During the 72nd annual MIss Universe competition, Miss Universe Philippines, Michelle Dee, was presented the “Spirit of Carnival” award for her embodiment of the company’s values. The “Spirit of Carnival” award is reserved for those who exemplify the cruise line’s values of fun, friendship, diversity and inclusion.
Michelle Dee was announced as the winner of the prestigious award during the live finale held in El Salvador on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy bestowed the honor on Dee via a videotaped message.
“Inspired by her two siblings with autism, Michelle has made autism acceptance, inclusivity and education her mission. At Carnival, we want everyone on our ships to feel welcome, and we were the first and only cruise line to be certified as sensory inclusive,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “I know our 13,000 Filipino crew members are going to be very excited by her selection.”
Dee has two siblings with autism and gives them the credit for inspiring her to work with autism advocacy groups nationwide. Not only has Dee been Autism Society Philippines’ Goodwill Ambassador since 2019, but she also serves as the president of the Inner Peace Foundation, a group that focuses on spiritual enlightenment that was started by her grandmother. Dee graduated from De La Salle University in Manila with a degree in psychology and completed an online course in entrepreneurship through Harvard University while opening a series of businesses that focus on health and technology.
Dee is the fourth Miss Universe contestant to be awarded the “Spirit of Carnival” award. Her predecessors are Miss Universe Ukraine Viktoriia Apanasenko, Miss Universe Bahamas Chantel O’Brian and Miss Universe Dominican Republic Kimberly Jimenez, who is also godmother to Carnival’s first Excel-class ship, Mardi Gras.
Carnival Cruise Line is certified “sensory inclusive” by KultureCity, a nonprofit that is dedicated to accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory and invisible disabilities. Carnival’s guest-facing crew are all trained to assist guests with sensory and/or cognitive needs. The cruise line also offers complimentary KultureCity Sensory Bags to guests that may need items to help manage sensory overload while onboard.