Raja Ampat cruise & Spice Islands

Planet

In our unwavering commitment to our customers and the breathtaking areas we have the privilege to explore, we prioritise creating itineraries that are deeply rooted in environmental sustainability and geared towards leaving a positive mark on the remote destinations we traverse. Through our dedication to minimising our ecological footprint and maximising our contributions to local communities, we aim to offer experiences that not only delight our customers but also serve as a catalyst for long-lasting, positive change in the areas we visit.

CARBON REDUCTION

There is a commitment to emission minimisation and reduction practices across their 3-vessel fleet, including the Coral Geographer which you will be sailing aboard on this expedition. The ship features advanced technologies and environmentally-responsible design, including anchor-free technology and efficient water and waste recycling systems. Onboard, this sustainability focus endures, and is evident especially in the ship’s food and beverage offerings. The operators have successfully implemented measures to remove P.C plastics and reduce packaging waste in their food and beverage supply chain. In February 2020 they rolled out a new selection of Eco-Friendly, Fairtrade & Organic beverage products, and have fostered a community of local providers, farmers and growers that allows them to source regional menus wherever in the world they find themselves. Vegetarian and vegan options are included in all menus.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Your tour operator for this expedition fully echoes these commitments and have in place a stringent sustainability and environment mission, whilst continuously seeking out new ways to preserve and protect landscapes above and below the water in the destinations they visit. In fact, the operators were early adaptors to the eco-tourism ethos and have led the way for other operators by setting benchmarks in sustainable practices and promoting awareness of environmental conservation. Initiatives include the banning of plastic straws aboard all ships back in 2018 and their involvement in coral species collection for the world’s largest Coral Biobank. The operator’s expeditions are deemed sustainable according to the highest international standards, and they have recently been inducted into the Ecotourism Hall of Fame in recognition of two decades of unwavering commitment to advanced and sustainable Ecotourism practices.

Reasons for the operator’s inclusion in the Ecotourism Hall of Fame include initiative and practices such as a large reduction in use of plastics across fleet operations, a pioneering Citizen Science program, and a commitment to undertaking environmental impact assessment in partnership with environmental authorities managing sensitive heritage areas.

On this special voyage, in partnership with Australian Geographic, onboard lectures and workshops will be hosted by renowned naturalists who have dedicated their lives to research, education and conservation programs. The programme will be hosted by Dr Brad Norman who currently leads a major whale shark program in his role as a Research Fellow with The Harry Butler Institute and has dedicated his career to research around the endangered whale shark, the world’s biggest fish. Dr Norman also heads Australia’s leading non-government whale shark research organisation, responsible for the development and management of the longest photo-identification monitoring program on a wild shark species in operation globally. Therefore, as you visit the whale sharks of Cenderawasih Bay, there is no better person in the world to accompany you, educate you on their plight and bring you unsurpassable knowledge of these majestic creatures. What’s more, a contribution from every booking on this voyage will go towards the Australian Geographic Society’s conservation projects and scientific endeavours.

Throughout your expedition you are likely to encounter various species of iconic marine life and birdlife. We place great importance on engaging with these creatures in a responsible manner, and your experienced naturalist guides will accompany you throughout with precise guidelines on appropriate behaviour in the vicinity of wildlife.

Another important initiative for protecting the marine wildlife of the areas visited is the marine-friendly sunscreen policy on board. Marine-friendly SPF50+ broad spectrum sunscreen is provided for all guests, and this has been tested and proven non-toxic to marine life. Offering maximum sun protection with minimum eco-impact, it contains no oxybenzone, comes in a recyclable aluminium can, is 4 hours water-resistant, and keeps the fish and algae safe.

As a dedicated group of wildlife enthusiasts ourselves, our primary focus is on conservation efforts. We provide support to numerous wildlife organisations worldwide, including Save the Albatross, Wader Quest, the South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project, and many others. We have observed that our clients often return from our wildlife expeditions with an increased environmental awareness and become passionate advocates for wildlife conservation. We actively encourage our customers to contribute to the charities endorsed by us and our partners upon their return.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

As a company we believe in promoting tourism as a sustainable natural resource with the power to conserve, protect and improve lives, and this is particularly relevant on our Indonesia itineraries where you will be travelling to remote, culture-rich areas where you will be introduced to local customs and traditions. Tourism in Indonesia is an important revenue stream and we take every step necessary to ensure that the tours we provide create a 100% positive impact on the communities of the regions we visit.

We ensure that all suppliers or agents that we use to provide the elements of your tour are passionate about protecting the communities, wildlife and landscapes of this remarkable area. The providers that we use are committed to creating and upholding transparent and honest relationships with local communities and suppliers.

As part of the operator’s commitment to the people and places of the lands visited, they contribute in many ways to local initiatives and schemes. This includes providing educational, health, recreational and lifestyle equipment to support small remote communities during expedition itineraries with active exchange between guests and community, and the donation of operating marine equipment and desalinated water supplies to communities in need.

As you visit remote communities, settlements and villages, throughout your journey you will be accompanied by destination experts who will guide you to learn all about the customs and cultures of the areas visited. You will have the chance to experience the local culture first-hand, including observing traditional dances, sampling fresh local food and having the opportunity to peruse and purchase local handicrafts. Your guides will offer advice on fully immersing yourself in these local cultures and traditions, and work hand-in-hand with the local communities to ensure a fully respectful partnership with them.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

As part of our commitment to our communities and the world we explore, we partner with operators who employ crew members and guides from diverse backgrounds to enrich our team and our guests' experience.
As a company, we believe our team and guest experience is enhanced by the diversity of our people. We are an equal opportunities employer, are committed to an inclusive work environment and encourage people from all backgrounds to explore career opportunities with us.