Heavy rainfall & winds of up to 295km/h from Hurricane Dorian tore through the Caribbean & the Bahamas over the last two weeks, leaving a trail of devastation & some 30 people dead.
Thousands of homes were destroyed & electricity switched off, particularly in the Bahamas, where the storm is being described as the “costliest storm” in Bahamian history.
Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis believes Dorian to be the “greatest national crisis” in the Bahamas’ history and made a call out for urgent provisions from food to water, shelter and security.
Cruise lines heard the call and were quick to offer their support in the hopes that of restoring an area that’s so loved among locals and visitors.
Here’s how cruise lines are aiding the Bahamas in its time of need:
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS
The parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises has pledged a minimum commitment of US$1 million towards immediate short-term relief.
Additionally, the company has in partnership with All Hands and Hearts relaunched a hurricane relief campaign called Hope Starts Here and has vowed to match donations dollar-for-dollar to assist with rebuilding efforts across the Bahamas. This includes debris cleanup, removal and delivery of supplies and shelters.
Norwegian Breakaway has been recruited to deliver relief supplies donated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and its employees, as well as other items collected by the City of Miami, Baptist Health South Florida, the 305 Gives Back Foundation, and other Miami-based organisations. These deliveries will go to Nassau, Great Harbor Cay, and Great Stirrup Cay.
“Our hearts are heavy after witnessing the impact and devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian across the Bahamas.”
Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings President & Chief Executive
“We have been cruising to these islands for over 50 years and remain committed to its wonderful people during this unprecedented event.”
Click here to donate or learn more.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Royal Caribbean is “rolling up its sleeves” to help the Bahamas where more than 500 of its colleagues work.
To aid the line’s friends, the cruise line has committed US$1 million to the Dorian Disaster relief. ITM, a Royal Caribbean partner will also donate an additional $100,000.
In order to ensure the donations go to “where they can do the most good”, Royal Caribbean will collaborate with the Bahamian government and non-profit partner, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF).
The cruise line will also deliver necessities to the islands including generators, water, cleaning supplies, clean sheets, towels and more. While a group of trained employee volunteers will assist with relief efforts on the ground.
“We’re taking special care of coworkers and their families who were affected by the storm,” the line added.
Click here to learn more and donate to PADF’s Hurricane Dorian relief fund.