Greek cruise line Celestyal supports Turkey quake relief efforts

The cruise line provided supplies to help the more than one million residents who remain homeless 

Celestyal, one of the few Greek cruise lines that calls into Turkey on a regular basis, has delivered emergency supplies on its first seasonal call into Kusadasi.

Blankets and sleeping bags were transported on board the ship Celestyal Crystal on its first cruise of the season.

The company has partnered with earthquake humanitarian aid campaign Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (Afad) to help provide supplies to more than one million residents who remain homeless following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that took place a month ago in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

The company’s chief executive Chris Theophilides said:“Celestyal has been bringing our guests to visit the city of Kusadasi and the magnificent ruins of nearby Ephesus for many years now. 

“As a result, we have a strong bond with Turkey and its people, and we were devastated when news broke of the horrific earthquake only a month ago. 

“A strong part of Celestyal’s DNA is to be responsible corporate citizens of the places we visit and to support the people who call these places home.  

“The least we could do is to lend a helping hand to our Turkish friends in need. We can only hope that our donation of supplies will help with this huge humanitarian effort that is so desperately needed in this part of the world.”

Celestyal also pledged to donate a portion of revenues from shore excursions in Turkey to earthquake relief efforts.