Silversea Cruises recognised for environmental management practices

Silversea Cruises recognised for environmental management practices
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Silversea Cruises has become the first tour operator to gain certification in environmental management in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

    The ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line is the first operator to divert all waste from landfill disposal in the Galapagos.

    Silversea classifies and sorts all waste generated aboard Silver Origin, before transporting all but organic waste out of the Galapagos Islands to the mainland to be recycled or processed in line with regulatory procedures. The cruise line also receives a traceability document that verifies the responsible movement and disposal of all waste.

    Using a local waste management company, Silversea offloads all waste in San Cristobal each week. Carboards, plastics and crushed glass are recycled, while the remaining refuse is transported to Guayaquil on Ecuador’s mainland by marine transportation.

    Once in Guayaquil, the refuse is collected and recycled or processed, in line with environmental legislation and the best sustainability practices including the use of refuse oil to fuel incinerators. 

    “We are very proud to become the first tour operator to gain this certification in environmental management—a representation of our long-term commitment to sustainability and conservation in the Galapagos Islands,” VP & GM, Silversea Cruises, Gabriela Naranjo, said. 

    “We started this initiative in 2020, entering into a partnership with an airline to transport recyclable waste out of the archipelago to the mainland. We are delighted to have taken the next step on our sustainability journey, diverting all waste from landfill in the Galapagos to dispose of it responsibly—with full traceability.”

    “This initiative is just one of the many examples of how Silversea is working to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos for future generations.”

    Aerial view of the, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. (iStock – 4FR)

    The Silversea Fund For The Galapagos

    With the aim of safeguarding the Galapagos Islands’ ecological integrity for future generations, Silversea launched the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos in 2019 to support a diverse selection of education and conservation projects each year.

    The fund strengthens the balance between humans and nature in the archipelago, as part of a long-term sustainability strategy. In addition to benefiting regional conservation efforts and enhancing their connection with this unique destination, the fund’s donors enjoy savings on Silversea’s voyages, as the cruise line matches guests’ contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit.

    Locally Sourced Produce

    Silversea’s commitment to sustainability in the Galapagos extends to its culinary offering on board Silver Origin. If produce grows in the archipelago, the cruise line endeavours to buy it locally. Silversea has increased its sourcing of local ingredients in the Galapagos fivefold in recent years, working closely with independent farmers and suppliers on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal to nurture long-term solutions, strengthen the local economy, and support ongoing conservation efforts.

    Latest News

    • Destinations
    • News

    APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

    APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

    • Cruise
    • Luxury
    • News

    Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

    Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

    • Luxury

    Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

    Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]