Celebrity Cruises is launching a new “Oceans Ahead” programme for guests to learn more about some of the industry-leading efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce air emissions and water consumption, and increase recycling.

The new Oceans Ahead programme will take place onboard the Solstice-class of ships which feature energy efficient design, in addition to being widely recognised for the industry-first Lawn Club, exceptional design and service and award-winning dining experiences.

Part of the brand’s “Celebrity Life” onboard activities programme, Oceans Ahead – a series of presentations led by Celebrity Cruises’ shipboard Environmental Officers – is designed to engagingly educate cruisers about the innovative approaches the brand has taken across the fleet to minimise its carbon footprint, and its ongoing commitment to go above and beyond compliance.

Celebrity Cruises’ regularly invests in marine conservation, education and innovative technologies through its corporate Ocean Fund, which has provided $11-million since its establishment in 1996. Those efforts are also discussed in Oceans Ahead lectures.

“Our ‘Designed for you’ brand platform is all about listening to our guests and designing environments and experiences that deliver what they want,” said Celebrity Cruises’ Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “Our guests tend to have a keen sense of curiosity and interest in learning new things, and Oceans Ahead offers them a behind-the-scenes look at our shipboard operations across the fleet, with a special focus on Celebrity Cruises’ sustainability practices.”       

Among the topics currently included in Celebrity Cruises’ Oceans Ahead programme are:

·      The Secrets of Ship Navigation: How do Celebrity Cruises’ Captains and bridge officers chart the ship’s course each day? How do they manoeuvre around storms and sensitive marine areas? Guests attending this lecture will gain insight into this and more.

·      How Our Ships Move: Guests participating in this lecture will learn about the various forms of power generated onboard, such as Celebrity Cruises’ industry-first application of solar technology, and the many energy efficiencies implemented across the fleet, including silicon hull coatings, LED lights, specially glazed, UV-filtering window glass, and propulsion systems.

·      Onboard Recycling: An Exclusive Look: Curious as to what happens to bottles and cans? Guests attending this session will get rare, behind-the-scenes insight into Celebrity Cruises’ extensive recycling programme, including aluminium, glass, and cardboard items.

·      Carbon Footprint 101:  What is a carbon footprint, and how do you measure it? This lecture also examines air emissions, Celebrity Cruises’ footprint, and how to calculate an individual’s impact on the environment, together with steps that can be taken to improve it.     

Celebrity Cruises’ new Oceans Ahead programme is offered at no charge, and will be implemented across the fleet, including onboard the Southampton-base Celebrity Eclipse, by the end of July of this year.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programmes, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity Cruises sails in Alaska, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity Cruises also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity Cruises’ mega-series of honours include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity Cruises’ fleet currently consists of nine ships. Its USD $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest newbuild commitment for a single brand in industry history.