Cruise ship prospects and industry overview

Cruise Ship

Dear Mayor of Island X:

Greetings! As the Director of Sustainable Cruising, Incorporated, I have long been aware of Island X's famed flora and fauna. I know that Island X has some of the most unique animal and plant species endemic to the region. As an executive of an award-winning cruise line (listed as the 1# cruise line for eco-friendly tourism by Travel and Leisure magazine), I am always looking to expand our cruisers' knowledge of hidden gems in the area.

It is the mission of Sustainable Cruising to combine tourism with consciousness-raising. The tourists who embark upon our cruises wish to acquire genuine knowledge and appreciation of the different islands of the region. With great respect and eagerness, we would like the privilege of including your island as part of our next line of 'destination' tour packages. The proposed stop would be for a morning-to-evening stay in the harbor, docking at 9am and departing at 9pm. No additional accommodations would be needed, given that tourists can use the boat as a hotel room, which would minimize any disturbance to the area.

Our philosophy at Sustainable Cruising is that tourism encourages individuals to engage in more mindful treatment of the environment. By learning about an area in a hands-on fashion, people are more likely to care about the region's people, places, and things. The proof is in our rich, albeit short history: many of our former Sustainable Cruise passengers grow so enamored of the lands they visit that they return. Our cruise line has one of the highest return passenger ratings in the industry. Many cruisers also go on to contribute funds to ensure the preservation of local habitats.

Sustainable Cruising makes a commitment to supporting the handicrafts of indigenous peoples in the areas where it docks. Our motto is to leave things as they are, without trying to substantially change the local economy and cultural structure of the land. Of course, Sustainable Cruisers are interested in learning about local handicrafts and practices, but they come as observers, and do not demand any additional accommodations are made for their presence. Staff members are all oriented in the culture of the region, and many have family members who are local to the area.