THE happy memories

When you think of cruises, you probably imagine the open ocean, spas and dining with the captain. You probably don’t think of disaster relief. But because of the international nature of the cruise industry, it is ideally situated to respond to worldwide catastrophe, and it often does in ways that integrate tourism and aid.

Cruise ships headed to areas affected by disaster often carry disaster relief direct to the ports. Relief supplies, including clothing, blankets, water, hygiene products, non-perishable food stores, and medical supplies can be shipped in cruise ships to a nearby port and then distributed to areas of need. Cruise lines often play an active part in gathering these supplies from their home ports by inviting those not affected by disaster to drop off donations at the offices of the cruise company or of local charitable organizations.

Cruise lines also set up ways for clients and other interested people to financially aid these more direct relief efforts. Passengers on cruises have been allowed to make donations by charging their on-board accounts, and cruise lines will often pair up with relief organizations who accept monetary donations through a website.

Cruises also establish ways to help those in their employ who have been affected by disaster. Crew Relief Funds can be drawn on in case of emergency by crew members who have suffered as a result of natural catastrophes; donations made by passengers to the cruise line often go to Crew Relief Funds, as well as money that the cruise company itself volunteers out of its revenue.

Cruise lines can have a great influence on revitalizing the economies of port cities and other popular tourist destinations after disaster. As cruise lines use their resources to respond to disasters across the world, they should develop other, more innovative and also more permanent ways to contribute aid and distribute hope to disaster victims.