How will you make 2020 your most meaningful year yet? We believe travel has a huge positive impact and helps find personal fulfilment on your journey.
As you explore the globe, make a point to shop local. Explore a local farmer’s market, purchase souvenirs from smaller mom and pop shops, and eat a meal at a locally owned and operated restaurant.
Our travel advisors can help you choose hotel stays and cruise lines that keep the well-being of our planet in mind and incorporate policies that help offset our carbon footprint. You can travel around the globe and give back to local communities to enhance your vacation experience, while fostering local relationships and improving living standards for those who need help.
Look at vacation options that foster a culture of awareness and respect for our world’s resources. Norwegian Cruise Line sets a great example of putting a healthy marine environment and the well-being of the destinations they visit to the top of their to-do list!
When we look at cruises, water conservation and management are probably the biggest environmental issues, along with waste mitigation. To reduce water waste, Norwegian Cruise Line added advanced wastewater purification systems and uses seawater for its water source, which helps reduce the waste of fresh water and saves fuel. The cruise line stopped the use of all single-use plastic and incorporated the use of more recycled materials. Employees are encouraged to organize and participate in food and clothing drives, beach clean-ups and community clean-ups.
As of April 2019, the following ships have been equipped with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System that decreases exhaust emissions by up to 99 percent: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sun and Pride of America.
All of these changes and improvements combined can let you feel good about considering Norwegian Cruise Line for your next cruise vacation.
And, you should take a closer look at their options. Ship sizes range from 1,936 to 4,266 passengers and offer a multitude of dining options, bars and lounges; live music lounges like the Cavern Club highlighting Beatles cover bands, or the Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club bringing the ambience of the great New York City jazz clubs to you. Multiple Broadway-style shows, Cirque Du Soleil-type shows, tribute shows, comedy clubs, dance parties, variety shows and live game shows are just a taste of all you can explore on board.
For a quieter and more relaxing vacation, explore the Mandara Spa on board and pamper yourself with a visit to the Thermal Suite, which features a steam room, vitality pool and salt room. Finish with a relaxing massage, a facial or maybe a Sole Delight Pedicure to spoil yourself into absolute bliss.
If you are hoping to meet new friends on board, maybe look at one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s themed cruises, like the casino cruise, singles or music-themed cruises, or special family-themed voyages with added activities and excursions for all ages. What a great way to meet like-minded travelers.
A few popular itineraries for 2020 include Japan for the cherry blossoms this spring and for the Olympics this summer. Alaska and Hawaii cruise tours are always in demand and another fan favorite is the Tahiti sailing, round-trip from Hawaii.
For even more of a positive impact in destination, we can recommend sightseeing tours that donate portions of the proceeds to a local non-profit, visit with the locals at a destination and lend a hand on a community project.
Our travel advisors would be delighted to help you add pre- and post-cruise accommodations that fall within these criteria as well. We have a huge portfolio of vetted boutique hotel properties; many are family owned and run, and most employ only members of their local community.
There are many ways to make a positive impact when traveling, and finding the right one can be a daunting task. That’s where we come in. We are here to assist you comb through all the possibilities, making your experience more meaningful and transformative. Together, we can change lives through travel. FBN
By Daniela Harrison
Daniela Harrison is a travel advisor and director of marketing at Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff. For questions, reach out via 928-556-0853 or Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com