Carnival has set out its plans to restore sailings to the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.
Three of the company’s brands – Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises – will complete more than 250 sailings to destinations in the Bahamas by the end of the year.
The company said the calls would support the country’s tourism industry and provide a significant economic boost for local people and businesses.
Carnival Cruise Line will make 41 planned called to Nassau and Carnival’s private island destinations, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, during the remainder of September, and an estimated 204 through to the end of the year on eight of its ships.
Princess Cruises has 19 Bahamas sailings scheduled through to the end of 2019, starting 9 October, including one by Sky Princess, which will launch in October.
HAL, meanwhile, has 46 Bahamas sailings scheduled to the end of the year across seven of its ships.
Carnival said Nassau and its private island destinations had suffered “little impact” from Dorian, which tore across Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands earlier this month.
“One of the all-time favourite destinations for our guests for many years are our ports of call in the Bahamas, and it is important to spread the word that much of the country had no or little impact and is open for business and eager to provide great vacation memories,” said Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corporation chief communications officer.
“Cruise tourism is a vital economic driver for the Bahamian people, so we are excited to let travellers know the Bahamas welcomes them with open arms.
“For those in the Bahamas who have been impacted, our hearts continue to be with them, and we will continue to do our part in providing relief aid and supporting our long-time partners and friends as they work to recover and begin the rebuilding process.”
Via its partnership with Tropical Shipping and The Bahamas National Emergency Agency, Carnival has so far delivered an estimated 335 tonnes of food and relief to Freeport.
The Carnival Foundation, meanwhile, along with Carnival’s nine cruise brands and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation have pledged $2 million funding and in-kind support for relief efforts in the Bahamas.