Key Aspects:
- Carnival Corporation and key partners have donated $1 million to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
- Donations are being made through Direct Relief to provide medical supplies in the coming weeks.
- Cruise guests can donate through Direct Relief or other organizations to help the island nation’s recovery.
Just hours after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a devastating Category 5 storm, the strongest in the island nation’s history, Carnival Cruise Line and other partners have already pledged a $1,000,000 donation to help the region recover.
The news comes from the Miami Heat, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc. Together, the companies are committed to supporting Jamaica with their donation to Direct Relief.
“We’re sending thoughts of comfort and strength to our friends in Jamaica, whose warmth and hospitality have created unforgettable experiences for so many of our guests and crew,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.
“Our connection to Jamaica runs deep, and we need to support its communities now more than ever. Donating to Direct Relief will help fund vital assistance to individuals and families whose lives have been upended by this devastating storm.”
Direct Relief is a humanitarian nonprofit that will provide medical supplies such as first aid kits, antibiotics, over the country products, insulin, and other essential items to Jamaica.
The organization has already prepped 100 field medic packs for first responders in Jamaica and shared its full medical inventory with the nation’s Ministry of Health to offer additional supplies as needed.
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The donation from Carnival Corporation and partners will help support continued recovery efforts for the people of Jamaica who have, for many years, shown so much kindness and hospitality to cruise guests.
“Direct Relief is deeply grateful for the generosity of the Miami HEAT, the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, and Carnival Corporation,” said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief.
“It will put medicines, supplies and clinical support into the hands of local health workers right away—delivering immediate relief today and strengthening the capacity of health systems to recover and withstand future storms.”
Direct Relief’s staff based in the Caribbean are also offering support to health organizations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, plus coordinating with the Pan American Health Organization to ensure medical needs are met and medication supplies are available to all in need.
Cruise guests eager to help can also contribute to the efforts by donating to Direct Relief. While it may be challenging to match the generosity of a million-dollar donation, every dollar raised will help ensure critical supplies reach the areas most impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Direct Relief has provided hurricane response relief to other devastating storms, including Hurricane Fiona in 2022 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The organization also supports other relief efforts worldwide, including after wildfires, heatwaves, floods, and other natural disasters.
Helping Jamaica Recover
It’s only been 24 hours since Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica and the storm’s full impact is not yet known. Unfortunately, AI-generated images and videos are quickly spreading online, offering false information that is not confirmed.
Cruise guests who want to help the country recover can donate through Direct Relief or through Jamaica’s Office of the Prime Minister. Other relief organizations may also be offering special fundraising drives to support Jamaica at this difficult time.
It is still unknown when Jamaica’s cruise ports may reopen and visits will resume to the island. The Port Authority of Jamaica will carefully assess each port when it is safe to do so and will make announcements on reopening.
Carnival Horizon is scheduled to visit Ocho Rios on Tuesday, November 4, part of the ship’s November 2 departure from Miami, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary. That itinerary has not been changed, but adjustments may be forthcoming if necessary.
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As cruise visits resume, guests can directly support the island’s recovery by spending a bit extra during their time in port. This could mean enjoying lunch at a restaurant, choosing a few extra souvenirs, or opting for a shore tour with generous tips to the driver and tour guide.
It is also important to be understanding that experiences ashore in Jamaica may be limited or different than expected for some time, but the island is resilient and will be ready to welcome cruise visitors as soon as possible.
