Intercruises has announced a new partnership with Mercy Ships, a global charity operating the largest non-governmental hospital ship in the world.

Home to over 400 volunteers from 40+ different countries, the Mercy Ship’s hospital vessel, the Africa Mercy, currently spends up to ten months a year docked in a location where some medical services are either inaccessible or simply non-existent. Since its inception in 1978, Mercy Ships has provided free healthcare and life-saving procedures valued at over $1.5bn, treating more than 2.71 million direct beneficiaries in more than 70 countries.

Intercruises’ support will focus on the Mercy Ships Training and Capacity Building initiative, which advances local medical infrastructure by improving the quality of healthcare services. From technical skills training, to improving working conditions, this initiative provides knowledge, tools and resources to enable local communities to deliver better healthcare on a permanent basis after the Africa Mercy has departed. Intercruises will also help spread awareness of Mercy Ships through the wider tourism industry and provide its own ground handling and port agency services where possible.

“As industry leaders we have a responsibility to support sustainable development, whether it be implementing environmentally-friendly initiatives, working with local communities or in this case, supporting those that need it most through a meaningful partnership. Mercy Ships brings hope to the forgotten and we are very humbled to be able to offer a helping hand.”

Olga Piqueras, Managing Director

Intercruises and Mercy Ships have a strong maritime connection, with both organizations providing products and services at the highest standards. It has been said many times that the cruise industry provides life-changing experiences to their guests, which Intercruises plays a key role in. Mercy Ships also brings life changing experiences to our “guests”, which are our patients who have no access to basic healthcare. By partnering together, Mercy Ships and Intercruises can impact more lives through employee engagement opportunities, campaigns to raise awareness and by building relationships within the cruise industry. We are honored to be building this win/win partnership.” 

Russ Holmes, Director of Corporate Development, Mercy Ships

For more information and to find out how you can get involved, visit their website here.