Cruise lines set up relief funds for Philippines

By Tom Stieghorst

Several cruise lines have organized relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which swept through the Philippines.

The Philippines is home to tens of thousands of cruise ship workers.

Costa Cruises said it has set up a $100,000 fund to support employees and families, and is planning a charitable donation as well.

A spokeswoman for CLIA said that Holland America Line has made donations to the Red Cross. Other cruise lines in the Carnival Corp. family also will be sending donations.

A Royal Caribbean spokesman said that company is working on a disaster relief plan, the details of which may be announced late Monday.

MSC, which also has Filipino workers on its vast fleet of container ships, is organizing relief efforts at its Geneva headquarters.

Norwegian Cruise Line has set up a relief fund and is collecting donations throughout the company and across the fleet. Guests onboard can contribute at the guest services desk, while past guests can mail a donation to corporate headquarters in Miami.

Norwegian said it has been in contact with its partners in Manila, who are actively reaching out to contact crew members and their families located around Manila and outlying provinces.

"Crew members onboard are being supported to help make contact with their families and we are making arrangements for those who need to return home to do so,” a Norwegian statement said.