The Galapagos Islands, a pristine sanctuary of biodiversity, have long attracted travelers with their unique ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. It is a profound honor for Royal Caribbean Group to share this natural marvel with guests, and the company takes pride in its role as custodians of its preservation. Safeguarding this natural treasure demands unwavering conservation efforts, a challenge that the Group’s brands Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises have embraced wholeheartedly. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism in the Galapagos stands as a testament to their dedication to protecting this extraordinary destination.
Passionate Environmental Preservation
Celebrity and Silversea ships don’t just pass through the Galapagos; the ships and their guests become ambassadors of this unique world. Through their dedication to minimizing their carbon footprint, the brands have earned recognition from Ecuador’s Secretary of Tourism, setting a benchmark for environmental excellence. One example of their efforts is the Celebrity Cruises collaboration with the Galapagos National Park and local naturalists to support the Scalesia Restoration Effort since 2014. This initiative has seen guests actively participate in planting over 50,000 Scalesia Trees, contributing significantly to the conservation of this unique species.
The Role of Knowledgeable Guides
Partnering with area experts has been a cornerstone of the brands’ efforts. When guests sail on a Galapagos itinerary, they’re treated to a plethora of educational material from highly trained guides, each certified by the Galapagos National Park. These knowledgeable guides sail alongside guests and have extensive educational training and a deep commitment to preserving the islands’ pristine nature. Their expertise transforms an already incredible vacation into an extraordinary educational journey, offering guests insightful, immersive experiences while fostering a deep appreciation for this truly diverse environment.
Community and Environmental Initiatives
To enhance the Group’s SEA The Future initiative, Celebrity and Silversea work alongside Galapagos locals to energize the community through several initiatives, including the construction of greenhouses, which supports the growth of organic agriculture, having culminated in the creation of the hybrid “Galapagos tomato.” Additionally, the brands have established a fishing co-op, providing local fishermen with a clean processing plant to prepare and store their catch, which is then served fresh onboard for guests to enjoy.
The Galapagos Fund
Celebrity’s Galapagos Fund is another way guests can support the islands, contributing directly to the preservation of the islands’ unique ecosystems. Since 2006, Celebrity Cruises and its guests have donated over $1.5 million to this fund and other local projects, supporting the continued protection and restoration of the Galapagos.
Silversea created their own Galapagos Fund, established in 2019, which supports education and conservation projects on the islands. Funded by passenger donations, with Silversea matching contributions through future cruise credits, this initiative underscores the brand’s dedication to sustainable tourism.
Silversea’s Environmental Management Certification
In June 2023, Silversea became the first cruise line to receive certification in environmental management for its innovative initiative to divert all refuse from San Cristóbal’s landfill. The staff and crew of Silver Origin developed a system to transport all non-organic waste to the Ecuadorian mainland, significantly reducing the environmental impact on the islands.
Local Sourcing and Sustainable Practices
To support local economies and protect the fragile ecosystem, Silver Origin collaborates with independent farms and suppliers on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal to source produce and other products locally. This practice not only bolsters the local economy but also prevents the introduction of pests from other countries, safeguarding the islands’ delicate balance.
The collaborative conservation efforts by Celebrity and Silversea in the Galapagos exemplify a commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. Through educational initiatives, community support and proper funding, these brands are ensuring that the Galapagos Islands remain a pristine sanctuary for future generations to explore and cherish. Through the SEA The Future initiative, Celebrity and Silversea’s hard work serves as a model for how tourism and conservation can coexist harmoniously, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
