The Tribune

Royal Caribbean is exploring a partnership with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to provide new experiences for its passengers visiting The Bahamas.

The cruise line is also seeking to re-affirm its commitment to marine conservation and preservation, following a meeting between its vice-president, Russell Benford, and BNT executive director.

Among the topics discussed was the introduction of national park tours as an option for the 1.2 million cruise guests Royal Caribbean delivers to The Bahamas annually, and for ships to host the BNT's environmental youth group arm, the 1,300-member strong Discovery Club.

"At RCL, we are always searching for ways to create a guest experience that exceeds expectations, and when we are able to combine that goal with our commitment to sustainable tourism, we know we are where we should be," said Mr Benford.

"It is very exciting to learn about the amazing national parks of The Bahamas, including Bonefish Pond, The Retreat and the Primeval Forest right here in Nassau, where we are striving to increase the percentage of guests who disembark and enjoy the destination."

Finding common ground with BNT is an extension of Royal Caribbean's environmental protection efforts. The cruise company partners with the World Wildlife Fund around the globe. In Cozumel, Mexico, it has committed to offer sustainable tours to its guests, certified to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standard, while in other destinations it is tailoring programmes towards education and preservation as well as conducting environmental immersion initiatives onboard.

"Environmental organisations and cruise lines had been at opposite ends of the spectrum for years," said Mr Carey. "Twenty years ago I would have perhaps been reluctant to meet with you, but in recent years I have been impressed by how the cruise industry has taken the lead in marine protection.

"We share environmental principles, we share our waters, we are literally a step away from your headquarters in Florida, separated by a current. We share species, we share commitments of conservation and we are delighted to be talking to you now about finding ways for your guests to enjoy our incredible national park system managed by the Bahamas National Trust."

The meeting with BNT executives, including director of development, Dominique Martin, was part of a series of meetings the cruise line is conducting in The Bahamas as it undertakes further investment in this nation. Royal Caribbean hopes to increase passenger capacity to The Bahamas by nearly 20 per cent, bringing 1.75 million people to the islands, by 2020.