Cruise lines are partnering with aid and conservation agencies to enhance sustainability and support humanitarian efforts in the destinations they visit. Here are 7 examples of how they’re making a difference.

A Fijian clean-up

As part of a major partnership with the global clean-up campaign Take 3 For The Sea, Norwegian Cruise Line recently organised a complimentary beach clean-up series as part of Norwegian Spirit’s local season, kicking off with it’s first ever clean-up excursion at Wailoaloa Beach in Fiji.

The event saw a huge turnout with 84 participants, including 64 Norwegian Spirit guests & crew, as well as members of the Tourism Fiji team and other local volunteers. Together they successfully collected more than 514 kgs of rubbish, including 447 plastic bottles and 851 pieces of plastic.

New Mercy ship

MSC Foundation have pledged to an anchor donation for the construction of a new ship for the charity Mercy Ships International that will deliver free surgery & training annually to thousands of people in Africa.

Since Mercy Ships was founded in 1978, the organisation has provided more than 117,000 transformational specialised surgical procedures. Mercy Ships, a non-governmental organisation, is also committed to boosting the capacities of local healthcare systems, including training more than 54,300 local professionals. Expanding it’s fleet with a new purpose built hospital ship will allow Mercy Ships to increase it’s capacity to collaborate with host nations in training and advocacy.

For more information about Mercy Ships, please click here

Youth Scholarships

Heritage Expeditions’ True Young Explorer Scholarships give young people the opportunity to experience the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, the Kimberley and the Ross Sea.

The cruise line fundraises for and delivers school supplies to remote communities and islands in the South Pacific along with Learning Resources for Villages, and hosts an Artist in Residence program to promote the significance of the Southern Ocean.

Career Mentorship

Carnival Cruise Line offers a unique mentoring program in partnership with the Miami Heat and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through this initiative, more than 90 high school graduates from the Miami Heat Academy for at-risk youth are paired with members of Carnival’s management team, giving them a first-hand look at the business world.

Natural Wonders

Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Moana Explorer Program, created in partnership with Te Mana O Te Moana, gives young adventurers aged seven to fifteen, the chance to explore the natural wonders of French Polynesia.

Through a blend of fun and educational activities, children dive into rich marine life, create ocean inspired art and immerse themselves in the local culture. The complimentary program not only makes learning an adventure but also fosters a deep appreciation for the environment.

Juneau Rescue

Norwegian Cruise Line has rallied to support the residents of Juneau, the capital of Alaska, after the worst flood in the town’s history.
The unprecedented flooding was triggered by the release of water from the Mendenhall Glacier and cause widespread destruction, inundating homes and displacing numerous residents.

Norwegian Cruise Line donated $50,000 US to the Juneau Community Foundation to support a newly established fund aimed at providing financial assistance for needs.

Supporting Macquarie Island

The Ponant Foundation has pledged an annual grant to the Macquarie Island Conservation Foundation, becoming a major supporter of it’s science and research initiatives. These are aimed at understanding the impact of climate change on Macquarie Island and ecosytem recovery after pest eradication.

Thank you to CLIA and their latest issue of New Wave magazine for providing the content for this blog.

If you would like to know more about sustainability practices at sea contact TS Travel.

Images used with permission from Unsplash with special thanks to
Photo by Mayur Gala for the ‘sun in hands’ image