Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a number of initiatives as part of the relief efforts for the devastating earthquake in Haiti.Effective with this past weekend’s departures, guests sailing on all 22 Carnival Cruise Lines ships can make a donation to the American Red Cross for Haitian Relief and Development via their Sail & Sign shipboard accounts.

Carnival employees both shipboard and shoreside are also donating to the American Red Cross for Haitian Relief and Development and organizing a  variety of fundraisers to aid those affected by the earthquake. The company is also making a donation to the same agency.

Additionally, Carnival has partnered with the Miami HEAT and AmericanAirlines Arena and has begun collecting food and emergency items that will be shipped and distributed to Haiti by the University of Miami’s Project Medishare organization.  Collection boxes have been set up at Carnival’s Miami and Miramar, Fla., offices so that employees can donate water, blankets, diapers and other essential items.

These efforts are part of a $5 million contribution from Carnival’s parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, and its affiliated cruise brands, announced earlier today.