Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has set a target to raise $2.5 million for hurricane relief efforts in Florida and the Caribbean.
The owner of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is committing to match up to $1.25 million of donations from passengers, staff, suppliers and partners.
The company is making a $600,000 initial donation towards the ‘Hope Starts Here’ hurricane relief campaign.
Oceania Cruises in the UK will be making a charitable donation of £350 per booking, matched by an equal saving of £350 when clients book balcony accommodation and above on a number of Caribbean sailings.
The parent group has joined forces with disaster relief organisation All Hands Volunteers and Happy Hearts Fund to deliver help the Florida Keys, and rebuild resilient schools in the Caribbean islands impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and chief executive Frank Del Rio said: “We are heartbroken to see the devastation that Hurricanes Irma and Maria have inflicted on the Florida Keys and several Caribbean islands, where our ships have been visiting since the beginning of our 50 years in business.
“The Caribbean is part of our family, and we are grateful to work with All Hands Volunteers and Happy Hearts Fund to create the Hope Starts Here hurricane relief programme and do our part in giving back to these destinations.
“We are proud to start our campaign with a $600,000 donation to help begin the rebuilding efforts.”
David Campbell, chairman and founder of All Hands Volunteers, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this support from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and for our continued partnership with Happy Hearts Fund to provide their support and expertise.
“As the single largest donation in our organisation’s history, this funding could not have come at a more crucial time as we work to rebuild communities in the US Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands after the destruction brought by recent natural disasters, Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“All Hands Volunteers will work together with the local communities to meet their long-term needs and rebuild hope.”
Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is donating £300 per new suite booking made by October 31 on eight selected 2018 Caribbean voyages by Seven Seas Explorer. Discounts of £300 per suite will also be offered.
The initiative is part of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ efforts to raise at least $2.5 million for hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and chief executive Jason Montague said: “We are deeply moved over the devastation that the hurricanes left in their wake, but thankful that many islands were spared the storms’ full force.
“We have been in contact with our friends and business partners who were severely impacted and they have all said the same thing, ‘we will rebuild.’
“Their resilience and strength is truly inspirational and they are already working hard to return their towns to their radiance and charm — now it’s up to us to give them the well-deserved help that they need.”