UPDATE 06.10.20: We won! 

Every year Intercruises submits a small number of tour descriptions as entries for the Seatrade Innovative Shorex Award, one of the most prestigious prizes in the cruise industry. Intercruises has quite an impressive track record in the competition:

  • Winner: 2010, 2012, 2016 (and now 2020 too!)
  • Runner Up: 2009, 2014, 2018, 2019

We are delighted once again that an Intercruises tour has been selected as one of the final three tours for the award…. have you ever been ‘Plastic Fishing’?

Plastic Fishing Tour – Netherlands 

Everyone is saddened by the amount of plastic found in the oceans, rivers and waterways around the world and we have seen the cruise industry taking proactive steps to help combat this, such as eliminating plastic straws on vessels. This shore excursion further helps, by giving guests the chance to see the sights of Amsterdam, while helping to ‘fish’ plastics out of its canals.

Available from the ports of Amsterdam, Ljmuiden or Rotterdam, cruise guests will jump into different canal boats, which are completely eco-friendly and constructed from recycled plastic. Each boat has its own skipper, who will advise guests on how to fish for plastic, whilst also providing information about Amsterdam and the different sights they will see as they journey down the canals – the routes will change due to traffic or where the plastic is, but guests are likely to see elegant merchant mansions, churches and warehouses dating back to the 16th and 17th century.

All the plastic that is found will be recycled and reused to create new canal boats, furniture, skateboards, etc. While guests can relax and enjoy the scenic views, they should also be aware that there is a competition between the different boats to collect the most plastic, with a prize awarded to the team with the largest haul. We hope that this approach will incentivize guests, provide a little fun for the participants and promote a positive and friendly competition for the greater good of the beautiful city of Amsterdam and its waterways.

Plastic Fishing is operated in conjunction with Plastic Whale, a social enterprise with a mission; we want plastic-free waters. Worldwide. We achieve this by showing others that economic value can be created from plastic waste, involving as many people and businesses as possible within the pillars: We Collect, We Create, We Educate.

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