Norway and Spitsbergen luxury cruise,Tromso roundtrip

Planet

The operator of this cruise is passionate about the planet and committed to preserving the world they explore for future generations. When it comes to their adventures, they believe in travel that improves the world, and always aim to leave nothing but footprints behind.
Stringent Standards:
Shipping is the only industry to have strict global standards that cover its safety, environmental and labour aspects. Set by a United Nations agency, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), these standards are incorporated into national legislation. The operator is fully compliant with the IMO’s MARPOL Convention on the prevention of pollution at sea, and with local regulations. They also adopt all the additional voluntary standards of the Cruise Lines International Association. This combined approach covers all types of waste and emissions (solid waste, water, air and chemicals etc.) and is reflected in their on-board recycling, high energy efficiency solutions, and Advanced Wastewater Treatment systems.

Ship Technology:
The fleet of boutique ships on this cruise are all designed to be as sustainably sound as possible. The ships feature Tier III diesel-electric generation with Selective Catalytic Reduction units, reducing harmful emissions, and include a Urea Injection System to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions. All ships feature advanced hydrodynamic design, which means extremely high levels of fuel efficiency, achieving 20-40% lower fuel consumption than vessels built just 10-15 years ago. Dynamic positioning systems, mean the crew can avoid dropping anchor in fragile environments, protecting delicate ecosystems. Ultra-low consumption LED lighting and intelligent climate control systems are used throughout our fleet. The need for bottled water is eliminated by using an advanced potable water treatment system that purifies, mineralizes and carbonates freshly prepared pure drinking water. Plus, there are water dispensers provided throughout each ship. All the ships are ready for a plug-in battery pack which reduces fuel consumption and enables extensive emission-free stays in port.

Staterooms and Crew:
Stateroom sheets are changed every three days and towels every day except where guests indicate they would prefer less frequent changes. The operator’s uniform policy avoids all use of fleece fabrics, which shed high volumes of microplastics when washed. All crew and staff follow strict procedures to minimize their environmental footprint.

People

The cruise operator is a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) which benefits local communities in the Arctic and scientific research in several ways:
Benefits to Local Communities:
Community Guidelines: AECO has developed specific guidelines to improve the experience for both locals and visitors. These guidelines help ensure that tourism is conducted in a way that respects local cultures and environments.
Economic Support: By promoting sustainable tourism, AECO helps boost local economies through increased tourism revenue and employment opportunities.

Cultural Preservation: AECO emphasizes the importance of cultural integrity, ensuring that the unique traditions and lifestyles of Arctic communities are respected and preserved.
Benefits to Scientific Research:
Supporting Research: AECO actively supports Arctic research by collaborating with scientific organizations and facilitating research activities during cruises.
Environmental Monitoring: AECO's guidelines and standards help monitor and protect the Arctic environment, providing valuable data for scientific studies.
Technological Advancements: AECO promotes the use of technology to minimize environmental impact and support scientific research, contributing to a better understanding of the Arctic ecosystem.
These efforts ensure that AECO's activities not only enhance the experience for travellers but also contribute positively to the well-being of Arctic communities and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
In addition, the operator has set out priorities for responsible cruising.
Sustainable Sourcing: Using locally sourced food and WWF-approved sustainable fish. This approach supports local economies by reducing food miles and promoting local specialties.
Respecting Cultural Integrity: Forming meaningful relationships with the places they visit, ensuring they respect cultural and environmental integrity. This helps preserve the natural beauty and cultures of the regions they explore.
Community Engagement: The cruise operator actively connects with the communities that host their expedition cruises, fostering respectful and beneficial relationships.
These efforts collectively ensure that the cruise operator's voyages not only offer unforgettable experiences for travellers but also positively impact the local communities and economies they visit.