Indonesia cruise, Raja Ampat & Spice Islands

Planet

In our steadfast dedication to our clientele and the awe-inspiring locales we're fortunate to journey through, we prioritise crafting travel plans deeply entrenched in environmental sustainability. Our focus is on making a positive impact on the pristine destinations we venture into. By diligently minimising our ecological impact and maximising our support for local communities, we strive to provide experiences that not only enchant our customers but also ignite enduring, positive transformations in the regions we explore.

CARBON REDUCTION
The operators of this tour have been chosen for their outstanding sustainable travel credentials. They are forward-thinking, innovative leaders in their field who have a demonstrable track record in providing guests with journeys that not only inspire, but showcase a true responsible travel ethos. This ethos is focused through a dedicated programme that covers everyday actions and 6 strategic commitments.

In 2019, the operator became the first cruise line to abandon the use of fuel oil and switch instead to Low Sulfur Marine Gasoil (LSMGO) with a 0.05% sulphur content. This is 10 times lower than the maximum allowed by current maritime regulations and this measure resulted in the awarding of the French Prix des Palmes du Tourisme Durable prize in the "Travel" category in 2020. Many of the operator’s ships have achieved a 90% reduction in their nitrogen oxide emissions by having their catalytic convertors operating 24 hours a day in all geographical areas. This globally unique approach has set the standard for the entire industry.

Le Soleal, the ship aboard which you will discover these remarkable lands, was built with eco-design at its core, with the latest innovations at the time of its creation deployed to maximum effect. Furthermore, at each technical stop, assessments and changes are made to enhance its environmental performance. The ship operates with low emissions and 60% less fine particles thanks to the use of 100% LSMGO propulsion with 0.05% sulphur content and the use of continuous catalytic convertors. Significant steps have been taken to reduce fuel consumption, including hydrodynamic design, an engine assisted by electric turbines, optimised sailing routes and limiting the average speed of the ship to 11 knots.

What’s more, the operators have recently partnered with an innovative energy partner to develop green hydrogen refuelling solutions. The company have achieved countless awards for their sustainable development and were recognised as “the cruise operator with the greenest fleet in the world in terms of airborne emissions” by the German NGO, NABU.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The operator’s first-class sustainable development and travel ethos continues into their innovative approaches to protecting the environment and wildlife of the destinations they sail to. This commitment is so strong that in 2018 they developed their own foundation with the goal of preserving these areas in a measurable and impactful way. They operate and support a large number of worldwide initiatives and organisations who make it their goal to conserve the world’s oceans, including schemes such as the restoration of coastal ecosystems and developing a sustainable reforestation network with Conservation International. They work with Blue Nature Alliance to help protect 18 million km2 of Marine Protected Areas, are involved in Conservation International’s study of humpback whales and support Pure Ocean’s research into marine biodiversity and ocean protection, amongst many other initiatives. The core points of the Foundation are studying biodiversity, protecting coral reefs, and raising environment protection awareness among all.

Further to this, the ship you will be sailing on features innovative solutions for ecosystem protection, including shell and sea creature detectors, an electronic positioning system negating the need for anchoring, ballast water processing and reduced noise and vibrations. An environmental officer will be onboard at all times to ensure that all environmental procedures are followed at all times, and all crew have been steadfastly trained in protection procedures for behaviour around any wildlife you may encounter on your trip.

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. As the operators of your tour state, “We protect best what we know well”.

Onboard initiatives include the complete elimination of single-use plastics, the use of cloth laundry bags and ecological cleaning products, and the provision of stainless steel water bottles, with water fountains found throughout the ship. They have seen a 75% reduction in electricity consumption thanks to the use of LEDs, the recycling of waste water and shortened supply chains, and 100% of waste is sorted and traced on board, with 60% of that waste recycled. Digital navigation aids and weather routers are used to improve the energy efficiency, the ship uses electric connections together with the use of shore-to-ship power when docked at suitably equipped ports, and has been fitted with batteries to enable generators to be switched off at dock, at anchor and when in proximity to inhabited areas. The ship has been granted Clean Ship Super certification by Bureau Veritas and Green Marine Europe who assess the operator’s environmental strategy each year.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
As a company, we advocate for tourism as a sustainable asset capable of conserving, safeguarding, and enhancing livelihoods. This belief holds particular significance in our Indonesia journeys, where you'll explore remote, culturally vibrant regions immersed in local customs and traditions. Tourism plays a pivotal role in Indonesia's economy, and we are committed to ensuring that our tours generate entirely positive outcomes for the communities we engage with in the regions we traverse.

The operator of your tour more than echoes this commitment. As leading sustainable tourism providers, they have an ethical charter that they follow to the letter and they fully understand and embrace their responsibilities to the indigenous peoples of the places they journey to. One of the 3 main focuses of their Foundation is to promote and encourage exchanges between peoples, protecting cultural heritages and supporting local communities. They have a partnership approach which commits to respectful dialogue and close collaboration with local communities to plan any of your excursions, being attentive to their needs and wishes, and heeding all advice. Encouraging meaningful encounters, they are committed to promoting, safeguarding, protecting and enriching cultural heritage. Furthermore, they invest in many fields related to the preservation and development of the natural and cultural heritage of these regions and specific projects that aim to safeguard and showcase cultural heritage sites, while protecting and enriching them.

Throughout your expedition you will visit remote communities, settlements, and villages, escorted by seasoned destination experts. They'll enlighten you about the customs and cultures of the areas you visit, providing firsthand experiences. From witnessing traditional dances to savouring fresh local cuisine and exploring indigenous handicrafts, you'll immerse yourself in the local culture. Your guides will offer insights on embracing these traditions fully, fostering a respectful partnership with the local communities every step of the way.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

At our company, we recognise that the diversity of our team and guests enriches our collective experience. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace, embracing equal opportunities for all. We warmly welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds to discover career paths with us. Furthermore, a primary focus of our sustainable travel commitment extends to only working with operators and providers who echo these sentiments and have firm policies in place for treating employees and stakeholders with care and fairness.

The operators of your trip have a full employer strategy in place that guarantees their employees a good quality of life at work enabling them to thrive in their careers. They have a number of agreements in place including a Quality of Life at Work agreement, a Gender Equality agreement and Academies for learning and career development. They have a female leadership program in place and have a gender parity scheme to measure and correct gender pay gaps. They are committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace with the objective of ensuring equal opportunities, increasing recruitment and promotion of women to management positions and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Fantastic schemes are in place for training, development and performance reward. They operate an inclusive work environment where every employee can express themselves freely and thrive professionally, with care and accountability at the heart of their core values. Each employee is treated with dignity and respect, and this is enshrined in their dedicated Code of Ethics. Ashore, they promote and support roles for people with disabilities, and organise annual events for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote understanding of issues faced, change perceptions and increase support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities.