How Cruise Lines Are Helping The Caribbean - And You Can, Too

The Caribbean is the world’s most popular cruise destination (more than a third of the world’s ships sail its waters) so it’s no surprise that cruise lines have a vested interest in the region, its people and its recovery.

And after hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria tore their way through the islands – making the ports in St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk inaccessible – cruise companies were quick to offer help. Norwegian Cruise Lines, for example, deployed Norwegian Sky to St. Thomas, USVI with emergency supplies and to evacuate residents and visitors. And Norwegian Escape housed approximately 4,000 displaced passengers who were stranded because of airport closures.

Now, as affected islands begin the long road to recovery, here’s what some of your favorite cruise lines are doing to help – including links to how you can help, too. And remember, the best way to show your support for the Caribbean is to keep going back!

CARNIVAL CORPORATION The cruise industry behemoth (operator of more than 100 ships and parent of brands including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line) put its power behind several practical and monetary initiatives. Carnival Fascination, for example, dropped off pallets of water, food, and other items for residents of Barbuda and St. Maarten during port calls to Antigua and St. Kitts. And the line donated 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales for comedian Chris Tucker’s Carnival LIVE performances to hurricane relief. Carnival Corporation, Miami HEAT Charitable Fund and the foundation of Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine (the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation) have pledged up to $10 million in funding and in-kind support in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. To add your own contribution to the line’s efforts, click here.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES HOLDINGS In partnership with disaster relief organization All Hands Volunteers, the cruise company (parent of Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) has set a goal to raise $2.5 million for the Hope Starts Here hurricane relief program. Under Hope Starts Here the company will match up to $1.25 million of donations to help AHV deliver relief response for the Florida Keys, and has kicked off the campaign with a $600,000 donation to help rebuild schools in Caribbean islands impacted by the storms. To make a donation that will be matched by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., click here.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES Now through October 31, the all-suite, all-inclusive luxury line will donate $750 per booking aboard eight select 2018 Caribbean sailings on Seven Seas Explorer. Passengers making those new bookings will also enjoy a savings of $750 per suite. Too soon to plan for next year? You can still make an immediate donation, which the line will match, here.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINES In the wake of the storms, Adventure, Majesty and Empress of the Seas were deployed to facilitate evacuations and to deliver emergency supplies, everything from toilet paper to pet food, generators and ice. The line has also committed to match donations of up to $1 million, and you can make your own donation here.