The folks at Virgin Voyages believe sailing should feel and be transformative. That’s why the popular cruise line is setting out to create what it calls an “Epic Sea Change For All,” a movement focused on creating positive change for people and the planet through the power of the sea.
So, what exactly does that mean? Virgin Voyages shared the five core initiatives on which the movement is based: delivering transformational life experiences for its Sailors, securing a healthy future for our ocean, building positive entrepreneurial relationships in its communities, developing rewarding partnerships with its partners and providing a caring and generous place to work for its crew.
In correspondence with World Oceans Day this June, we’re taking a closer look at a few highlights from the supplier’s annual Impact Report to see how Virgin Voyages is taking steps to “preserve, protect and celebrate our seas.”
Partnered With Three Sustainable Marine Fuel Providers To Advance Cleaner Energy Solutions
In 2022, Virgin Voyages announced its partnerships with Argent Energy, Good Fuels and Twelve, three advanced waste-based, sustainable marine fuel (SMF) providers. As the cruise industry makes moves toward using clean energy, these partnerships signal Virgin Voyages’ commitment to adopting new solutions aboard its vessels. “We estimate that shifting to advanced waste-based fuels could reduce our life-cycle carbon emissions by 75 percent or more,” said Virgin Voyages in its 2022-2023 Impact Report.
All Virgin Voyages Ships Will Have Shore Power by 2025
By 2025, all four Virgin Voyages ships — Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Brilliant Lady and Resilient Lady — are expected to have shore power technology. Recognized by the company as “one of the most significant ways to protect local air quality and reduce emissions,” shore power allows cruise ships to connect to green electric power while in port, eliminating the need to keep their engines running.
65% of Tours Under Contract With Operators That Meet Standards For Sustainable Tourism
In addition to complying with Virgin Voyages’ strict Tour Operator Code of Conduct, 65% of the cruise line’s “Shore Things” shore excursion partners are certified for meeting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. Additionally, the cruise line partners with local tour operators to ensure travelers enjoy an authentic and unique experience.
25% of Retail Brands Sold Onboard Have a Commitment to Social & Environmental Responsibility
“Our onboard retail and spa collection was curated with brands that reflect Virgin’s ethos and values and included several brands that are a first to be at sea,” said Virgin Voyages in its 2022-2023 Impact Report. Among those brands are safe cosmetics like Elemis, B Corp-certified offerings like Davines and more. Overall, 25% of the brands sold on Virgin Voyages’ ships are committed to a social or environmental cause.
Over $5 Million In-Kind Donations Awarded to Non-Profit Organizations
In 2022, Virgin Voyages donated over $5 million in in-kind donations to organizations. Some of these organizations included Small Business Bootcamp — a three-day workshop for small businesses and local entrepreneurs in Bimini, Bahamas —, Sea Change Fund — a program launched to help support mangrove forest projects in the Caribbean — and Cruising for a Cause — a partnership between Virgin Voyages and United Way where 500 cabins were donated for fundraising purposes.
Advisors can read the full Impact Report here.
About the Author
comments