Madrid, October 16, 2018 – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH), one of the world’s leading cruise companies that operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, today announced the opening of Ivan Dawson Primary School, the first school built as a result of the company’s “Hope Starts Here” hurricane relief campaign.
Together with All Hearts and Hands – Smart Response, the company has raised more than $2.5 million to provide rapid relief and rebuild safe and resilient schools in Caribbean communities impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. A portion of the funds has been used to construct the elementary school in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. On October 5, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings officially attended the grand opening celebration for the school, which serves students from preschool through sixth grade and will open its doors to students on October 31.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the opening of this first school together with All Hearts and Hands – Smart Response, which is one of the direct results of our Hope Starts Here hurricane relief campaign,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We are tremendously grateful to everyone who contributed to the construction of Ivan Dawson Primary School and helped us bring hope back to families in the community.”.
The Hope Starts Here hurricane relief program began in September 2017, when the company partnered with the relief organization All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response to provide immediate aid in Key West and rebuild schools and other critical infrastructure across the affected Caribbean islands, including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Tortola. It was the largest fundraising campaign in the company's history. Within 90 days of its launch, Hope Starts Here had reached its goal of raising $2.5 million to support All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response. The program received more than $1.25 million in donations from the company team, passengers, suppliers, and travel partners, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. matched that amount.
