Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Pledges Up to $100K for Jamaica Relief

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has pledged up to $100,000 to support relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact in Jamaica. The company said it will make an immediate $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross and match up to an additional $50,000 in donations from employees and the public.

How NCLH’s Hurricane Melissa pledge is structured

NCLH said the commitment is designed to scale based on how much is contributed through the matching program, up to the $50,000 cap. Prospective donors were directed to a dedicated Red Cross giving page at www.redcross.org/donate/cm/ncl-emp.html, and the company said the funding will be used where needs are greatest in coordination with the global Red Cross network.

• Immediate corporate gift: $50,000 to the American Red Cross.
• Matching component: up to $50,000 more in combined employee and public contributions.
• Total potential commitment: up to $100,000.

NCLH also said public and employee donations can be made via the Red Cross to amplify assistance. As of the latest update cited by the company, more than $9,000 in public donations had been recorded.

Company and Red Cross statements

Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., connected the effort to the company’s broader community support focus in the Caribbean. “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Melissa,” Sommer said.

Sommer added: “The Caribbean region holds a special place in our hearts, and it is important that we stand with our communities in times of need. Through our Sail & Sustain program, we are proud to support the American Red Cross in delivering vital relief and helping families recover.”

Krista Coletti, American Red Cross Regional CEO, said the donation will support affected areas. “We are deeply grateful to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for their generous support of Hurricane Melissa,” Coletti said. “This contribution will help communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.”

How the donation fits into Sail & Sustain

NCLH framed the Hurricane Melissa initiative as part of Sail & Sustain, its global sustainability program. The company tied the pledge specifically to its Strengthening Communities focus, which centers on supporting destinations where the company operates.

NCLH is the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and the group has a significant presence in the Caribbean, including cruise calls to Jamaica through ports such as Falmouth, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay.

Storm impact and port closures in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour, described as the strongest hurricane to hit the island. The storm triggered extensive flooding and widespread infrastructure disruption, complicating relief efforts as power and communication outages persisted in the aftermath.

Damage reports included catastrophic destruction across communities, including tens of thousands of homes, and accounts that up to 90 percent of homes were affected in the hardest-hit areas. At one point after landfall, more than 70 percent of the island lost electricity. At least 19 people were reported killed, and roughly 25,000 residents sought temporary shelter as recovery efforts began.

Jamaica’s cruise ports have remained closed to tourism while repairs continue, adding strain for a tourism-dependent economy. Cruise lines have adjusted itineraries before and after the storm, including canceling or changing scheduled calls.

Broader cruise industry donations and direct supply deliveries

NCLH’s pledge comes as other major cruise companies announced large relief commitments for Jamaica. Carnival Corporation donated $1 million to Direct Relief, a nonprofit focused on medical supplies and health assistance. Royal Caribbean Group also pledged $1 million, directing funds through Global Empowerment Mission. Disney Cruise Line committed $1 million to humanitarian organizations including UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, and Good360, and also supported Disney employees and crew members affected by the storm.

Separately, some ships have made limited calls focused on delivering supplies. Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas made a relief stop in Falmouth on November 4, delivering more than 120 pallets of items including bottled water, bedding, medical supplies, and non-perishable food. Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the supplies would be prepared for distribution “with the help of GEM our relief partner,” referring to Global Empowerment Mission.

Carnival Horizon also called at Ocho Rios to drop off relief materials, with Carnival citing limitations in local readiness for normal port operations at the time. In another operational adjustment noted during the disruption, passenger shore excursions were canceled due to the state of local infrastructure.

What to watch next for Jamaica cruise operations

The Jamaican government has announced plans to reopen cruise ports, including Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Ocho Rios, by December 15, 2025. Until operations fully resume, some cruise lines have rerouted itineraries, added extra sea days, or shifted to alternative ports elsewhere in the Caribbean, while NCLH said the final total of its Hurricane Melissa support will depend on employee and public contributions up to the matching cap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ up to $100,000 Hurricane Melissa pledge work?

NCLH said it will donate $50,000 immediately to the American Red Cross and match up to an additional $50,000 in combined employee and public donations, for a total potential commitment of up to $100,000.

How can I donate so my contribution may count toward NCLH’s match?

NCLH directed donors to contribute through the American Red Cross page at www.redcross.org/donate/cm/ncl-emp.html, where donations may count toward the company’s match up to the $50,000 cap.

What did Hurricane Melissa do to Jamaica, based on reported impacts?

The Category 5 storm brought sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour and was described as the strongest hurricane to hit Jamaica. At least 19 deaths were reported, about 25,000 residents sought temporary shelter, and damage reports included widespread housing impacts, extensive flooding, and major infrastructure disruption, including a period when more than 70 percent of the island lost electricity.

When are Jamaica’s cruise ports expected to reopen?

The Jamaican government has said cruise ports including Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Ocho Rios are expected to resume operations by December 15, 2025.