Cruise West - Our Bear Cares Program
The company continually evaluates the environmental footprint it makes by encouraging efficient use of resources, saving energy, reducing waste and encouraging recycling. This is done by use of eco-friendly products when available, sustainable practices, environmental awareness programs among crew and guests, and support of environmental conservation. All Cruise West vessels operate on the lowest sulfur marine diesel fuel available at each destination. Guests of Cruise West are provided with an enriching, educational experience in the areas where they are traveling, raising awareness and great appreciation for these communities and cultures. These experiences are representative of the ...
About You
Contact Information
Title
Ms.
First name
Jerrol
Last name
Golden
Your job title
Director of Public Relations
Name of your organization
Cruise West
Organization type
Business
Annual budget/currency
Annual Budget/Currency
Mailing address
2301 5th Ave. Suite 401 Seattle, WA
Telephone number
1-888-851-8133
Postal/Zip Code
98121
Country
United States
Website
Email address
Alternative email address
Alternative email address
Your idea
This will be the address used to plot your entry on the map.
Street Address
2301 5th Ave. Suite 401
City
Seattle
State/Province
WA
Postal/Zip Code
98121
Country
United States
Geotourism Challenge Addressed by Entrant
Quality of tourist experience and educational benefit to tourists , Quality of benefit to residents for the destination , Quality of tourism management by destination leadership .
Organization size
Small (1 to 100 employees)
Indicate sector in which you principally work
Tourism-related business
Year innovation began
1946
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, ,
Indicate sector in which you principally work
Living culture, Nature, Indigenous people, Adventure, Education, General tourism.
Name Your Project
Cruise West - Our Bear Cares Program
Describe Your Idea
The company continually evaluates the environmental footprint it makes by encouraging efficient use of resources, saving energy, reducing waste and encouraging recycling. This is done by use of eco-friendly products when available, sustainable practices, environmental awareness programs among crew and guests, and support of environmental conservation. All Cruise West vessels operate on the lowest sulfur marine diesel fuel available at each destination. Guests of Cruise West are provided with an enriching, educational experience in the areas where they are traveling, raising awareness and great appreciation for these communities and cultures. These experiences are representative of the ...
Innovation
What is the goal of your innovation? Please describe in one sentence the kind of impact, change, or reform your approach is intended to achieve.
The goal of this program is to establish relationships and begin supporting charitable efforts in every region that Cruise West visits.
Please write an overview of your project. Include how your approach supports or embodies geotourism or destination stewardship. This text will appear when people scroll over the icon for your entry on the map located on the competition homepage.
The company continually evaluates the environmental footprint it makes by encouraging efficient use of resources, saving energy, reducing waste and encouraging recycling. This is done by use of eco-friendly products when available, sustainable practices, environmental awareness programs among crew and guests, and support of environmental conservation. All Cruise West vessels operate on the lowest sulfur marine diesel fuel available at each destination. Guests of Cruise West are provided with an enriching, educational experience in the areas where they are traveling, raising awareness and great appreciation for these communities and cultures. These experiences are representative of the "authentic" experiences provided by the locals. We are received enthusiastically and the communities are rewarded in meaningful as well as financial compensation. We are not so overwhelming that we alter the way that they live or overtake their communities. We emphasize providing a unique and sustainable cultural experience while still respecting the community and its people.
Explain in detail why your approach is innovative
In most destinations and itineraries, Cruise West welcomes aboard local guides and experts to further educate and lead guests. These experts provide access and insights only an insider would have, share the very best of their community, and make guests feel welcome. Cruise West is committed to expanding the financial and material contribution resources, and is continuously reviewing additional agencies to support in all destinations. Cruise West’s nine small ships carry just 78 to 138 guests. When visiting a small port, local communities are not overwhelmed by large numbers of people. In port, guests typically disperse into smaller numbers for shore excursions, which facilitates easier interaction with the local people. Cruise West travels to exotic and distinctive regions throughout the Americas, Asia and South Pacific where conservation and preservation of wildlife, the environment and Native cultures are of utmost importance. With this in mind, Cruise West practices the motto of, “Take only photographs, and leave only footprints behind.”
Impact
Describe the degree of success you have had to date. How do you measure, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact on sustainability or enhancement of local culture, environment, heritage, or aesthetics? How has it transformed or contributed to the power of place or demonstrated the sustainability of tourism? How does your approach minimize negative impacts?
Cruise West’s Our Bear Cares program intends to develop positive meaningful relationships with each of its destination communities. Currently the program is successful but still growing. Cruise West measures the quantity and quality of our impact by how many relationships we build with organizations, charities and local residents in the destination communities and how much we can provide for them in terms of school supplies, time with guests, monetary compensation and medical attention and supplies as well as opportunities to showcase and share their unique culture and customs. We also have sustainable practices, which help leave the destinations in the same or better conditions than they were in when we arrived. We minimize negative impacts by saving energy, using resources efficiently, recycling, increasing environmental awareness, supporting environmental conservation, operating on the lowest sulfur marine diesel fuel available, and disposing of waste and pollutants properly and being careful that we do not overwhelm or take advantage of any community.
In what ways are local residents actively involved in your work, including participation and community input? How has the community responded to or benefited from your approach?
We visit Metlakatla, which is an Alaskan community that was suffering from over 80% unemployment and widespread drug and alcohol abuse. Our interest and visits inspired them to revive their local traditions, rescue their language and provide a rich cultural experience not only for our guests but also for themselves. They greet our guests, proudly, present their representational multi-generational dances and tell stories. Also, we have hired local artists to demonstrate their crafts, which we purchase and display on our ships. In other locations we communicate with the leaders or chiefs of the village to determine the needs of the community.
How does your program promote traveler enthusiasm, satisfaction, and engagement with the locale?
Cruise West encourages guests to get involved with the various communities by providing them with opportunities to contribute in multiple ways. In January 2008, guests from Cruise West’s Sea of Cortés cruise volunteered to participate in a paint party of the La Paz Children’s Home, including a work party and barbecue with the children. In January 2007, Cruise West guests celebrated Three Kings Day with the children at La Paz Children’s Home, bringing wrapped gifts and monetary donations to the Padre for purchasing much-needed basics. In other destinations the guests participate in local craft workshops and observe cultural practices as well as fun interactive activities such as soccer games with people from the local village.
Describe how your work helps travelers and local residents better understand the value of the area's cultural and natural heritage, and educates them on local environmental issues.
By providing opportunities for both the guests and the local residents to become informed and involved in Cruise West’s Our Bear Cares program it creates a greater mutual respect. The destination communities are proud to share and demonstrate their culture, which enhances their community and identity and strengthens their connections to their history. The more educated and experienced the cruise guest is the more they will want to respect the places they visit. The program provides a more meaningful and lasting impression for both sides.
This Entry is about (Issues)
Sustainability
How is your initiative currently financed? If available, provide information on your finances and organization that could help others. Please list: Annual budget, annual revenue generated, size of part-time, full-time and volunteer staff.
For every cruise we have staff that take photos and prepare a presentation at the end of the trip. The presentation (to music) includes photos of our guests and their experiences including all of the destinations and the local people/wildlife. This CD is offered to the guests as a photo journal for an affordable price. All proceeds are designated for donation to a cause in the communities that we visit. This is managed and determined by our Vision Committee, which is made up of full time employees that volunteer for the committee. Also, many guests contribute supplies and monetary donations in addition to purchasing the photo journals.
Is your initiative financially and organizationally sustainable? If not, what is required to make it so? Is there a potential demand for your innovation?
Yes, our company and often our guests donate medical and school supplies and money. It will be sustainable as long as guests continue to choose Cruise West and participate in our charitable programs.
What are the main barriers you encounter in managing, implementing, or replicating your innovation? What barriers keep your program from having greater impact?
Our innovation has had more impact in places we visit more often. For example, our Sea of Cortés cruise frequents La Paz, which has strengthened our relationship with the La Paz Children’s Home. Also, our trips to Alaska are more frequent which has allowed us to establish strong and consistent relationships with various communities there. In the places we visit fewer times a year it is more difficult to have a greater impact but we are making an effort to change that. Also, because each place we visit is different we do not necessarily want to “replicate” our innovation because each community we encounter has different needs. The hardest part about implementing our innovation somewhere new is the initial step of establishing a relationship with local partners but once we establish that the innovation quickly makes a positive impact.
What is your plan to expand or further develop your approach? Please indicate where/how you would like to grow or enhance your innovation, or have others do so.
Cruise West would like to establish solid relationships in each destination. Currently we have relationships with several programs in the Pacific Northwest region, the La Paz Children's Home in Mexico, the Embera people in Panama and a community in Tikopia but we would like to add more partnerships in addition to maintaining our current ones.
The Story
Please provide a personal bio. Note this may be used in Changemakers' marketing material.
Chuck West began sharing his beloved Alaska with travelers more than 60 years ago. He wanted to give them an experience that was altogether unique. Traveling in small groups, these Alaska cruises got visitors close to Alaska’s magnificent scenery, wildlife and culture so they would return home with a real appreciation for Alaska and not just a handful of photos. This was the original inspiration and Chuck passed it down to his son Richard, who has inherited the leadership of the company. He still provides the same unique experiences for his cruise guests by incorporating culture, history and natural beauty.
What is the origin of your innovation? Tell the Changemakers and media communities what prompted you to start this initiative.
Over the past 25 years we have developed our small ship cruising as the ultimate platform to provide these “Up Close, Casual and Personal” cruise experiences. While our primary focus remains on Alaska, we’ve expanded our cruise destinations to include the Bering Sea, Japan, Panama Canal & Costa Rica, British Columbia, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Europe’s Danube River and the Galapagos Islands. And that same philosophy of providing unique, life-enhancing cruise experiences continues to guide us. Wherever we go, the focus is on the destination, with knowledgeable guides and Exploration Leaders, “insider” experiences, and many included “extras” like kayaks, snorkel equipment, and shore excursions to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
At Cruise West, we also believe you shouldn’t have to pay extra on board for things like soft drinks, gratuities, or port charges – all of these are included in your cruise fare. You become part of our “family”, the ship is your home, and you will be treated well by our attentive staff.
The broad appeal of our “Up Close, Casual and Personal” style of cruising has helped to make us the global leader in small ship exploration cruises—the #1 choice of adventurous cruisers who want to connect on a more intimate level with the world’s natural beauty and diverse cultures.
In 1999, Cruise West’s first year of operation in Mexico, Chairman & Managing Director, Dick West, and his family brought a suitcase full of toys, and hair accessories on their Sea of Cortés trip. They visited a children’s home in La Paz where they were struck by the very stark conditions and the fact that although the children were clean and fed, there were very limited supplies and furnishings. All the children seemed happy and adjusted, but they were living without some very basic things. Mr. West noted there was not even a mirror for them to see how beautiful they were. Some of the very basic items unavailable to these children Cruise West felt we could supply. The experience of giving at the La Paz Children’s Home spawned a more widespread feeling of charitable giving and desire by Cruise West to give back to the areas that we touch. For La Paz, things are brought for the home every time we visit. One year it was 100 toothbrushes and toothpastes, one year, enough silverware so the children could all eat at the same time. Every time the ship leaves the La Paz area all the surplus food is given to the children’s home, as well as spare Mexican change collected onboard. This pattern of giving has spread to other destinations now also, as Cruise West tries to contribute something positive and sustainable everywhere we go to build meaningful relationships.
Describe some unique tourist experiences that your approach provides. Be specific; give illustrative examples.
One unique experience came in Panama when guests on the cruise donated soccer shoes and equipment to the Emberá people, which inspired a casual pick-up soccer game between the local Emberá people and the Cruise West guests.
Another unique experience is the effect of Cruise West’s partnership with the Petersburg Marine Mammal Center in Petersburg, Alaska. The PMMC focuses on public education about humpback whales and other marine mammals of Southeast Alaska. Their efforts help in the recovery and preservation of Alaska’s natural wonders. The PMMC serves and is served by their capable interns. Cruise West has decided to help fund their internship program starting in 2007. These interns are the guides for the Cruise West cruises when they arrive in Petersburg. They provide a unique and meaningful insight into the local wildlife.
In addition to these the guests experience an immersion unlike any other in the South Pacific community of Tikopia. They are included in the village ceremonies and taught about the culture and traditions by people who actually live on the island. This is unique because there are very few visitors who have ever been to Tikopia.
What types of partnerships or professional development would be most beneficial in spreading your innovation?
Cruise West is always looking for worthy partners in the various destinations to work with to enhance the local community and enhance the trip for the cruise guests. If there is a group or organization that is in need Cruise West tries to establish a connection with them.
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 | 163 weeks agoRaija Sanford submitted this idea. |
