Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to Jamaica, and Royal Caribbean is ready to step up to help in the relief effort.
As the storm moves past the Caribbean island, it's becoming clear how much land and human life has been devastated.
Melissa was one of the most powerful storms ever, and it made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm.
It's now weakened and moved through the Bahamas, on its way toward Bermuda
Authorities say more than 30 deaths have been attributed to the storm in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Falmouth, Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Photo by Michael Wattkis
Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley jumped in quickly on social media to offer a promise that his cruise line will step up to help.
Royal Caribbean has a long history of assisting countries its ships regularly visit when a natural disaster strikes.
Over $1 million relief supplies on the way
Mr. Bayley posted a short message indicating his people are engaged in how to help with the flow of support.
"[Jamaica] our thoughts and actions are with the people of Jamaica impacted by the Hurricane," he posted on Facebook.
"We have been in touch with the Government and many of our 1,200 employees and crew from the island. We are coordinating relief supplies to be brought into Jamaica by air and sea for the communities hardest hit."
Update: Royal Caribbean announced late on Thursday it will contribute more than $1 million in aid to Jamaica and The Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean Group is proud to stand with our communities and employees in Jamaica as they recover from Hurricane Melissa. We’ve pledged more than $1 million to support recovery in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa through Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and to support our local crew members through our Employee Hardship Fund. Our ships are also delivering critical supplies directly to those in need.
Royal Caribbean Group set up an easy way to support the relief efforts or to learn more about how to help by visiting give.gem.org/RCGgivesback.
Royal Caribbean ships dock in Falmouth, which is a port it helped develop in 2011. Prior to that, its ships visited Jamaica for decades in other ports, such as Ocho Rio and Montego Bay.
"Thank You Royal Caribbean Group"
Mr. Bayley's post was met with universal support by cruise fans who shared their admiration for the quick action.
"Thank You Royal Caribbean Group for the unwavering support of your family," wrote Kim Finnegan-Sheplock.
"This [is how]Royal has responded in the past and I am sure they will continue to respond with care and love in the future," added Bill Raffel.
Lori Hawthorne added, "Such a devastating storm. My thoughts to all of the wonderful people there. Thank you for helping."
Cathy Hirsch wrote, "I fell in love with the Jamaican people because of your cruises and have felt so helpless. It does my heart good to know that you are taking action."
Elizabeth Kohlmeier added, "So proud of the way the company just doesn’t send thoughts and prayers, but actually does something for the staff the countries that are affected by these natural disasters One of the reasons why we are loyal to Royal."
Hurricane Melissa is now a threat to Bermuda
While the storm isn't as strong as it was when it hit Jamaica, Melissa remains a major story.
As of Thursday afternoon, it was still a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph and headed to Bermuda.
The good news is the National Hurricane Center expect the storm to weaken again on Friday.
While Melissa will pass to the northwest of Bermuda, some strong winds could still reach Bermuda.
You can support the relief efforts too
While Royal Caribbean is going to offer relief aid soon to Jamaica, there are ways for everyone to help out too.
Jamaican officials also launched the Support Jamaica website where you can make a donation.
Many humanitarian organizations have already set up methods to donate and help the relief efforts in Jamaica.
Here are the most popular options for donating:
Jamaican authorities have also issued a warning to be wary of scams where "nefarious individuals" are trying to snipe relief money.
"We have already been made aware of some nefarious individuals trying to collect money on behalf of Jamaica. We remind you that this will be the official site. If it doesn’t have .gov.jm, it’s not legitimate, it’s not an official government of Jamaica site," officials said in a statement.
