Key Aspects:
- MSC Foundation will transport a dozen containers of relief supplies to storm-ravaged Jamaica at no cost.
- The foundation, a unit of MSC Group, has also donated 14 containers loaded with supplies.
- MSC Divina delivered thousands of gallons of bottled water and other goods on November 11, 2025.
As Jamaica continues to recover from the massive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025, MSC Group has vowed to provide ongoing aid by transporting containers of relief supplies at no cost.
The relief operation has already started, in fact, with MSC Divina delivering 3,360 gallons of bottled water and 264 tarpaulins to the island nation on November 11, 2025.
The aid program is being run by MSC Foundation, the philanthropic division of MSC Group, which owns MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. In addition to emergency relief efforts, the foundation assists with environmental conservation, education, and other humanitarian causes.
It has committed to providing the free transport of 12 containers of relief supplies that will be shipped from the US, and is itself donating 14 containers to two local nonprofits — Food For the Poor and RG Cares Foundation.
MSC Divina’s delivery of the bottled water and tarps was made to local officials in Ocho Rios, one of the island’s busiest cruise ports.
While the 3,500-guest cruise ship has already delivered some supplies and may do so again, it is unclear which MSC Group ships will handle the massive container transports, since the company also owns a global cargo shipping operation.
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“We are deeply committed to supporting the people of Jamaica as they respond to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises and Chair of the MSC Foundation Executive Committee.
“Through the coordinated delivery of essential resources with our local partners, we are working to bring relief to affected communities and provide critical supplies to those in need,” added Vago.
Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, caused massive damage in the northern and western regions of the island, particularly in the area of Montego Bay, another major cruise port.
Tourism temporarily came to a standstill, as resorts were shuttered for repairs and cruise ports closed.
Cruise Lines Step Up With Relief Efforts
Jamaica is beginning to slowly reopen, and the first cruise guests disembarked in Ocho Rios from Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam on November 11, 2025.
The ship, which is sailing a 14-night voyage from PortMiami, delivered 1,700 boxes of relief supplies containing food items, water, clothing, and other goods. Guests were allowed to disembark the ship at the port’s Turtle Bay Pier.
Other cruise lines are also stepping up to help Jamaica recover. The first cruise ship to visit the island was Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, on November 4, 2025, however, passengers were not allowed to leave the ship.
Rhapsody of the Seas dropped off 120 pallets of bottled water, medical supplies, food, and other items, which were distributed to residents by local entities.
Other cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, have pledged monetary donations to aid in Jamaica’s recovery. Meanwhile, government officials have set a goal to reopen virtually all tourism operations, including cruise tourism, by December 15, 2025.
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Cruising is a big part of the island’s travel industry-related revenue, accounting for roughly $198 million during the 2023-24 season, according to a survey by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and Jamaica Vacations Limited.
During that season, 1.4 million cruise passengers visited Jamaica.
