Cruise Lines Stepping up for Bahamas After Hurricane Dorian

After Hurricane Dorian ravaged The Bahamas, cruise lines serving the region have started pledging money and resources to the island chain.

The parent company of Disney Cruise Line has announced it would commit more than $1 million in cash and support for relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas. The Disney Company is also looking to help its team members with immediate needs in The Bahamas, including the over 60 employees working at Disney Castaway Cay and several employees from other Bahamian islands.

"The Bahamas is such a special place to us and our guests, and we have watched the devastation created by Hurricane Dorian with concern and heartache," Disney Cruise Line president Jeff Vahle said in a statement.

"We stand with the Bahamian people, and especially those in Abaco and Grand Bahama, as they recover from the worst storm to ever make landfall in The Bahamas," Vahle continued. "As the needs in these communities are assessed, we are prepared to aid the relief and recovery efforts through funding, the provision of supplies and by providing support to our Bahamian Crew Members."

Royal Caribbean also announced it would donate $1 million to the Dorian disaster relief, while the cruise line's partner ITM is donating an additional $100,000. Company officials are collaborating with the Bahamian government and non-profit partners to ensure the "donations go where they can do the most good."

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean released a statement about the cruise line's efforts:

"We are loading all kinds of goods onto our ships- generators, water, cleaning supplies, clean sheets, towels, and more-for direct delivery to the Bahamas. The trained employee volunteers we call the GO Team are on their way to assist with relief efforts. And we're taking special care of coworkers and their families who were affected by the storm."

Carnival Corporation and Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation pledged $2 million for the relief effort. The company also announced, in coordination with Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, a partnership with Tropical Shipping to collect and ship donations to The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency.

CEO Arnold Donald released a statement on Hurricane Dorian's impact on The Bahamas and the cruise line's commitment to the island chain, including a renewed focus on two major projects in Grand Bahama and Half Moon Cay.

"We are fully committed to supporting the critical relief and recovery efforts already underway for The Bahamas, and we are working closely with officials and affected communities to identify the needs for support and assistance," said Donald. "Our company has always been closely tied to The Bahamas with a rich history spanning many years, so it's heart-breaking to see the impact of Hurricane Dorian, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of The Bahamas. We have long admired the unyielding spirit of the Bahamian people and have no doubt they will overcome, rebuild and recover, and we look forward to supporting their efforts."

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced Wednesday the goods donated by the residents of Florida will be taken to The Bahamas by Norwegian Cruise Line and delivered Thursday morning to Nassau. FEMA will then distribute it to the hardest-hit areas of Freeport, Marsh Harbour and Grand Bahama, according to CBS Miami.

Norwegian also committed to $1 million in the hurricane relief effort for the Bahamas.

"Our hearts are heavy after witnessing the impact and devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian across the Bahamas," said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "We have been cruising to these islands for over 50 years and remain committed to its wonderful people during this unprecedented event. Through our partnership with All Hands and Hearts, we vow to match all donations collected to support the country's rebuilding efforts."

Additionally, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced its helping aid in relief effort as well.

"Our hearts go out to all of those impacted, and we felt it was imperative to issue a rapid response, demonstrating our support through action," said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, who is engaged in direct communications with the Bahamian government, including Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Peter Turnquest, to determine specific areas of need and serve as a liaison for those looking to assist in the Hurricane Dorian recovery effort. "We're proud to partner with Mission Resolve in taking the necessary steps to help our brothers and sisters of Grand Bahama Island that are in desperate need."

If you want to donate monetarily, you can do so at www.MissionResolve.org. All proceeds will be directly donated to the people of Grand Bahama Island. If you live in the area, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is accepting the following items located at their warehouse located at 301 Broadway Ave., Bay #7, in Riviera Beach, FL 33404:

- Canned goods

- Building supplies (roofing materials, tar paper, plywood, sheetrock, etc.)

- Water

- Hygiene products

- First Aid kits

- Mosquito repellent

- Blankets

- Chlorine tablets

- Pampers, baby wipes, and baby food

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is joining the effort to rebuild the island chain as it announced a previously planned departure of the Grand Celebration has been canceled so the ship can be used to transport food, water, and other supplies to Freeport.

In addition, the Grand Celebration will bring first responders, volunteers and Bahamian residents stranded in South Florida due to the storm back to the islands.

MSC Group is also lending a helping hand with the announcement that company's senior management team and MSC Foundation leadership was en route to Nassau, Bahamas. The mission is to identify essential relief and recovery organizations and provide short- and long-term assistance to the local population and businesses.

---

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore