Seatrade Cruise Global 2017 Names Mercy Ships As Non-Profit Partner

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Seatrade Cruise Global, the leading global business-to-business event for the cruise industry, announces Mercy Ships as its non-profit partner for 2017. Benefitting the groundbreaking non-profit, Seatrade Cruise Global is donating a portion of proceeds from the Professional Woman in Cruise Brunch and a matching contribution for each customer insight survey gathered at Seatrade Cruise Global, March 13-16 2017.

"On behalf of the Seatrade Cruise Global team, we are humbled by the extraordinary efforts of the caring volunteers at Mercy Ships and the work they do each and every day to make a difference in the lives of  thousands around the world," shares Robyn Duda, Portfolio Director for Seatrade Cruise Global. "We look forward to raising funds as well as awareness of this nonprofit's ongoing remarkable mission during Seatrade Cruise Global 2017."

Using hospital ships to transform lives and serve nations, Mercy Ships is an international organization bringing hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor. The organization has performed services valued at more than $1.3 billion, impacting more than 2.56 million of the world's most impoverished people since its inception in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens.  Mercy Ships has completed more than 581 port visits in 57 nations to date.

"The maritime industry has a long history of generosity supporting the mission of Mercy Ships throughout our organization's 38-year history," explains Russ Holmes, Director of Development/Corporate Relations for Mercy Ships. "And through this partnership with Seatrade Cruise Global seek to engage the cruise industry in helping us bring hope and healing."

Mercy Ships currently consists of the Africa Mercy, the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship and is dedicated to the continent of Africa.  It has an average of 1000 volunteer crew, from up to 40 nations, serving onboard annually. The non-profit works with host nations to strengthen the local healthcare delivery system while serving the surgical needs of the host country. Mercy Ships also provides a variety of training opportunities for medical professionals (surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers, administrators and community health workers). Collaborating with qualified local and international partners, Mercy Ships has provided services and materials in developing nations valued at over $1.3 billion. For more information on Mercy Ships, visit www.mercyships.org. 

About Seatrade Cruise Global

Seatrade Cruise Global 2017 is taking place 13-16 March 2017 at the Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center. The exhibition is the leading annual global business-to-business event for the cruise industry. Bringing together buyers and suppliers for a four-day conference and three-day exhibition, the gathering draws more than 10,000 registered attendees, over 700 exhibiting companies from 93 countries and more than 300 international journalists to become the cruise industry's epicenter of ideas, products and services.  A who's who of the industry participate in a comprehensive panel of discussions featuring experts, leaders and thought-makers including the State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote with the chief executives of the world's largest cruise companies. Call +1-212-600-3260 or visit www.seatradecruiseglobal.com/ for more information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:   
Mike Hicks / Arden Hare
Lou Hammond Group
561-655-3836 / 843-628-3426
michaelh@louhammond.com / ardenh@louhammond.com   

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion, treating more than 2.56 million direct beneficiaries. The Africa Mercy is crewed by 400 volunteers from up to 40 nations, an average of 1000 each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers, and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. With offices in 16 nations, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information click on www.mercyships.org

Hi-res photos and general Mercy Ships B-Roll video footage are available upon request.

SOURCE Seatrade Cruise Global