It's not the normal career path of a company CFO. But when CFO stands for Chief Fun Officer, it takes a unique resume to fill the role.
For Carnival Cruise Line, Shaquille O'Neal's credentials as an NBA Hall of Famer and TV commentator - one with a famously fun outlook and larger-than-life personality – fit the bill.
The beloved former basketball star is Carnival's ambassador for its new motto 'Choose Fun'. Shaq's already having fun, touring some of Carnival's 25 mega ships that focus on non-stop fun times and great value. Although the cruise line sails on world-wide itineraries, Carnival is most famous for sun-filled cruise vacations to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the Mexican Riviera.
Shaq's huge popularity mirrors Carnival's. If the sports personality is the fun face of basketball, then Carnival is the face of non-stop fun cruise travel.
Carnival Cruise Line lays claim to the title of world's most popular cruise line. More than five million cruise travelers each year take a Carnival cruise in search of its particular brand of round-the-clock fun. It's a top choice for families and couples as well as seniors, solo travelers and multi-generation travelers. The line carries more kids and more military personnel than any other cruise line.
We're not sure how many play basketball, but a lot of new and returning Carnival cruisers will be inspired by Shaq's career and irresistible, playful zest for life. As Carnival's ambassador, he's already toured the Carnival Vista's attractions and experiences, including of course the basketball court.
Stay tuned for more Shaq at sea. And stay tuned for more Carnival cruise ships. The colossal, 133, 500-ton, Vista-class Carnival Horizon launches in Spring 2018 as Carnival's 26th ship. And the fleet keeps getting bigger. Another Vista-class ship, the Carnival Panorama, is due in 2019, followed by two more, even bigger ships a couple of years later.
That's a lot of fun – even for Shaq.
