He’s larger than life—literally and figuratively—and he’s now added a new, fun job title to his already very diverse and accomplished résumé. Shaquille O’Neal, an NBA Hall of Famer, sworn-in police officer, entrepreneur, and TNT commentator, will be joining Carnival Cruise Line as their newly appointed Chief Fun Officer or “CFO.”
The leisure travel company used a humorous video that features Shaq and Carnival President Christine Duffy in the cruise line’s newest brand campaign, “Choose Fun,” which launched last week. Shaq will be featured on video content and social media, taking viewers on a 30-second tour of Carnival Vista and using his charisma to showcase Carnival’s attractions and experiences, including on the SkyRide, at the Havana pool, Cloud 9 Spa, Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint—and on the basketball court.
“We are very excited to have Shaq as part of the Carnival team! He will serve as a great partner ensuring everyone knows all about our one-of-a-kind brand of fun,” Duffy said in a news release. “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.”
“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 statement. “So, I’m honored to be appointed the Chief Fun Officer at Carnival—a company that lives and breathes fun.”
Carnival Cruise Line, one of Black Enterprise’s “50 Best Companies for Diversity” in 2016, has a fleet of 25 ships that caters to 5 million guests a year, according to the company, and in spring 2018 the 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon will debut as the 26th ship in the fleet.
Check out Shaq in his first video as Chief Fun Officer: