MSC Cruises' new 2022 shore excursion program focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of excursions and supporting nature-positive activities, making it the company's most sustainable program to date. With the aim of increasing the use of eco-friendly land transport in the future, the company has increased the number of electric and hybrid shuttle buses to take passengers from ports to points of interest in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. In addition, the increasingly popular low-carbon excursions will include 150 cycling tours, available in 21 countries.
There will also be more " Protectours " excursions , available from early summer 2022 in 20 ports, reaching up to 90 destinations by the end of the season. These sustainable excursions were launched by the company in 2020, and throughout 2021, MSC Cruises worked intensively training tour operators on responsible and sustainable tourism. Seventy percent of the "Protectours" will have a low environmental impact thanks to an increase in the number of walking excursions and activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, and kayaking, with many routes designed to make a direct contribution to the environment by helping to protect habitats and species.
Some examples of available 'Protectours' excursions include planting trees to replenish lost forests on the Greek island of Rhodes, collecting plastic waste from the beaches of the Adriatic Sea, taking nature walks in the Bahamas, making eco-friendly jewelry in Helsinki, doing urban farming and beekeeping activities in Rotterdam, organic rooftop farming in Copenhagen, and cleaning stones in Scotland.
Marialuisa Iaccarino, Director of Shore Excursions at MSC Cruises, said: “Travel and tourism have a very important role to play in global decarbonization, and we must demonstrate leadership by ensuring we meet the expectations of travelers who are more aware and more committed to sustainability issues and the protection and improvement of the natural environment. At MSC Cruises, we are determined to demonstrate that the industry plays a very positive role and is committed to driving sustainable tourism.”
MSC Cruises' shore excursion program for summer 2022 will feature nearly 1,400 options, the company's largest offering to date. Northern Europe will host 640 different excursions, the Mediterranean 550, and the Caribbean 200, with each MSC Cruises sailing offering something for every type of traveler, regardless of age or interests.
Passengers booking any of MSC Cruises' 2022 summer excursions will benefit from a price reduction of up to 20% if they book in advance. MSC Cruises has also eliminated the "bubble groups," which the company pioneered, making it possible for passengers to go ashore independently and make their own plans, always subject to the regulations stipulated by local authorities.
The company has a long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for its operations by 2050, investing in and supporting the accelerated development and implementation of innovative, cutting-edge technologies that will be deployed across the entire fleet of ships.
