Cruise line helping out the environment

Cruise ships are often linked - rightly or wrongly - with pollution. For that reason it is great tp see a leading cruise line doing its bit for the environment.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is partnering with Take 3 for the Sea in Australia to support the organisation’s work in reducing plastic pollution in Australian waterways and oceans.

It also aims to inspire NCL staff, travel partners and guests to be part of the change.

Take 3 for the Sea is a not-for-profit organisation that advocates for everyone to ‘take 3’ pieces of rubbish with them each time they visit a beach, park or bushland area as part of its plan to remove 50 million pieces of rubbish from waterways by 2025.

As Take 3 for the Sea’s partner, NCL will create and undertake a range of engaging activities to encourage awareness of the movement among the travel community, including dedicated clean-up experiences for staff, travel partners and guests, including NCL’s annual Walk for Wellness initiative, which kicks off in October.

“Conserving the health of our oceans and reducing plastic pollution is an important part of our comprehensive Sail & Sustain program,” said Ben Angell, managing director and vice president of NCL APAC.

“As the first major cruise line to eradicate single-use plastic water bottles from our ships, we’re proud to say that so far, across our three sister brands at NCLH we’ve kept over 14 million water bottles and 50 million plastic straws from harming the environment.

“As an avid surfer and swimmer, the ocean is a big part of my life. Together with my family, I’ve been ‘taking 3 for the sea’ for many years in my local community.

"Now, I’m honoured to share my passion and roll up my sleeves alongside my colleagues, travel industry partners and NCL guests to empower others to get involved.”

Jacquie Riddell, CEO of Take 3 for the Sea, said: “We are delighted to have NCL on board ... recognising that doing good for the planet can promote a sense of personal wellbeing.”

Recent consumer research conducted by NCL showed that 44% of guests feel sustainability is a very important factor when choosing their cruise line.

Image: Jacqui Riddell, CEO of Take 3 for the Sea and Ben Angell, NCL’s managing director and vice president, APAC, at Freshwater Beach, NSW