163 International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and local authorities to support upgrades, such as in Ushuaia’s recent adoption of recycling.” There also needs to be collaboration between cruise lines and ports, not only to allow for a cruise visit, but also to ensure the impact of the industry on the destination is positive and sustainable. “We’re prioritising social sustainability,” says Metzandidis. “What does the community need? How do they see the ships? How can we bring them all together and have a discussion? At CLIA, we try to establish contact between cruise line officials and the ports in a specific country to facilitate that collaboration. If there’s a board or association, like the Sustainability Cruise Council in Barcelona, Spain, or Cruise Norway in Norway, it’s easier to do that.” HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has established collaboration with local communities as part of its itinerary planning process to ensure they participate in, and directly benefit from, a cruise call. “In regions with indigenous or vulnerable populations, such as the Northwest Passage, we plan voyages in close partnership with local leaders and organisations to ensure visits are welcome and beneficial,” says Hamer. “Just this summer we launched a range of excursions in Arctic Canada co-created with Inuit Elders, local residents and community-born staff. All of the excursion revenue will go directly to individuals and businesses in Nunavut.” Ports are also making their own efforts to build the necessary infrastructure and local support to make cruise calls sustainable. The Port of Seattle in Washington, USA, for example, has invested $44 million to equip all three of its cruise berths with shore power Photo: Port Canaveral Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, has received Green Marine certification for nine consecutive years
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