MSC CRUISES SETS SIGHTS ON SUSTAINABILITY WITH SUMMER SHORE EXCURSIONS
More low-carbon tours in the Caribbean and Europe
Hybrid and electric buses to shuttle guests in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden
More ‘Protectours’ to be available at up to 90 destinations
Geneva, Switzerland – May 9, 2022 – MSC Cruises’ collection of summer 2022 shore excursions will have its strongest ever focus on minimizing the environmental impact of land-based experiences and supporting nature-positive activities.
More electric and hybrid shuttle buses will shuttle guests from ports to places of interest in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain and Sweden, with MSC Cruises aiming to further increase the utilization 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 – and more sustainable shore excursions called ‘Protectours’ that MSC Cruises first introduced in 2020 will be available.
Up to 70 percent of Protectours will have a low environmental impact thanks to an increase in the number of walking, hiking, bicycling, canoeing and kayaking excursions ashore, with many tours set to make a direct contribution to the environment by helping the protection of habitats and species.
MSC Cruises worked extensively in 2021 to provide tour operators with responsible and sustainable tourism training. ‘Protectours’ will be available at 20 ports when the summer of 2022 begins and will expand to up to 90 destinations by the season’s end.
Examples of ‘Protectours’ available include nature walking tours in the Bahamas; planting trees to replenish lost forests in the Greek island of Rhodes; collecting plastic waste from the beaches of the Adriatic Sea; 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 decarbonization and we need to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that we meet the expectation of travelers 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 will offer nearly 1,400 shore excursions for summer 2022 – the line’s largest offering to date. The Caribbean will host 200 different excursions, along with Northern Europe’s 640 and the Mediterranean’s 550. Every MSC Cruises sailing is set to feature something for every type of vacationer, regardless of age and interests.
Guests who book any of MSC Cruises’ summer 2022 shore excursions will benefit from a price reduction of up to 20 percent if booked in advance. Pre-booking guarantees a space on the most popular tours and guarantees entry to some of the world’s most popular attractions, which may not have walk-up ticket availability the day of a visit.
MSC Cruises has also waived the ‘safe bubble’ shore excursions requirement it pioneered for the cruise industry in 2020 as part of its response to the pandemic ashore, so guests can make their own sightseeing arrangements subject to the regulations set by local authorities.
The Swiss-based line has a long-term goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its operations by 2050. This will be achieved by investing in and supporting the accelerated development and implementation of innovative, cutting-edge technologies to be deployed across the Company’s fleet of ships.
For more details about MSC Protectors, click here.
For more details about MSC Cruises’ shore excursions, click here.
