AROYA Cruises, the new Arabian cruise line operated by Cruise Saudi, has revealed its new mystery cruise ship, the first in its fleet.
09.12.2023 - 12:41 / forbes.com
It's not enough for cruise lines to talk about sustainability anymore. Passengers want action — and now they are getting it.
Denise and Art Kelley are among them. On a recent Galapagos trip with the Norwegian expedition cruise line Hurtigruten, Denise Kelley surveyed the rugged coastline of Rabida Island, with its volcanic inlets and abundant wildlife.
She says although the price of the cruise was a significant consideration for her, so was environmental stewardship. And it had to be more than just eliminating a few single-use soaps on a ship.
"We wanted to cruise responsibly," says Kelley.
Expedition cruises typically sail to remote or difficult-to-reach destination, like Antarctica or the Galapagos. It's more intimate than an ocean cruise, with most ships carrying less than 200 people, and often as few as 20 passengers. Expedition cruises focus on wildlife and nature, with an emphasis on photography or conservation. There's also a heavy educational element, with onboard lectures by experts. Typically, expedition cruises cost considerably more than large ocean cruises, with prices starting at around $5,000 per person for a week. The environmental awareness trend extends beyond expedition cruises to small luxury vessels, which may visit other destinations.
When it comes to sustainability, expedition and small luxury cruise lines are assuming a leadership role. And nowhere is that more evident than in the environmentally hypersensitive Galapagos. The islands have some of the strictest conservation rules in the world. No large ships are allowed. Interacting with wildlife is strictly forbidden. And guests must always be accompanied by a certified guide.
How does a cruise line set itself apart from other operators? Lately, it's been through a combination of on-board conservation initiatives and education, with a long-term goal of deepening travelers' awareness about their impact on the environment.
For example, Hurtigruten created a nonprofit organization focused on preserving endangered wildlife, fighting marine litter and supporting local communities in the areas where it operates. Hurtigruten also is the first cruise line to ban toxic heavy oil fuels in the polar regions and the first to launch hybrid-powered ships.
"Sustainability is at the core of what they do — and where they want to go," says Annie Jones, founder of Telos Travel, a travel consultancy.
Jones says Hurtigruten has multiple environmental initiatives on board. "Every day you opt out of housekeeping, 50 cents is donated to their foundation, whose mission is to fight climate change and prevent unsustainable mass tourism. If every guest opts out, that adds up to over $800 for a seven-day sailing on average," she adds.
Cruise lines are
AROYA Cruises, the new Arabian cruise line operated by Cruise Saudi, has revealed its new mystery cruise ship, the first in its fleet.
One major expedition cruise line's ship was left without power for a time after being struck by a rare rogue wave at sea Thursday.
There’s a growing appetite for expedition travel, including cruising, among intrepid families. From gazing at serrated teal icebergs in Antarctica to island-hopping in the Galápagos, there are a slew of exhilarating expedition voyages designed to meet the needs of families looking for more meaningful shared travel experiences. As an added boon for parents, some even offer onboard kids programming, nature guides for younger travelers, and interconnecting cabins to accommodate larger broods.
The Norwegian fjords region of Norway remains firmly at the top of itinerary wish-lists for Scandinavian travel. It’s no surprise, as the majestic waterways, slender waterfalls, picturesque villages, and diverse birdlife create an experience that appeals to wildlife enthusiasts, keen photographers, and cultural explorers alike.
Cunard has unveiled new shore excursions for travelers sailing aboard Queen Anne, the cruise line’s newest ship.
A senior Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) official revealed Thursday that travel advisors would no longer receive commissions for the entire cruise fare on advanced bookings, starting in the first quarter of 2024.
Where are travelers planning to go in 2024? I asked some of the sharpest minds in travel to look into their crystal balls and advance bookings to give me a sense of where people are eager to go.
Broadly speaking, the concept of experiential travel refers to immersive experiences — the kind that aims to forge a deeper connection with a destination than can usually be had from traditional leisure holidays. These often involve an element of adventure, whether physical, cultural or spiritual. According to trend-spotting agency Mabrian, these kinds of trips are now almost as high on the average traveller’s wish list as more conventional holidays — defined as involving activities such as sunbathing, family gatherings or shopping.
Norwegian Viva is the newest vessel of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and the second ship in its award-winning Prima Class. Following its debut this past August and its inaugural summer season of European voyages, the ship hosted over 1,500 guests at the ceremony held in the Company’s LEED® Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami.
Marriott Bonvoy and Celebrity Cruises are teaming up to give away a dream cruise to a lucky winner.
Travel from a remote snow-covered station high on a mountain plateau, through a lush valley packed with astonishing views, remarkable tunnels, and powerful waterfalls, down to a picturesque fjord-side village nestled beside classic Norwegian fjord landscape all in less than one hour. This is what awaits you on Norway’s incredible Flåm Railway.
When you think of a cruise vacation, you probably imagine sailing the tropical waters of the Caribbean, or navigating around the Greek islands. Your brain likely isn’t conjuring images of the sandswept deserts of Saudi Arabia. But Saudi Arabia strives to make itself more attractive for international tourism — making the process of getting a visa very easy, and establishing tourism-specific destinations like NEOM and AlUla. And thanks to its efforts, it’s become a desirable new destination for Red Sea cruises. Since the first cruise to Saudi Arabia in January 2022, sailings to the kingdom have multiplied. Right now Jeddah is the country’s main cruise port, though as tourism development continues throughout the region, more ports are likely to open. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast or a newbie, now’s the time to consider a Saudi Arabia cruise.