Through a partnership with Operation Homefront, a national non-profit organization that provides financial and other assistance to military families, Carnival will host service personnel for festivities including an outdoor 'Carnival LIVE' performance by country superstar Martina McBride.
Carnival will also host more than 250 travel agents who will have an opportunity to experience Texas’ newest ship.
Carnival Freedom marks the first time a cruise line has based three vessels year-round in Texas.
As part of the festivities, 14-time Grammy nominee McBride will perform the afternoon of Valentine's Day on one of the ship's top decks. The country singer has previously appeared as part of the 'Carnival LIVE' shipboard concert series.
Military families who have registered through Operation Homefront will get a full day and evening aboard the 110,000gt Carnival Freedom in port, including overnight accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities, all compliments of Carnival.
Prior to the concert, Carnival will conduct a check presentation to Operation Homefront providing $100,000 to the organization.
Carnival Freedom begins Galveston sailings Feb. 15 with a special six-day voyage to Mexico followed by four- to seven-day cruises that visit ports in Mexico, the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida. Together with Carnival Triumph and Carnival Magic, Carnival will carry more than 600,000 passengers annually from Texas, the most of any line.
