Cruise lines are going green with sustainable shore excursions

Cruisers are being inspired to take action in their own lives by shore excursions that shine a light on sustainability.

Sustainability was a big topic at the recent Cruise Lines International Association Cruise360 Conference in Sydney – not just emissions and environmental protections but also destination stewardship.

We often hear about over tourism in cities such as Barcelona and Venice but CLIA managing director Joel Katz says even in high-profile destinations like Barcelona, cruise tourism represents only four per cent of visitors.

“Responsible management of cruise tourism is key,” Katz said. “And will continue to be huge focus for our industry, as we work to create solutions in tourism management, demonstrate our environmental progress, and bring real economic benefits to communities around the world.”

One tangible way that cruise lines are demonstrating progress is by offering shore excursions with a focus on sustainability. These experiences can inspire cruisers to incorporate changes into their own lives.

Coral Expeditions holds an annual citizen science-themed expedition to the Great Barrier Reef, with the next sailing next March on expedition ship Coral Discoverer. Guests can learn about marine conservation at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg and with the Project Manta team in the protected “green zone” manta ray sanctuary of Lady Elliot Island.

There’s the chance to participate in species surveys on guided snorkelling sessions while travelling with a community of conservation-minded explorers. Guests also contribute to conservation programs including Eye on the Reef, GBRMPA Sightings Network, Coral Watch and Mangrove Watch.

There’s the chance to participate in species surveys on guided snorkelling sessions. Picture: Phil Warring/Coral Expeditions.

Another Australian line, Aurora Expeditions participates in Clean Up Svalbard, a joint effort to remove waste from the shores of Svalbard, part of Norway, by members of Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. Dependent on weather conditions, the plan is to visit at least half a dozen beaches on a Svalbard archipelago expedition to help remove waste.

According to Aurora Expeditions, a recent voyage collected 1000 litres of plastic pollution. The aim is to encourage passengers to reduce their own impact on the environment by reducing their use of disposable or single-use items, as well as taking part in clean-ups at home and other places.

Oceania Cruises offers a range of “Go Green Tours” on their itineraries worldwide highlighting the ways in which locals are working to conserve and sustain their surroundings. For example, in St Lucia in the Caribbean, guests can see how honey bees contribute to the island country’s biodiversity while browsing the Iyanola Apiculture Collective, an organisation that supports beekeeping throughout the Caribbean.

In Tallinn, Estonia, there is a shore excursion to the Telliskivi Creative City, the largest creative centre in Estonia, with green fashion designer Reet Aus who upcycles excess textiles that would otherwise end up in landfill. At the recent Paris Olympics, Estonian athletes wore Reet Aus designs at the Closing Ceremony.

Originally published as Cruise lines are going green with sustainable shore excursions