This morning, Zuiderdam arrived at Ocho Rios with relief supplies and volunteers to aid the country in its recovery after Hurricane Melissa. The ship stopped at Reynolds Pier to drop off nearly 5,000 boxes of aid to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Zuiderdam’s delivery included pantry safe food items, water, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bedding and clothing. The ship also dropped off a large supply of canned meat donated by AlphaOne USA, a partner of Holland America Line.
“We are honored to return to Ocho Rios and deeply grateful for the collaboration with the port, local community and tour operators,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line. “The decision was made with care and respect, knowing that tourism is vital to Jamaica’s recovery and future. Our guests are excited to bring much-needed support to the local economy.”
“On behalf of the people of St. Ann, and also representing the Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett today, I want to sincerely thank Holland America Line for this incredibly timely donation of 20 pallets of food items and water to our tourism corridor,” said Hon. Matthew Samuda, Member of Parliament of Northeast St. Ann, Jamaica. “St. Ann is a vital part of that corridor, and as we work to restore full services—especially water—this support helps us keep workers, families and small businesses going through a very tough period. It also sends a clear message: cruise partners aren’t just coming to enjoy Jamaica, they are standing with us in recovery. Every ship that returns to Ocho Rios strengthens jobs, protects livelihoods and helps our community bounce back stronger, and we value this kind of real, practical partnership.”
Volunteer Efforts & Fundraising
Holland America Line’s shipboard and shoreside teams also partnered with Chukka Caribbean Adventures and its nonprofit, Chukka Foundation, to clean up the beach in Seville. Later in the week, guests and crew will raise money for Direct Relief’s Hurricane Melissa relief fund by participating in an On Deck for a Cause 5K. Direct Relief helps connect those impacted by the hurricane with medicine and additional resources.
To make a donation, visit Direct Relief.