Carnival Corporation and the Miami HEAT have announced that they will donate USD$1 million to support relief efforts in communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Miami Heat owner Micky Arison is also the Chairman of Carnival Corporation.

Carnival chairman Micky Arison said, “All of us at Carnival and the Miami HEAT extend our deepest sympathy to the Philippines and its people. The typhoon in the Philippines has caused massive destruction, and is having a tragic impact on people and families, including those members of our extended Carnival family who reside in the region. We are in the process of evaluating a variety of worthy organisations who are doing fantastic work in the Philippines. In addition to providing financial support for relief efforts, our collective thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been impacted.”

In addition to pledges, each of Carnival Corporation’s brands and its employees will continue to support the ongoing relief efforts through local fundraising and other aid initiatives.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 102 ships totaling 209,000 lower berths with seven new ships scheduled to be delivered between May 2014 and April 2016.