Carnival says it has collected and delivered nearly 3,000 tonnes of food and supplies – enough to fill 90 shipping containers – to the Bahamas during the first week of its Hurricane Dorian relief programme.
The corporation said the effort had been made possible by the generosity of “countless” individuals and organisations in Florida and throughout North America, including schools, businesses and local authorities.
"The outpouring of support for our friends in the Bahamas has been so touching, and so many people and organisations have stepped in asking how they can get involved," said Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corp chief communications officer.
"We want to publicly thank everyone who has made donations for their efforts, support and genuine concern for our friends and neighbours in The Bahamas. With the programme continuing, we encourage everyone to please stay involved in this humanitarian mission."
Others pledges include a consignment of 200 “eco-filters” from Social Global Leaders in partnership with United Way of Miami-Dade. The reusable filters convert salt water in safe drinking water.
Carnival has also partnered with Tropical Shipping to deliver medical supplies, water, food, cots, tents, wheelbarrows, shovels, chainsaws, generators, appliances, clothing and other essentials to the Bahamas. Two Carnival ships - Liberty and Pride - were involved in delivering donations to Freeport.
Additionally, Carnival is conducting ongoing donation drives via Direct Relief and World Central Kitchen, with Carnival Cruise Line guests and employees having so far donated more than $350,000.
It has also partnered with charities in the Bahamas and local hospitals to provide medical equipment and supplies, while the Carnival Foundation is working with World Central Kitchen to serve more than 25,000 meals a day to people on Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands.
Carnival’s operations in the Bahamas, meanwhile, are returning to normal after the Abacos and Grand Bahama took the brunt of Dorian’s ferocious winds.
Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises will all variously return to the Bahamas over the coming weeks, with the corporation’s line set to make more than 200 calls by the end of the year.