How is the cruise industry responding to Hurricane Melissa?

As the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record, Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage when it made landfall at the end of October. Its effects were felt in Puerto Rico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and, most notably, Jamaica, which suffered the worst of the storm.

Due to the destruction in its wake and the severe flooding and landslides that followed, tens of thousands of people were displaced, and at least 95 people have died.

Across the region, the tropical cyclone inflicted tens of billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure, telecommunications, essential health services, agriculture and homes.

Considering the major role the cruise industry plays in the Caribbean – contributing billions of dollars each year to local economies – it’s natural to wonder how cruise lines are responding in the face of disaster. Here’s how several have supported relief efforts so far.

Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the cruise line operator behind brands such as Carnival, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.

In partnership with the NBA team the Miami Heat and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, Carnival Corporation & plc has donated $1 million to Direct Relief to assist with recovery efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organisation with a mission to improve the lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, without regard to politics, religion or the ability to pay.

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, said: “We’re sending thoughts of comfort and strength to our friends in Jamaica, whose warmth and hospitality have created unforgettable experiences for so many of our guests and crew.”

“Our connection to Jamaica runs deep, and we need to support its communities now more than ever. Donating to Direct Relief will help fund vital assistance to individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this devastating storm.”

Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief, said regarding the donation: “It will put medicines, supplies and clinical support into the hands of local health workers right away – delivering immediate relief today and strengthening the capacity of health systems to recover and withstand future storms.”

Holland America Line

Holland America Line, which is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, will be raising additional funds for Direct Relief with On Deck for a Cause 5K walks. Guests on any Holland America cruise can sign up for one.

The cruise line’s ship Zuiderdam also arrived in the Jamaican port of Ocho Rios on the 11th of November, bringing aid, volunteers and passengers as the country continues its recovery. Relief supplies included nearly 1,700 boxes of essentials such as food, water, bedding, clothing and mattresses.

“We are honoured to return to Ocho Rios and deeply grateful for the collaboration with the port, local community and tour operators,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.

“The decision was made with care and respect, knowing that tourism is vital to Jamaica’s recovery and future.”

Hon. Matthew Samuda, the MP of Northeast St Ann, Jamaica, said, “This support helps us keep workers, families and small businesses going through a very tough period. It also sends a clear message: cruise partners aren’t just coming to enjoy Jamaica, they are standing with us in recovery. Every ship that returns to Ocho Rios strengthens jobs, protects livelihoods and helps our community bounce back stronger, and we value this kind of real, practical partnership.”

MSC Cruises

The MSC Group and MSC Foundation have joined the relief effort in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa in several key ways.

Notably, MSC Divina transported 3,360 gallons of bottled water and 264 tarpaulins to Jamaica, which arrived in Ocho Rios on the 11th of November. These crucial supplies are a direct response to the most immediate needs on the island, which include safe water and shelter materials, according to relief agencies.

The MSC Foundation has also committed to providing ocean transport for 12 containers of relief supplies from the United States, on top of the 14 containers it provided to support local non-profits, including Food for the Poor and the RG Cares Foundation.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises' executive chairman and chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee, commented: “We are deeply committed to supporting the people of Jamaica as they respond to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.”

He continued, “Through the coordinated delivery of essential resources with our local partners, we are working to bring relief to affected communities and provide critical supplies to those in need.”

Royal Caribbean Group

In the wake of the hurricane, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley stated, “Our thoughts and actions are with the people of Jamaica impacted by the hurricane. We have been in touch with the government and many of our 1,200 employees and crew from the island. We are coordinating relief supplies to be brought into Jamaica by air and sea for the communities hardest hit.”

Royal Caribbean Group, which is also behind Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, went on to pledge more than $1 million to support recovery through the NGO Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and its Employee Hardship Fund.

This was in addition to deploying ships to deliver critical goods directly to those in need. Rhapsody of the Seas transported over 120 pallets of bedding, bottled water, medical supplies, canned goods, grains, generators, toiletries and other items.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

The cruise company behind NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced it would donate up to $100,000 to support relief efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

As well as donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross, the company pledged an additional $50,000 to match donations by employees and the public.

“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Melissa,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “The Caribbean region holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s important that we stand with our communities in times of need.”

Those who wish to contribute to the NCLH donation match can visit www.redcross.org/donate/cm/ncl-emp.html to support ongoing relief efforts.