Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has wrapped up its local beach clean-up series in Eden and Melbourne.
Taking place during Norwegian Spirit’s recent sailing between Australia and New Zealand, 71 guests from across the globe signed up to these complimentary shore excursions and committed their time to give back to the beautiful beaches of Australia.
The clean-ups, which were held in conjunction with NCL partner organisation and not-for-profit Take 3 for the Sea, returned to Eden for the second time, before debuting in Melbourne at Brighton Beach. Norwegian Spirit guests from Australia, USA, Canada, Germany, Brazil, Jamaica, the UK, Scotland and Indonesia rolled up their sleeves to collect rubbish and learn about the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and wildlife, under the guidance of an expert from Take 3 for the Sea. In a demonstration of their commitment to the cause, some guests were inspired to participate in both clean-ups.
Both events wrapped up within an hour, and saw more than 1,600 items of rubbish collected, with almost 80 per cent being plastic waste.
Ben Angell, VP and managing director, NCL APAC, said guests participating in the clean-ups helped make meaningful strides towards NCL and Take 3 for the Sea’s goal of removing 50 million pieces of plastic from the environment by 2025. The organisation is nearing its goal, having already removed 42 million pieces so far.
“NCL is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences with itineraries that sail to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth, so it is vital that we do our part to preserve the natural beauty of the places that we sail to,” said Ben Angell, VP and managing director, NCL APAC.
“Together with Take 3 for the Sea, we have successfully launched these beach cleanups as part of Norwegian Spirit’s local journeys. Not only is this making a difference in the destinations we sail to, but it is also enabling guests to arm themselves with the knowledge to reduce plastic pollution in their daily lives when they return home.”
Jacquie Riddell, CEO of Take 3 for the Sea, said: “Our collaboration with NCL is a fantastic example of corporate environmental leadership – NCL are walking the walk! Events such as this beach clean-up series do a fantastic job of raising awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on the environment, and highlighting how we must all do our bit, big or small, to ensure our oceans are healthy and free from plastic pollution.”
Cruise Eden Coordinator, Debbie Meers said: “We couldn’t be happier with the positive impact NCL, its selfless guests, and Take 3 for the Sea are having on the conservation of Eden’s environment.”
On 3 April, NCL will host its first Take 3 for the Sea beach clean-up in Wailoaloa Beach, Fiji when Norwegian Spirit calls to Lautoka, Fiji.
Reducing plastic pollution is central to NCL’s comprehensive Sail & Sustain program. The company has kept more than 14 million water bottles and 50 million plastic straws from harming the environment, together with its two sister Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) brands.
