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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings promises $1m to help Bahamas

Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway deliver hurricane relief supplies to the Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings relaunched Hope Starts Here, the company's hurricane relief campaign in partnership with All Hands and Hearts, and pledged at least $1m toward immediate relief for those affected by Hurricane Dorian.

Matching donations for rebuilding

The company also vowed to match donations dollar-for-dollar to assist with rebuilding efforts across the Bahamas, including debris cleanup and removal, and the delivery of supplies and temporary shelters.

‘Our hearts are heavy after witnessing the impact and devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian across the Bahamas," said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of NCLH, the parent of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

‘We have been cruising to these islands for over 50 years and remain committed to [their] wonderful people during this unprecedented event. Through our partnership with All Hands and Hearts, we vow to match all donations collected to support the country's rebuilding efforts.’

Norwegian Breakaway to immediately transport provisions

NCLH is also coordinating with local Bahamian authorities to carry needed provisions to the affected areas, as quickly and as humanly possible. On Thursday, Norwegian Breakaway will depart Miami with hurricane relief supplies donated by the company and its employees, in addition to items collected by the City of Miami, Baptist Health South Florida, the 305 Gives Back foundation and other Miami-based organizations, to be delivered to Nassau, Great Harbor Cay and the company's private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

Earlier partnership after Irma and Maria

Erik Dyson, CEO of All Hands and Hearts, noted that his organization and NCLH partnered after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, to help respond to and rebuild communities in Key West, St. Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Rico and Dominica.

‘This resulted in helping literally tens of thousands of people moving forward on their path to recovery. We look forward to continuing this joint impact working with and for the people of the Bahamas.’

In 2017, NCLH launched Hope Starts Here in partnership with All Hands and Hearts following the aftermath of Irma and Maria. The company exceeded its goal of $2.5m in donations to support immediate relief efforts in Key West, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Dominica and Tortola, Plus, two schools were built in Dominica and Tortola following the storms.

How to donate

To support the hurricane relief efforts of Hope Starts Here with a donation that will be matched by NCLH, click here.

See also 'Carnival, Tropical Shipping to deliver South Florida's Bahamas donations,' ‘Carnival Corp., Arisons pledge $2m to help Bahamas,’ ‘Royal Caribbean commits $1m to Bahamas recovery,’ ‘Walt Disney Co. pledges $1m-plus for Bahamas hurricane relief’ and ‘Our hearts go out to the Bahamas’