One of Haiti’s largest foreign investors is Royal Caribbean whose ships have been visiting the country for some thirty years.   Today the cruise line announced that ships will still visit, but instead of cruise passengers they will offload much needed food, water and  supplies to earthquake victims.

Independence of the Seas calls today in Labadee,  the private area leased by RCI, delivering rice, powered milk, water and canned goods.  Subsequent emergency deliveries are scheduled January 18 (Navigator of the Seas); January 19 (Liberty of the Seas) and January 22 (Celebrity Solstice).  Royal Caribbean works with the local charity Food for the Poor which will move the supplies from Labadee to areas most in need.

Royal Caribbean is also making a $1 million donation in humanitarian relief and will help its passengers who want to help to donate money via their online account.    Roughly 200 Hatian crew members can get aid through a special RCI fund.

ShipCritic applauds Royal Caribbean for acting so quickly to provide aid during this catastrophe.