In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Holland America Line’s team aboard Zuiderdam arrived in Ocho Rios, delivering disaster relief supplies alongside volunteers and guests.
“We are honored to return to Ocho Rios and deeply grateful for the collaboration with the port, local community, and tour operators. “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,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line.
The Zuiderdam is one of two ships that arrived in Ocho Rios on November 11. Before its stop in Ocho Rios, Zuiderdam stopped at Reynolds Pier.
The ship delivered pantry-safe food items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, baking supplies and more to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.
During the visit, the Zuiderdam delivered nearly 5,000 boxes of relief supplies, which included food, bedding, clothing, water, and mattresses, for which the Tourism Board was deeply grateful.
“On behalf of the people of St. Ann, and also representing 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. 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,” said Hon. Matthew Samuda, Member of Parliament of Northeast St. Ann, Jamaica.
“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,” added Samuda.
Holland America Line will continue its aid efforts through guests and crew participating in Direct Relief’s On Deck for a Cause 5K walk later this week. The 5K hopes to raise money for the nonprofit’s Hurricane Melissa Fund.
