Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2023

62 align with our guiding principles of sustainability and we’re proactively seeking collaborations to help us become more sustainable and responsible. CT: As well as being an active member of CLIA, Celestyal participates in several European-based sustainable tourism programmes such as the EcoCruising FU_Tour and the Healthy Sailing Consortium. Celestyal is also an active member in the Greek Union of Cruise Ship Owners. Sharing the common goal to promote cruising, the union makes regular visits to the ports and the destinations and resolves all issues relating to the service of cruise ships and passengers in tandem with local authorities. CV: Ambassador works with several partners to support its ethical and sustainable ethos. These include community work and venue promotions with Essex Cricket Club and London Stadium. In addition, Ambassador’s 2023-2024 ORCA itineraries will total almost 500 days at sea, with each itinerary featuring an interactive education programme. Guests can also use the ORCA Oceanwatchers application to record sightings of whales and dolphins and help to record vital scientific data. How do you ensure that you’re having a positive impact on the local communities you visit? PD: Our fleet of three smaller ships means we carry no more than 1,400 guests onboard, so we avoid overcrowding ports. We also work closely with our port partners, tour operators and other suppliers to ensure that our operations bring mutual benefit to the local economy and community in the destinations that we visit. This extends to the food served onboard our ships and used during cooking demonstrations of local dishes. To minimise our environmental impact, we are continuing to develop the technology to utilise shore power at ports where possible. JR: We ensure that we leave a positive impact on local communities by adhering to the protocols established by organisations like the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. Furthermore, our ‘Cultural Immersion’ tour programme fosters an inclusive atmosphere that respects cultural traditions, religious beliefs and historical sites. We believe in building meaningful connections with the local communities and supporting their livelihoods. Plus, our expedition-style voyages with smaller ROUNDTABLE Atlas Ocean Voyages’ smaller vessels allow guests to access less-travelled destinations and provide immersive experiences that do not disrupt residents’ daily lives

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