Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is the next major brand to aid in Jamaica’s hurricane recovery efforts.
- The cruise company will donate $50,000 immediately, and will match donations from the public to give up to $100,000.
- Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Disney Cruise Line have also pledged to make massive donations of their own.
Another cruise brand has stepped up to aid Jamaica in recovery efforts after the Caribbean destination was slammed by Hurricane Melissa, a destructive category 5 storm.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has pledged a donation of up to $100,000 to the American Red Cross to help fund relief efforts.
The company will donate $50,000 immediately, and will match up to $50,000 in contributions from the general public and employees that are donated through their page on the Red Cross website.
As of the time of publication, more than $9,000 (and counting!) had been donated by the public and crew members across 31 contributions.
Rather than dedicating the funds to a specific purpose, they will be used where they are needed most by the global Red Cross network.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Melissa,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“The Caribbean region holds a special place in our hearts, and it’s important that we stand with our communities in times of need. Through our Sail & Sustain program, we’re proud to support the American Red Cross in delivering vital relief and helping families recover,” Sommer continued.
“Sail & Sustain” is the brand’s global sustainability program, which is meant to drive a positive impact on society and the environment across five defined sectors.
The “Strengthening Communities” pillar is the value that is brought to the forefront here, which is all about supporting the destinations that NCL ships visit – and the brand maintains a presence in Falmouth, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay.
The Extent of the Damage
The widespread destruction in Jamaica can really only be described as catastrophic, and it may take months or even years for the island nation to fully recover.
Hurricane Melissa was particularly dangerous as she battered Jamaica with heavy rains and sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour.
This makes her the strongest storm to ever hit Jamaica and is among the strongest hurricanes to form in the Atlantic this century.
Even though the storm passed days ago, the island is still reeling from flooding, the destruction of thousands of homes and businesses, damage to critical infrastructure, and knocked out power and communication.
At least 19 Jamaicans have died because of Melissa, and around 25,000 of the 2.8 million people who live there have been forced to seek shelter in temporary housing.
Other cruise lines have also stepped up to the plate to assist their Caribbean partners.
Carnival Corporation was the first to pledge a $1 million donation through Direct Relief, with Royal Caribbean Group announcing its own $1 million donation through Global Empowerment Mission soon after.
Royal Caribbean is also helping to coordinate donations of physical necessities, such as bottled water, canned items, and non-perishable foods.
Disney Cruise Line was the next brand to follow suit with its own $1 million donation, which will be spread across nonprofits like UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, Good360, and assisting crew members who are from Jamaica.
More From Cruise Hive
Disney also cancelled Disney Treasure’s call to Falmouth on November 5, 2025, to avoid putting additional strain on the reeling cruise port.
Other cruise lines will likely do the same until more of the damage can be addressed, so guests with Jamaica-bound itineraries should keep an eye out for possible changes as their sailings approach.
