Celebrity Cruises has forged a partnership with a non-profit organisation to inspire young people to act for a sustainable future.
The deal with EarthEcho International, founded by Philippe Cousteau Jr – grandson of French explorer and consevationist Jacques Cousteau – was revealed at the naming ceremony of dedicated Galapagos Islands’ vessel Celebrity Flora.
The 100-passenger all-suite mega yacht is claimed to be most energy-efficient ship of its kind in the region.
The use of an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially designed diesel engines will help cut fuel consumption and emissions by 15%.
Using anchorless technology, the ship’s position can be maintained while protecting the sensitive ocean floor.
Other features include in-room water filtration stations and the ability to reuse air conditioning condensation to provide water to the ship’s laundry.
Reverse osmosis equipment will be used, so the ship can process sea water into fresh water.
Any material that can be recycled, reused or donated will be as part of a strict waste management system, according to the line.
The EarthEcho International collaboration will see a youth strategy introduced designed to empower a new generation of environmental advocates both in the local communities of the Galapagos, as well as on board Celebrity Flora and Celebrity Xpedition in the Galapagos.
The scheme will include:
- youth focused, environmental sustainability projects in the Galapagos Islands
- activities for youth as part of Celebrity’s onboard programme
The goal is to explore opportunities to expand the partnership to other regions around the world.
Cousteau Jr said: “The launch of Celebrity Flora presents an incredible opportunity for EarthEcho International and Celebrity Cruises to jointly develop a meaningful and impactful, initiative that will engage and empower young environmental leaders both onboard and in the communities of the Galapagos Islands.”
Celebrity Cruises’ president and Lisa Lutoff-Perlo added: “We want to leave a destination in a better place than when we found it, and we work with partners who share this mission, so joining with EarthEcho International and Philippe is the perfect partnership for us, especially as we both passionately believe that the next generation is critically important to the future of our planet.”
Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: “The Galapagos is a truly unique destination and deserved a ship with sustainability at its core.”