Best cruise or ferry operator

A cruise or ferry operator that acts responsibly towards the environment and local people.

This category is no longer included in the Awards. Please see our full list of current categories.

Back in 2008 Justin Francis, Managing Director, responsibletravel.com and Director of The Responsible Tourism Awards, had this to say about the introduction of our cruise category:

"The cruise industry is one of the largest sectors of the tourism market. Some of they key players have started on the road towards a more sustainable future – one which we hope to use the Awards to encourage. Having introduced our cruise category in 2008, we are looking forward to continuing to reward those cruise and ferry companies making innovative steps towards responsible tourism."

2011
Winner: DFDS Seaways, UK
"DFDS Seaways is one of Europe's largest ferry companies, and has gone a long way towards marine conservation. Teaming up with ORCA to discover a wealth of whales, dolphins and wildlife on their routes, they now host an onboard 'wildlife centre' offering fun activities for passengers, employ onboard wildlife officers, and work with the School of Whales on a range of mini wildlife-watching cruises."

Highly commended:
Ullswater Steamers, UK

Previous winners

2010
Winner: Orion Expedition Cruises, Australia
Orion Expedition Cruising is the only cruise company with Earthcheck certification, and shows a real commitment to the communities it visits. By acknowledging that authenticity can only be realized for their guests by working in partnership with communities, they conduct community research ahead of establishing new ports of call - helping protect cultural heritage and environment while offering real benefits to the places they visit. They have influenced suppliers to make positive changes like moving from plastic containers to cardboard and aluminium bottles over plastic. Cruise is a growth area and this small operator is one to watch.

Highly commended:
Kalimantan Tour Destinations, Indonesia

2009
Winner: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, US
Last year was the first year for this category, and responsible tourism continues to be a new area of concern for the cruise sector. This year we are pleased to recognise an organisation demonstrating an exhaustive approach to environmental initiatives. Royal Caribbean have reduced emissions in their newest ships by 50 per cent over ships built around 10 years ago, providing a unique insight into what can be achieved by the rest of the cruise sector if it shared this level of commitment.

Highly commended:
SeaFrance Ltd , France

2008
Winner: Holland America Line, USA
For recognising that the industry has negative environmental impacts and accepting responsibility for doing something about it. They have reduced dockside emissions by 20%, developed and implemented an “Avoiding Whale Strikes” training programme, increased recycling by 50% and introduced new scrubber technology.

Highly commended:
Ullswater Steamers, UK