Werr hat in diesen Tagen nach dem verheerenden Sturm auf den Phlilppinen nicht an seinen netten Waiter oder Steward an Bord er letzten Kreuzfahrt gedacht der strahlend über seine Familie und Pläne erzählte
Und überlegt wer nun alles betroffen ist.
Nun zumindest die großen Kreuzfahrtgesellschaften haben einiges getan wie ich heute in Englisch lesen konnte. Hier der Text.
On Friday, November 8, one of the most powerful storms ever recordedslammed the central Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan's devastatingwinds approached 200 mph and whipped up a storm surge that reached 12 to15 feet.
Entire villages were swept away, and the infrastructure that suppliesfresh water, electricity, communications and sanitation was severelydamaged. According to reports from the Red Cross, approximately 10million people across 40 provinces have been affected, and as many as600,000 people have been displaced.
At this writing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and ManagementCouncil in the Philippines has reported the official death count at4,011, plus at least 1,602 missing and 18,567 injured.
Filipinos make up a large percentage of the crews that staff cruiseships, and numerous cruise lines have stepped up to provide support.
Filipinos are the largest nationality represented on the cruise lines ofthe Royal Caribbean family of brands, which includes RoyalCaribbean, Celebrity, Azamara, Pullmantur andCroisières de France. More than 12,800 employees of RoyalCaribbean Cruises Ltd. call the Philippines home. The company committed$1 million toward disaster aid, sent an emergency team to thehardest-hit areas and is helping employees connect with relatives in thePhilippines.
Carnival Corp. and its affiliated brands -- which includeHolland America, Princess, Seabourn, Costa,Cunard and P&O Cruises -- have partnered with the MiamiHeat basketball team to pledge at least $1 million toward typhoon reliefefforts. The company is providing free phone calls and Internet accessand personalized logistical support to its Filipino staff.
Each of the affiliated brands have made contributions. Cunard andP&O donated $100,000. Holland America and Seabournpledged $25,000 toward disaster relief. Costa has donated$100,000 to a crew fund. Princess also has made donations torelief organizations.
Norwegian has set up a relief fund for crew members and theirfamilies and is helping employees contact family and make travelarrangements.
Finally, Vacations To Go has donated $25,000 to theAmerican Red Crossto support relief efforts in the Philippines.
I have written before in this column of my admiration for the graciousand talented Filipino crew members I have had the pleasure of meeting oncruise ships, of their ability to deliver inspired service with a smileto an ever-changing audience of demanding passengers while living formonths at a time away from their homes and families.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured and suffering and those who lost loved ones, homes and businesses.
Gruß
Werner