We at Seasite and sister company Landry & Kling applaud Royal Caribbean’s quick commitment to humanitarian aid in response to the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. There has been some negative press regarding the cruise company’s decision to continue calling on the port of Labadee, on the north side of the island (a call, by the way, encouraged by the government of Haiti). Here is Joyce Landry’s response to the criticism:

From Joyce Landry, CEO of Landry & Kling:

“It is amazing how many people are quick to judge Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for continuing to conduct business in Haiti in the  aftermath of the devastating earthquake.   Royal Caribbean has been providing jobs in Haiti for the last 20 years and conducting business in a country that has been forsaken by all other cruise lines.  They have funded aid organizations and were at the forefront of responding to the crisis by loading their ships with supplies for delivery to the area.   In addition, RCCL has pledged to donate $1 million to help the families of their crew members from Haiti.

What would be gained by canceling their cruises to the area of Haiti that was untouched by the earthquake?  People still need work – life still goes on.  I would like to ask the same people who are complaining about Royal Caribbean if they stopped their lives last week when the earthquake hit – or did they go to their offices and conduct business as usual?

We all must do what we can to help – but let’s not judge those who are doing what they can do to help – with the resources they have.  I applaud Royal Caribbean for their swift response and for supporting the people of Haiti – both aboard ship and ashore for many, many years. “

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