CRUISE company Carnival – including P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard and Holland America Line – is contributing $350,000 to support disaster relief following Australia’s devastating bushfires.

Carnival Australia president Sture Myrmell said Carnival has strong ties with Australia – 19 ships were based in local waters or visiting Australia over this summer cruise season.

“Our cruise lines carried hundreds of thousands of Aussies and international guests on voyages this summer, and this gesture is a sign of our solidarity with the local community,” Mr Myrmell said.

“As a cruise shipping organisation with close ties to Australian communities developed over many years, we have been shocked by the devastation from this ongoing disaster.

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Carnival’s cruise lines are contributing to the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery work because of the organisation’s experience in dealing with the effects of natural disasters and its national reach.

“Communities affected by the bushfire crisis are in immediate need and we are pleased to be able to contribute in a way that ensures help can be delivered where it is needed most and as quickly as possible,” Mr Myrmell said.

“This contribution is being made on behalf of all of our guests who are no doubt equally shocked and concerned at what has happened to their fellow Australians.”

This donation will help provide emergency assistance, deliver recovery programs, help people and communities prepare for disasters, train, equip and coordinate volunteers, and much more.

The commitment is in addition to the $50,000 that P&O Cruises Australia and its guests combined to donate to the St Vincent de Paul Society at the end of last year to support those affected by the bushfires in New South Wales and Queensland at the time.