Both P&O Cruises and Cunard just signed a three-year deal as headline sponsors of Southampton Pride.
Both lines are based in the Hampshire city and have now marked their support of the festival that happens annually.
Both have transformed the stairs of the Carnival House headquarters with the rainbow colours of the LGBT community.
This year’s Southampton Pride will be attended by more than 15,000 people on August 24th, along with a live performance from S Club 7.
Cunard became the first headline sponsor back in 2016 whilst P&O Cruises became joint sponsor in 2018.
Carnival UK president Josh Weinstein said: “Both Cunard and P&O Cruises have a proud and long history of welcoming LGBT guests and crew onboard our combined fleet of 10 ships. We are delighted to be participating in this event and several others around the world.”.
The company is also running an internal campaign, called Summer of Happiness – My Best Me, for staff at Carnival House between May and September.
“It is focused on encouraging and supporting each and every one of our employees to be the best version of themselves and achieve their maximum potential, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic background, religion or ability,” explained Weinstein.
In April 2017, Celebrity Cruises became the official sponsor for Miami’s Gay Pride Festival, hosting two festival tents that promoted the line as the premier choice for LGBTQ travellers.
“Honestly, it’s humbling. I can’t believe that it came from this – five or six years ago – and now we’re finally here doing Pride,” said Royal Caribbean‘s Director of Diversity & Inclusion and driving force behind Celebrity‘s Executive Diversity Council, Grant Van Ulbrich.
What do you think of P&O Cruises and Cunard sponsoring Southampton Pride? Are you glad they have become a big part of it? Leave us your thoughts and comments…
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