Travel Companies Pledge to Aid Dorian Relief

Major travel companies including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, the Walt Disney Company and Signature Travel Network have pledged to aid relief efforts in the Bahamas after the devastating passage of Hurricane Dorian

“Knowing and working over many years with so many Bahamians, we have long admired the strong spirit, determination and love of life they exhibit,” said Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald in a written statement. “We look forward to supporting their forthcoming hard work to rebuild, recover and again welcome tourists and cruise guests with open arms to their beautiful country.”

Donald said that the company will remain in constant contact with government officials in the Bahamas as they work to determine their priorities regarding both short- and long-term relief. Additionally, he said that the company remains “fully committed” to its projects on the islands of Grand Bahama and Half Moon Cay as part of the recovery and rebuilding process. 

Royal Caribbean reports that it is committing $1 million to Dorian disaster relief, and that ITM, the cruise line’s partner in the Holistica joint venture that is developing the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport, is also donating an additional $100,000. Royal Caribbean will collaborate with the Bahamian government and its nonprofit partner, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), as well as a network of Bahamian charities and other local organizations that includes the Bahamas Feeding Network, on relief efforts. Royal Caribbean ships will also deliver goods including generators, water, cleaning supplies, clean sheets, towels and more to the Bahamas, along with trained volunteers from the company’s GO Team. Finally, the cruise line will work to aid its coworkers and their families who were affected by the storm, and it will match every dollar of guest and employee donations to PADF. 

Signature Travel Network says that it encourages all to donate as they are able and that it will be supporting Royal Caribbean’s efforts. 

“We are heartened that the initiatives and contributions of our members and preferred partners will make an immediate difference in the lives of those living through this catastrophe," said Alex Sharpe, president & CEO of Signature, in a written statement. 

Those who wish to donate through PADF can visit padf.org/hurricane-dorian-royal

The Walt Disney Company and Disney Cruise Line are also committing more than $1 million in cash and in-kind support to relief and recovery efforts, including a $1 million donation to non-profit relief agencies who will be undertaking recovery and rebuilding efforts, as well as the provision of supplies, such as food staples and basic construction materials. 

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

Additionally, Disney says that it will provide employees with immediate needs in impacted areas access to a range of resources. Disney Castaway Cay, which experienced tropical force strength winds, employs more than 60 Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama, as well as several employees from other Bahamian islands.

Hurricane Dorian is the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the Bahamas. It caused significant damage and loss of life in the Abacos and Grand Bahama Island. 

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