a news release. “He will serve as a great partner ensuring everyone knows all about our one-of-a-kind brand of fun. We’re confident that his embodiment of our brand values will inspire America to Choose Fun and discover the authentic, participatory and social atmosphere that Carnival offers.”

Shaq’s new title stands for “Chief Fun Officer.”

Shaq personifies the cruise line’s newest brand campaign “Choose Fun” which launched in 2018, officials said. His job is to help passengers find the Carnival cruise that best fits them.

“In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to choose fun, especially when everyone is busy with work, family and life in general,” Shaq said in a news release. “So, I’m honored to be appointed the Chief Fun Officer at Carnival – a company that lives and breathes fun.”

Carnival Cruise Line has a fleet of 25 ships that carry 5 million guests a year. The 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon will debut this spring as Carnival’s 26th ship.

Story By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line