When Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as one of
the strongest storms in recorded history, the travel industry was already
preparing to lend a helping hand to the popular tourist destination and the
surrounding impacted islands.
Here are the airlines, cruise lines and travel brands that
are stepping up to ensure that people impacted by the massive hurricane are
taken care of in the coming weeks and months.
Airlines
American Airlines has resumed flight operations in
Kingston, Jamaica; Holguin, Cuba; and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, as the carrier
remains in contact with local authorities as they assess damage and staffing
needs in the wake of the storm.
American is also in contact with its non-profit partners to help
as they begin to mobilize their response and relief efforts. Through November
11, AAdvantage members can earn 10 miles for every dollar donated to the
American Red Cross with a minimum $25 donation.
Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United
Airlines have issued travel advisories for the region and are waiving
change fees for impacted travelers through the first week of November. The
carriers are also resuming service to and from Bermuda, Jamaica, and Turks and
Caicos, with fares capped to avoid price gouging following the storm.
Cruise Lines
The Carnival Corporation & plc teamed with the
Mickey & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and the Miami HEAT to donate
$1 million to Direct Relief to assist recovery efforts following Hurricane
Melissa.
In addition, Holland America Line announced that its On
Deck for a Cause 5K walks will focus its next several walks on Direct Relief’s
Hurricane Melissa fund.
Hotels & Resorts
In a statement on Wednesday, Sandals Resorts confirmed that all of its guests and team members across Jamaica were safe and accounted for as it begins assessing damage following Hurricane Melissa:
Following Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica yesterday, we are grateful to share that all guests and team members staying at our resorts are safe. The safety and well-being of our guests and team members remain our highest priority.
Today, we continue to connect with team members across Jamaica and have begun comprehensive assessments of all resorts. We remain committed to keeping our guests, partners, and stakeholders informed and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the guests who joined our teams in careful preparation and followed every protocol in Jamaica. Your cooperation, compassion, and sense of community lifted spirits and brought comfort during a challenging time. We also express deep appreciation to our team members across Jamaica for their extraordinary commitment and care as they balanced their responsibilities to guests while their own families and communities were affected by the storm. And to those who shared well-wishes from around the world, from past guests, travel advisors, partners, and friends, your encouragement and support mean more than words can express.
We understand that many valued guests have had their travel plans disrupted by Hurricane Melissa, and we are committed to providing all possible support. Our customer service team is reviewing upcoming travel arrangements and offering flexible options to help guests who may need to reschedule their vacation plans. We will proactively contact guests with reservations in the next two weeks as a top priority. Guests may also contact us directly at 1-800-SANDALS for assistance. We kindly ask for patience and understanding as we manage a higher volume of calls during this time.
As Jamaica begins its recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s impacts, we stand ready to extend unwavering support. The Sandals Foundation has initiated proactive relief efforts across the island. Those who wish to contribute may visit sandalsfoundation.org to join the mission.
Other Travel Brands
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourismissued
the following statement regarding Hurricane Melissa:
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments &
Aviation extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to our neighbors across the
region and to residents of the central and southeast islands currently
experiencing the effects of the ongoing weather system. We recognize the
challenges posed by severe storms and stand in solidarity with all those
affected.
The American Red Cross revealed it is coordinating
with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC) to understand where the organization can offer support in the coming weeks.
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