Despite all its own problems. the cruise industry has continued to help the communities that support its work. Captain Cook Cruises is no exception: it has provided emergency essential supplies to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands in Fji, two areas that are reliant on cruise tourism.
This included a range of groceries, medical supplies, personal hygiene packs, baby packs and seeds for edible plants.
Captain Cook Cruises worked on the initiative with the Rotary Clubs of Sydney Cove and Nadi in delivering the aid. This was also made possible from a range of donations from past passengers, social media followers and the general public, who all contributed to help out the islands.
Allison Haworth West, CEO of Captain Cook Cruises said: “It was wonderful to see the smiling faces of the villagers as we delivered these essential supplies to these areas effected by border closures and lack of tourism to these beautiful islands in Fiji.”
Jackie Charlton, whose mum helped found the line, said: ” I am a past President of the Rotary club of Sydney Cove. Our club meet on a Captain Cook Cruises vessel moored at Circular Quay and my father, Trevor Haworth, was a founding member. He also founded Captain Cook Cruises with my Mum, Geraldine. I have been a member of Rotary for more than 15 years.
“Captain Cook Cruises supports the villages in the islands we visit in Fiji through donations from our passengers and landing fees. They are really suffering with no tourism and so I established the RAWCs fund to allow for tax deductible donations to Fiji from Australia.
“We promoted the fund through our (Captain Cook Cruises Fiji) past passengers, to Rotary club members and the Board of the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove also agreed to a $15,000 donation from club funds. We also ran a GoFundMe late last year.
“It was initiated by Vomo island and raised funds that really helped but the distribution ended months ago and the villagers needed help. It was lovely to see the smiles on the villages faces and the caring way they shared everything they received, we feel privileged to be able to help.”
Hundreds of workers, particularly in the hospitality industry, have been hardest hit by the lack of tourism. Captain Cook Cruises’ Reef Endeavour usually visits the region this time of the year, bringing in passengers who want to experience the beauty of Fiji.
The relief efforts will continue when the line is finally able to commence on Fijian itineraries, with plans to deliver aid to Sawailau and Yanuya as well.
