Seven metre giant red nose sails into Sydney

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES SHOWS SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIA'S 26th ANNUAL RED NOSE DAY

Carnival Spirit, the newest and largest ship to be home ported in Australia, sailed into Sydney this morning proudly sporting the largest-ever red nose on a cruise ship, to mark today's 26th annual Red Nose Day.

Spanning seven meters in diameter and illuminated from within, the giant red nose celebrates Carnival Cruise Lines' partnership with national charity SIDS and Kids, as they encourage all Aussies to get silly for a serious cause today and don their own red noses.

SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and to supporting bereaved families. Red Nose Day is the charity's major fundraising event held annually on the last Friday of June, raising money for vital research, as well as education and bereavement support services for Australian families.

Over the last 26 years SIDS and Kids has helped save thousands of babies' lives through education and community awareness programs, and has contributed $16 million to research.

Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival Cruise Lines Australia and New Zealand is thrilled to mark Carnival Cruise Lines' ongoing partnership with SIDS and Kids on Red Nose Day: "By supporting SIDS and Kids we hope to give back to Australian families. In addition to Carnival Spirit getting into the Red Nose Day spirit with her own red nose, we are giving away a cruise for two onboard Carnival Spirit for the person who has the most fun creating an image on rednoseme.com."

Guests and crew sailing on Carnival Spirit will show their support for SIDS and Kids by participating in kids colouring in competitions, Red Nose find-a-word games, Red Nose desserts served onboard by the Captain, and fundraising walks around Spirit's outer decks.

Carnival Spirit guests, crew and passers-by will enjoy the carnival atmosphere at the Overseas Passenger Terminal today with Red Nose Day celebrations including clowns, face painters, a fire eater, unicyclist and more.

"Since Carnival Spirit made her debut in this market just eight months ago, she has proved a huge hit with Aussie families. Therefore it's only fitting that we support this great Australian charity. The mantra of Red Nose Day - 'get silly for a serious cause' - resonates strongly with Carnival Cruise Lines because we are serious about providing playful (and sometimes even silly) experiences for our guests" said Ms Vandekreeke.

SIDS and Kids CEO, Leanne Raven, is delighted with the Carnival Cruise Lines partnership: "Red Nose Day is all about being silly for a serious cause and the enormous red nose on Carnival Spirit certainly does that! We hope this gave people a giggle whilst encouraging them to show their own support for SIDS and Kids on Red Nose Day."

For further information or to book your next cruise visit www.carnival.com.au