Fancy a cruise holiday in 2021? Then set sail for ‘green’ waters...
Proof cruising can be an environmentally-friendly form of travel, these companies are keeping oceans clean, says Sarah Marshall
Just like the aviation sector, cruising is often frowned upon by environmentalists, with criticism directed at megaships polluting the ocean. Historically, there have been several big energy guzzlers riding the waves, but in the last few years, there’s been a seismic shift to a more sustainable way of sailing.
Various companies have set their own green goals in a global effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions from cruising by 40% by 2030. So, when vessels do get the green light to travel again, once the coronavirus pandemic is brought under control, conscious cruising is set to be of increased interest. Here are a few of the environmentally-focused cruise companies to seek out.
1. NEW KID ON THE BLOCK: TRADEWIND VOYAGES
New to the market, this ambitious company aims to sail without engines for 70% of the season. Their vessel, Golden Horizon, is the largest squarerigged sailing ship in the world, offering guests in the 140 sea-view cabins the charm and romance of an historic ship, coupled with modern luxury. It will debut with an ex-UK programme from May 2021, before heading east, following the winds and tracking a course around the globe.
There will be no plastic straws or bottles of water onboard, and shampoo bottles will be biodegradable. There is also a commitment to use local produce, sustainably sourced wherever possible, on menus. With regards to on-board entertainment, the programme has a strong sustainability focus with natural world experts, such as Liz Bonnin and Kate Humble, hosting some of the itineraries.
How: A 15-day Best of Britain cruise with Liz Bonnin, visiting England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly, starts from £2,699pp (two sharing). Departs May 29, 2021. Visit tradewind.tripsmiths.com or call 0808 239 1012.
2. RIVER ROYALTY: AMAWATERWAYS
AmaKristina was the river cruise industry’s first ship to earn the prestigious Green Award certification – a quality mark for ships that demonstrate high safety and environmental standards. Now the company’s full fleet of 18 vessels has received the designation.
With an ongoing commitment to protecting and preserving the world’s rivers, AmaWaterways’ ships are designed with eco-friendly elements, such as LED lights; special windows that reduce energy needs for heating and cooling; power locks to plug into a port’s power supply instead of running generators; solar heating systems; water treatment plants that use a membrane technology to provide microfiltration and recycling of all water used onboard.
How: A seven-night cruise on the Enchanting Rhine aboard AmaMora starts from £2,335 per person. Sailing down river from Basel to Amsterdam, the itinerary is more fuel efficient. Flights extra. Visit amawaterways.co.uk or call 0800 520 2250.
3. ADVENTURE IN COMFORT: DELFIN AMAZON CRUISES
One of the best ways to explore the Amazon rainforest is by boat. But don’t be put off by tales of creepy crawlies; Delfin, a luxury cruise company given the Relais & Chateaux stamp, makes the experience as comfortable as possible, while enabling guests to immerse themselves in the wild.
Exploring the Peruvian Amazon, their three vessels visit the Pacaya
Samira National Reserve, the largest protected flooded forest in the world, known as the ‘mirror forest’ thanks to its reflective waters. The bird life is spectacular, and pink river dolphins can also be seen.
Social responsibility is important to the owners of Delfin, who run NGO Kuyapa Foundation. Among their projects is an annual painting programme, where company members paint houses in the port town of Nauta, from where the cruises depart. They also provide healthcare to
remote communities in the Amazon, as well as school supplies.
How: A three-night trip costs from $3500/£2590pp full board. Flights extra. Visit delfinamazoncruises.com.
4. WILDLIFE BONANZA: ECOVENTURA
A decision to visit the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of specially adapted species who are a product of their pristine environment, brings with it a responsibility to travel with as light a footprint as possible.
Ecoventura lead the way in sustainable cruises to this Pacific paradise, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Their luxury vessels, Origin and Theory, were built specifically to minimise environmental impacts; their design allows for reduced fuel consumption and greater speed.
How: Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk; 01242 547 760) offer an eight-night Discover Galápagos trip from £4,050pp (two sharing). Includes flights, transfers and accommodation.
The Rhine river ( main image) with a giant tortoise on the Galapagos (top) and a pink river dolphin on the Amazon (above).