The partners will set measurable and achievable sustainability targets that will reduce Royal Caribbean’s environmental footprint, raise awareness about ocean conservation among the company’s more than five million guests as well as supporting WWF’s global oceans conservation work.
Initial targets will focus on supply chain sustainability and emissions reductions through 2020.
Royal Caribbean and WWF are also working together to develop targets aimed at strengthening the company’s sustainable sourcing strategy and its destination stewardship and sustainable tour operations platforms.
Royal Caribbean Cruises chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: “Our mantra at Royal Caribbean is ‘continuous improvement,’ and this partnership with WWF represents a great opportunity to make a big step forward in meeting our special responsibility to protect the oceans.
“It is also gratifying to see that our determination to make a meaningful difference is shared by our employees and our guests.
“This new partnership aligns all of us at RCL with WWF’s mission to conserve the world’s oceans.
“Together we are setting aggressive goals and together we will start implementing them right away.”
WWF-US president and chief executive Carter Roberts added: “The threats that are facing the ocean are greater than ever – in the last 30 years, some ocean wildlife populations have declined by nearly 50%.
“If we are going to reverse the downward trends, we must take serious steps to repair, restore and protect the oceans.
“This initiative centres on two core concepts: first, committing to specific and measurable targets to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainable sourcing and build destination stewardship; and second, comprehensively engaging their millions of travellers to learn about the ocean and then act to help save it."
