Cruise lines are continuing their efforts to provide support and goods to those in need following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian.

Much of the northern Bahamas has seen considerable damage. The official death toll currently stands at 30, but that is expected to rise over the coming days.

As part of relief efforts, the MSC Group, of which MSC Cruises is a part, has announced that a delegation comprised of members of its US senior management team and philanthropic arm, the MSC Foundation, is on its way to Nassau.

In addition to providing and delivering goods, MSC will focus on semi-permanent prefabricated modular housing for the population of the areas most affected by the hurricane.

Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation’s Carnival Foundation division has pledged $1 million in aid, which has been matched by Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine’s Family Foundation. In addition, two Carnival Cruise Line ships departing from US homeports next week will make stops in Freeport to distribute food, water and relief supplies.

The stops will be part of Carnival Pride’s seven-day cruise from Baltimore, departing 8 September, and Carnival Liberty’s four-day cruise from Port Canaveral, departing 9 September. 

Royal Caribbean has also donated $1 million to the Dorian disaster relief and delivered supplies to the area.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “The Bahamian people are resilient with an unwavering spirit and Carnival and its employees are fully committed to helping residents rebuild and recover in the aftermath of the storm. The devastation of the Bahamas is truly tragic and heartbreaking and we are keeping them in our thoughts as we continue to offer our support and assistance.”

MSC Group executive chairman and founder Gianluigi Aponte added: “It is heart-breaking to see the impact and devastation that Hurricane Dorian has brought over the Bahamas and its population. The thoughts and prayers of my entire family are with the people of the Bahamas and their families and loved ones.

“As a family company and one that has lived off the sea for over 300 years, we are fully committed to supporting both immediate and longer-term relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas. Our businesses have long been closely tied to the Bahamas and its people, with a rich history spanning over many decades. We now look forward to supporting their efforts to rebuild and recover in every way we can and through all our businesses.”

Image: courtesy of Coast Guard News, flickr