With reports estimating as many as 10,000 people dead in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the small country, cruise passengers are wondering what they can do for ship crew with families and friends in affected areas.
Cruise Critic reached out to several cruise lines to find out what is being done for crewmembers and how passengers can help. Here’s what they’re doing and how you can help:
Norwegian Cruise Line
“Everyone at?Norwegian Cruise Line?is truly saddened to hear of the devastation in the Philippines ? our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our crewmembers from the Philippines who have been impacted,” Norwegian spokeswoman Vanessa Lane told Cruise Critic.
“Through our partners in the area, we have been in touch with hundreds of our crewmembers, and while many have suffered damage to their homes, they are safe.
“Crewmembers on board are being supported to help make contact with their families and we are making arrangements for those who need to return home to do so.” Norwegian cruisers who wish to contribute to Norwegian’s Support Fund for its Filipino crewmembers may send a check payable to Norwegian Cruise Line to:
Norwegian Cruise Line
Attention: Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, FL 33126
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line‘s chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the storm. More than 12,800 of our employees call the Philippines home. We want to do everything we can to help them, their families, and their neighbors heal from this terrible tragedy.?
Since the storm, Royal Caribbean has helped crew members attempt to communicate with relatives in the Philippines. It has also deployed an emergency team to the hardest-hit areas in the Philippines.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara passengers can contribute online at?worldvision.org/royalcaribbean?andwww.worldvision.org/azamaraclubcruises. The company said its efforts to help the people of the Philippines would total $1 million.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines?is providing its Filipino crewmembers with free phone calls and Internet, and is providing personalized logistical support and assistance for those with specific needs.
Additionally, Carnival Corp. has linked up with the Miami Heat basketball team and pledged at least $1 million to support relief efforts in the Philippines.
Carnival chairman and Miami Heat owner Micky Arison said: “The typhoon in the Philippines has caused massive destruction, and is having a tragic impact on people and families, including those members of our extended Carnival family who reside in the region. We are in the process of evaluating a variety of worthy organizations who are doing fantastic work in the Philippines.?
P&O Cruises Australia, which is part of Carnival Corp. also donated $50,000 to Save the Children for their relief efforts in the region.
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