In the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, the cruise industry is lending its aid and support through a variety of means…
In the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, the cruise industry is lending its aid and support through a variety of means. Members of the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have donated more than $2.6 million in relief support thus far and that number will continue to rise as cruise lines contribute additional funds, goods and resources.
In the early days of the relief response, individual cruise line hurricane relief efforts to date have included:
- Chartering three cruise ships to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to shelter evacuees or aid relief workers in the Gulf region
- Working with FEMA to coordinate the possibility of providing medical personnel, supplies and food services
- Monetary donations to the American Red Cross, volunteer shelters and children`s charities
- Corporate programs to match employee donations dollar-for-dollar
- Optional employee payroll deductions for donations to relief funds
- Offering passengers the option to contribute to relief funds through shipboard accounts or through the cruise line`s Web site
- Shipments of furniture and soft goods for use in shelters and rebuilding efforts
- Donation of several cruises for an online charity auction
- Delivery of drinking water to rescue operations in Mobile
The cruise industry has aided local communities throughout the world following natural disasters just in the past year with the 2004 hurricane season affecting the Caribbean and United States, as well as the tsunami devastation in Southeast Asia. Millions of dollars in aid and supplies were donated from the cruise lines to help those areas respond and rebuild.
As they have in these stricken areas, cruise ships will return to New Orleans and Mobile when they are allowed, supporting local economies through tourism. We recognize the lengthy recovery process and the cruise industry is a dedicated partner in the restoration of this important region, said Michael Crye, ICCL president.
Our most heartfelt prayers are with the residents of the Gulf Coast region as they rebuild from this tragedy, said Terry Dale, CEO and president of CLIA. We will continue to assist in every way to help this vital area of our country return to its important role in our industry.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
