Global travelers know through their own experiences that far more unites the people of the world than divides them. We celebrate our common humanity while also enjoying the diversity of cultures and unique individuals populating our planet. Where war and strife erupt, we grieve the lives lost and disrupted and know that all of us are affected when diplomacy and mutual respect are trampled by extreme nationalism and self-interest.

I find it so appropriate, therefore, that the travel industry is responding to the war in Ukraine with efforts to support those affected directly by the conflict and providing aid to them. Having just returned from a seven-day cruise to Mexico aboard Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess, I am particularly mindful of the efforts of the world’s cruise lines in this regard. When we arrived in our stateroom the afternoon of embarkation in Los Angeles, we found a letter from the cruise line’s president, John Padgett, on the desk. After noting with pride the diversity and inclusiveness of the Princess team, representing dozens of countries from around the Earth, he acknowledged, “Our thoughts right now are with our Ukrainian and Russian team members as we know they are concerned about events unfolding in their homelands and the impact on their friends, families and loved ones.”

He went on to identify some of the ways those affected by the events were being supported by Princess, including internet vouchers, counseling, flexibility in scheduling work and providing alternative payroll solutions for those unable to access their bank accounts. He expressed gratitude for the compassion and support crew members offered their colleagues aboard and the sympathy and concern shown by Princess guests as well.

Other concrete measures of support have been extended by other cruise lines. The Holland America Group (made up of sister cruise lines Holland America Line, Princess, Seabourn and P&O Australia) pledged $1 million for an emergency assistance fund to provide direct financial support to Ukrainian team members. Holland America Line intends to raise funds through its On Deck for a Cause program, in which guests on every cruise can participate in a 5K fundraising walk. The money will go to Direct Relief in support of medical needs in Ukraine and for displaced citizens.

Last week, the Netherlands and City of Rotterdam officials announced an agreement with Holland America Line to charter the cruise line’s Volendam

Photo 231816498 © Wiktor Wojtas | Dreamstime.com

for three months in order to accommodate up to 1,500 Ukrainian refugees, a portion of the 50,000 Ukrainians the country has agreed to shelter. The ship and some 650 crew members will provide three hot meals a day; private staterooms; use of the ship’s public areas, including the fitness facilities; internet access, housekeeping services and more. The ship will remain docked in Rotterdam

Photo 231817857 © Wiktor Wojtas | Dreamstime.com

so that families aboard can readily access services in the city. Originally scheduled to return to service on May 15 with sailings in Northern Europe, Volendam instead will resume regular service in early July, and passengers booked on the three sailings now canceled due to the special charter will be rebooked on similar itineraries.

Holland America president Gus Antorcha said, “Our company was founded in Rotterdam around the mission of helping immigrants find a better life. So today we’re proud to be a small part of a similar mission for Ukrainians who have tragically been displaced.” While apologizing for the inconvenience to the guests booked on the canceled cruises, he expressed hope that they would understand the “unprecedented” nature of the situation and the importance of helping those in need.

If you are called to provide help to those in need, there are a number of organizations doing essential work in Ukraine and the countries taking in refugees. Do your research to be sure your donation will go to a legitimate organization able to use your funds efficiently and well. One helpful source is CharityWatch, which rates charities for fundraising efficiency, percentage of funds spent directly on programs, and meeting transparency and governance benchmarks. It shares a list of top-rated charities providing aid in Ukraine here.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor