Jan 22, 2010
Between a Stop and an Earthquake
Since 1995, Royal Caribbean has been docking off the north coast of Haiti. Since last week, the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince has been reeling from a devastating 7.0 earthquake. Should the cruise ships temporarily suspend stops to their private Haitian beaches, or should they continue the status quo even though Port-au-Prince lays in ruins less than 100 miles away? Royal Caribbean decided to continue its stops and simultaneouly deliver relief supplies. In his blog, Royal Caribbean President Adam Goldstein justifies the decision with basically an “it’s the economy stupid” approach. The move has prompted bashing by some media and unsettling comments by some passengers. I’m on the coffee fence with this one. How many virtual cups of joe do you think Royal Caribbean should get for its public relations performance this week?
The virtual Cup of Joe Award from EveryDayPR spotlights our pick of the week for a public relations performance – good, bad or ugly. If you’d like to make a nomination, contact shart@hartpr.com or www.Twitter/susanhartpr.
Excellent points, Paula, which describes the decision as a win-win for Royal Caribbean and Haiti. Thanks for commenting!
If the ports they are going into are safe, sound and functioning, then why not? They are doing 2 good things in my view: First, they are helping to get supplies in to a route (leading to damaged areas) that may not otherwise be accessible. Second, they are continuing to fund the country’s commerce by having tourists there and spending their money. Ok, third – think of the Haitians that ARE trying to get their lives back up and running and are working to repair in the way they know how. By providing business to them, it gives them that opportunity.
Walking away from the sick and sending medicine from a distance does not allow for full healing. If there is opportunity for personal touch, healing moves more quickly.
I say “kudos”to them for continuing to support the country of Haiti and its people.
WITH OUR ECONOMY AS IT IS IN THE U. S. AND HAITI ROYAL CARIBBEAN MADE THE PROPER CHOICE. ON WHAT DOES THE OPPOSITION BASE ITS STATEMENT?
I think some folks thought the cruise line was being insensitive to the Haitians considering the devastation they're going through. However, it seems like a win-win for the cruise line and passengers to continue contributing dollars to the local economy and bring in relief supplies at the same time. Thanks so much for commenting!
I think this is an excellent white-washing job by RC. The fact that their passengers are on zip lines and pigging out at buffets while the Haitian people look over a 9-foot fence into the faces of armed guards hired to protect the passengers remains hypocrytical to say the least. These passengers are not going into town and supporting the local economy. Of course, the local politicos want the ships to keep coming, but does that money really reach the people? I think the choice to have Americans party across the beach from people who don't have running water is sickening.
Good points, especially about ensuring that any tourism dollars spent are indeed put back into the local economy and/or relief efforts. It will be interesting to see if the cruise ship’s decision to continue its Haitian stops affects its passenger census, especially in such a competitive business like travel. I’m glad the decision wasn’t up to me. Thanks for your thoughts and insights.
I heard a report that the cruise lines asked Haitian officials what they wanted, and were told to please keep coming as their economy is dependent on tourism in these areas. In my opinion, as soon as they are able to repair the dock destroyed by the earthquake, I think it would be a nice gesture if several major cruise lines offered some empty ships to use as floating residences for volunteer rescue and medical personnel. (Seems like they did something like this in New Orleans.) Even if they have to cancel a couple cruises to make the ships available.
Seems like tourism is Haiti's number one source of revenue, and since the cruise line is bringing in relief supplies and giving passengers the option of leaving the ship when at the Haitian port, I'm not convinced this is a bad PR move. Better to contribute economic dollars and relief supplies than nothing at all. Thanks for your comments!
I agree with Paula that by continuing the "party stops" there's an opportunity to help Haitians get their life back on track. I would say, however, that there's an opportunity for Royal Carribbean to act as a good corporate citizen and give their customers an option to help, whether it's through donation or other good works.
I like your suggestion to get passengers the option of getting involved – you never know how that experience could affect someone in a positive way. Thanks for your insight!
Interesting first-hand experience – thanks for sharing that. I'm just glad I didn't have to make this critical decision.
I’ve cruised several times on Royal Caribbean. On two occassions we were to stop in Labadee but had to change course because of civil unrest in the country. In talking with some of the cruise staff I learned that the RC hires many of the locals for the private island stops. When these stops don’t happen, these workers don’t work and don’t get paid (mostly tips). I’m mixed on this issue-not sure there is really a good response here.