Royal Caribbean’s Private Cruise Destination CocoCay Certified to Sustainable Tourism Standard

MIAMI – The attractions and tour operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s tropical island paradise, CocoCay have been awarded a Gold-Level Eco-Certification by Sustainable Travel International as part of the Sustainable Tourism Education Program™ (STEP).

The cruise line’s private 140-acre island – located in The Bahamas’ Berry Island chain between Freeport and Nassau – attained the globally recognized sustainable tourism standard after a thorough assessment of all areas including work place practices, guest education and communications, and environmental management policies and practices.

Sustainable Travel International, a non-profit organization that supports sustainable tourism development through responsible travel has partnered with Royal Caribbean since 2008 to enhance the cruise company’s Environmental Stewardship Strategy.

STEP was developed to provide industry tour operators, attractions and other providers with educational tools, including the STEP Sustainable Shore Excursion Program, which helps cruise industry operators manage a variety of sustainability efforts to the highest standards. STEP includes one of the first global certifications to be formally recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and is considered to be the gold standard in sustainable business management for the travel and tourism industry.

“We are thrilled that CocoCay has achieved this prestigious certification that further emphasizes our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Rich Pruitt, associate vice president Safety and Environmental Stewardship, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “By working with organizations such as Sustainable Travel International Royal Caribbean continues to focus on providing an incredible vacation experience both onboard its ships and its private destinations like CocoCay.”