On March 13, the Pacific nation of Vanuatu suffered a direct hit from Tropical Cyclone Pam, a Category 5 storm that devastated 22 islands and displaced tens of thousands of people. In the few weeks since, relief efforts have continued, bringing together aid organizations from around the world to help the country rebuild shelters and businesses, repair water infrastructure, plant crops, and reestablish public services that were disrupted by the storm. In response to the Cyclone Pam disaster, the global cruise industry has also provided financial and material aid.
In addition to a donation of AUD$100,000 to the Australian Red Cross’ aid efforts, Royal Caribbean International has championed the Australian Red Cross Cyclone Pam 2015 Appeal through its Facebook page.
Carnival Australia made a donation to Save the Children Australia in the amount of AUD$150,000, while the chairman of Carnival Corporation, Micky Arison, announced a matching contribution through his family foundation. The company is also working with Save the Children Australia to land a support team in Vanuatu to help coordinate relief there.
In addition, the ship Carnival Legend made a call to the island of Santo in the days immediately following the storm in order to deliver emergency supplies. The Carnival Corporation subsidiary cruise line, P&O Cruises, has scheduled two more vessels, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Pearl, to visit Vanuatu’s Port Vila to drop off large shipments of bottled water, packaged food, and portable shelters.
The cruise industry response to Tropical Cyclone Pam is just the latest in a long history of providing relief in times of need. Along with the millions of dollars that individual cruise lines contributed to Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in 2013, the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, the industry’s leading giving organization, also provided a sizable donation. Cruise lines were also instrumental in relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010.
The cruise industry is founded on the principles of an ancient maritime tradition that compels them to offer service in times of need. Cruisers and crews alike can be certain that the industry will step up whenever the ports they visit are affected by a natural disaster.
