Cruise Lines Respond to Dorian Devastation

We'd like to commend Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney for donating millions to the relief effort in the Bahamas.  We anticipate there will be other cruise lines following suite over the days ahead.  Their generosity will go a long way in helping the people suffering on the islands in their first steps on a long road to recovery.  

UPDATE: September 5th - Norwegian Cruise Line has also donated and it appears that ships can now begin to call with relief supplies.

After every one of these devastating storms, the cruise lines are always there providing support, which comes in many forms.   Some people may be asking why they aren't doing more - like sending ships to the Bahamas with supplies.  Others think cruise lines should have done things differently.  Here is some information to help you understand things a little better.

Like everyone else, we've been following Hurricane Dorian, and its impact first on the lives of many people in the Bahamas and the Southeast United States, and secondly on cruise itineraries.  There have been complaints posted on social networks, and in various media articles, about lack of communication on certain cruises, and the impact on their vacation plans.  

We are always amazed by the behind the scenes logistics that are necessary in situations like these, and how well cruise lines are able to react, in what are often very fluid arrangements. Communication may be secondary to getting things done.  Oh, and by the way, guess where HQ for cruise lines are for the most part - Florida.  They too were dealing with evacuations and other preparations of their own at the same time.

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Cruising during Hurricane Season isn't for everyone.  It requires tolerance and understanding.  We saw one couple interviewed on The Weather Channel after disembarking their ship.  Their itinerary was altered, and they never were able to disembark in a port.  They indicated that they always cruise during this time of year, and that they had a great time on board experiencing the ship.

First of all, the cruise lines aren't in control of the weather.  Even meteorologists were surprised by Hurricane Dorian parking over the Bahamas for as long as it did.  Secondly, the U.S. Coast Guard is in charge of the ports.  There are very clear policies, which are in place for safety of people, ports, and vessels.  In our article, Hurricane Dorian Florida Port Closures, we've listed those Port Closure Conditions.  Port Authorities, in conjunction with the USCG, work with the cruise line's administration to determine safe alternatives when original plans must be adjusted.  

Right now, it just isn't safe to go to the Bahamas with a large cruise ship for many reasons.  Some of the impacted areas aren't setup to receive a large vessel.  Those that are, still need to be inspected as damaging debris could be in the water.  Rest assured that the cruise lines are in communication with the necessary government officials to determine what actions to take. 
  

For those who had their vacations altered by Dorian, we empathize.  We are grateful that the cruise lines did their job and made the tough decisions to keep you safe during this tumultuous time.

Hurricane Preparedness - After the Storm

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Carnival Cruise Line Statement

Carnival & the Arison Foundation have pledged $2M for Bahamas relief. Additionally, Carnival will help with the transportation of donated goods from South Florida to the islands. Please stay tuned for how you can help. We’re working with two aid organizations you can join us in supporting.

"To our friends in The Bahamas, please know you will not be alone in your effort." said Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald. "All of us at Carnival Corporation pledge to work with you. We have been and remain in constant contact with government officials as they determine the highest priorities for both the short term and long term."

Royal Caribbean  Bahamas Relief Effort

Post on Instagram September 5th: "We’re with you Bahamas. In the wake of Dorian, we’re mobilizing our fleet to help those who need it. In partnership with the Bahamian government & The Bahamas Feeding Network, tomorrow we’ll deliver +43k water bottles, 10k meals, generators, supplies & we’re just getting started."
Royal Caribbean posted the following update on their page September 3, 2019

"The Bahamas has always been more than a destination for Royal Caribbean and our guests. For more than half a century, we’ve made many friends and many memories. The Bahamas is also home to more than 500 of our colleagues who work at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Grand Bahama Shipyard. 

So in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, the Bahamian people are in our thoughts and prayers. And we’re rolling up our sleeves to help our friends, and inviting our guests to help.

Royal Caribbean is committing $1 million to Dorian disaster relief, and ITM—our partners in the Holistica joint venture that is developing the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport—is also donating an additional $100,000.

To make sure our donations go where they can do the most good, we are collaborating with the Bahamian government and our non-profit partner, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), and a network of Bahamian charities and organizations, including the Bahamas Feeding Network. 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.

Our donation includes matching every dollar of guest and employee donations to PADF so they can help our friends as well.

We can’t make every bad memory of Dorian go away. But we can start making things better—today."

Norwegian Cruise Line Joins Relief Effots

Norwegian Breakaway was one of two ships that were diverted to New Orleans when they couldn't return to their home port in Miami (due to port closures by the USCG).

The Mouse Pledges Support

The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday afternoon it has committed to donating more than $1 million in cash and in-kind support to help recovery efforts in the Bahamas. Disney will donate $1 million donation to nonprofit relief agencies leading recovery and rebuilding efforts and the provision of supplies to areas that need it. 

The company said in a news release that its employees in the Bahamas will have access to other resources. Disney Castaway Cay employs more than 60 Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama, and some employees from other Bahamian islands. 

“The Walt Disney Company stands with the people of The Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian,” Robert Iger, Disney chairman and CEO, said in the release. 

We hope our $1 million donation will provide much-needed relief and help our neighbors, colleagues, and all those impacted by this devastating storm begin the long process of recovery as they work to put their lives and communities back together.”