Cruise ships . . . Hurricanes . . . When you're in a business that puts your most valuable assets out on the open sea pretty much 24/7, a mitzvah or general charitable good deed or two is probably a good idea, to keep Poseidon on your side.

So, this: Earlier today, Carnival Corporation — parent company of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises, and P&O Cruises Australia — announced that it was donating $2 million to four charities engaged in relief and rebuilding efforts related to October's Hurricane Sandy, which did such a number on New Jersey and New York.

The Robin Hood Relief Fund will receive $1 million, Habitat for Humanity International will receive $500,000, Save the Children will receive $250,000, and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City will receive $250,000.

"Super Storm Sandy was one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history and on behalf of the 90,000 global employees of Carnival Corporation & plc we are pleased to provide this financial support to those who were affected by the storm," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corp.'s chairman and CEO.

The Robin Hood Relief Fund launched a large-scale relief effort to aid those in the tri-state area within hours of the storm, providing more than $17.6 million in grants to more than 160 different groups. The organization now is moving into phase two of its recovery effort, providing for the long-term needs created by the storm including: housing, job-training, legal counseling and more, with 100 percent of donations going to Sandy relief.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit organization that builds houses for people in need. Carnival Corporation’s donation has been earmarked for the five Habitat chapters that have been affected by the storm and are assisting with the recovery efforts. Following the storm, Habitat for Humanity International launched a multiphase response to help affected communities. This effort includes a range of services that will address both the short-term and long-term need for safe and decent housing.

Save the Children's domestic emergency response teams were dispatched to New Jersey and New York within 48 hours of the storm to work with children and families in shelters, and with communities to identify both short- and longer-term needs. The organization also is coordinating with national partners to assess the critical needs of families impacted by the storm.

The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is assisting with immediate and long-term restoration efforts throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The fund is accepting financial donations to support hurricane relief efforts, and 100 percent of donations are being dispersed to relief efforts and organizations.