Voluntourism in the Cruise Industry

Photo Credit: Dream Blog Cruise Magazine

Most people go on a cruise to explore the world, but a growing number of passengers are setting off with different intentions: “to immerse themselves in the destination and to connect with its people in a more meaningful way”.

Voluntourism has risen in popularity in recent years and is a way for travelers to give back and make a difference in the communities they visit. The effort has increasingly spread to most major cruise lines, offering some sort of social impact program on their itineraries with shore excursions volunteering in a port.

Crystal Cruises’ “You Care, We Care” voluntourism program gives both guests and crew members a way to participate in humanitarian and conservation activities. Holland America Line’s “Cruise with Purpose Collection” is centered on improving the planet one voyage at a time. And Genting Cruise Lines has launched its first regional “Cruise Voluntourism” campaign in Asia. This program extends the spirit of giving by empowering passengers to participate in a series of voluntary activities across various Asian communities and destinations.

Voluntourism is a very rewarding way to travel. This type of vacation can also leave a person with the feeling that they’ve been able to make a difference in the world. There is a deep sense of satisfaction that they have accomplished something important. And many travelers also feel that it is the best way to really get to know another culture and the  destination. And for families, a voluntourism trip can be an excellent way to give children a living lesson on the importance of volunteering.

Access Cruise is a Miami based cruise marketing and sales consulting group, specializing in product and business development within the cruise industry.