MSC Cruises says that its summer 2022 programme of shore excursions will focus on minimizing the environmental impact of land-based tours.
The excursions will also support nature-positive activities, said the cruise line in a statement.
More electric and hybrid shuttle buses will be used in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden with MSC Cruises aiming to increase the utilisation of green ground transportation in the future.
Low carbon footprint excursions will include 150 bicycle tours available in 21 countries – which are growing in popularity among the line’s guests.
More sustainable, low-impact shore excursions called ‘Protectours’ that MSC Cruises first introduced in 2020 will also be available, including walking, hiking, bicycling, canoeing and kayaking.
‘Protectours’ will be available at the start of summer 2022 at 20 ports. The number is set to grow to 90 destinations by the season’s end.
Examples of ‘Protectours’ available include planting trees to replenish lost forests on the Greek island of Rhodes, collecting plastic waste from the beaches of the Adriatic sea, nature walking tours in the Bahamas, making eco-friendly jewellery in Helsinki, Finland, urban farming and beekeeping in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, organic rooftop farming in Copenhagen, Denmark and stone cleaning in Scotland.
Marialuisa Iaccarino, Head of Shore Excursions, MSC Cruises said, “Travel and tourism has a very significant role to play in global decarbonisation and we need to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that we meet the expectation of travellers who are more aware and engaged in sustainability matters and the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
“At MSC Cruises we are determined to prove that the industry is a positive and engaged player in driving sustainable tourism.”
MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 shore excursion programme will total nearly 1,400 tours, the line’s largest offering to date.
Northern Europe will host 640 different excursions, the Mediterranean 550 and the Caribbean 200 with every MSC Cruises sailing.
Guests who book any of MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 shore excursions will benefit from a price reduction of up to 20 per cent if booked in advance.
MSC Cruises has also waived its ‘safe bubble’ shore excursions and guests can make their own sightseeing arrangements subject to the regulations stipulated by local authorities.
Click here for more exciting travel daily news and travel industry news updates related to the UK trade and travel industry, published daily on Travel Pursuit UK!
