This week in the cruise industry the major cruise lines announced a host of new options for travelers who care about conservation or are looking for a little environmentally-conscious adventure.
Crystal announced that Jean-Michel Cousteau, the famous oceanographer, ocean conservationist and first son of ocean pioneer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, will join two sailings aboard the Crystal Serenity this spring and fall, as well as an expedition sailing on the boutique yacht, Crystal Esprit. Onboard he will offer lectures tailored to each region of sailing. The available itineraries are Crystal Serenity’s May 24 “Hawaiian Havens”; the October 27 “Amazon Escape”; and Crystal Esprit’s November 19 West Indies voyage.
Cousteau has also signed a deal with Aqua Expeditions that will launch with a series of special luxury cruises in 2017 and 2018 featuring five seven-night departures on both the Aria Amazon and Aqua Mekong vessels. Each voyage will include evening talks with Cousteau, and screenings of several of his films. Rates start at $11,150, based on double occupancy. Each departure is available for individual travelers or as a buyout for full charters.
For guests looking for a more adventurous option, Royal Caribbean International has announced a new partnership with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), making it the only cruise line in the world with PADI Five Star Dive Centers onboard. The new centers allow guests to become certified scuba divers as part of their vacation. Royal Caribbean offers a range of programs from a 30-minute Try Dive program, for those just wanting to get their feet wet, to PADI's Reactivate Program for certified divers wanting a refresher; prices starting at $29 and $59 per person, respectively. Travelers can also enroll in PADI's Open Water Diver course to earn their complete scuba diving certification, starting at $599 per person. Guests can book either before their vacation or while onboard.
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