RSSC extends Partnership With Explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau

**Ally** · 11-29-2007, 04:59 PM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Nov 29 – Regent Seven Seas Cruises has signed a three-year extension of its exclusive partnership with renowned naturalist Jean-Michel Cousteau. Under the new agreement, Cousteau, the son of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau and an acclaimed filmmaker, educator and environmentalist, will continue to make personal appearances several times per year on Regent ships as a special lecturer. Additionally, his Ocean Futures Society counselors will lead Regent’s Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Circles of Interest program aboard Alaska and Tahiti voyages during the summer months, and in Tahiti over the holidays.

Regent’s relationship with Cousteau began in 1999, when the famed explorer hosted a marine life-focused enrichment program aboard Regent’s Paul Gauguin®. The success of that program led to annual visits from Cousteau and later environmentally themed enrichment programs from his Ocean Futures Society (www.oceanfutures.org). Soon after, Cousteau introduced Ambassadors of the Environment, an innovative and entertaining enrichment program that provides entire families with the skills and practices necessary to ensure a sustainable environment going forward. The program was launched on Regent’s Tahiti departures and has recently expanded to include summer Alaska voyages.

“Jean-Michel Cousteau’s ongoing enrichment programs aboard Regent ships are an example of the customization Regent provides its guests, who have the rare opportunity to discover destinations their own way, inspired by the knowledge and experience of world-renowned experts,” said Sophie Vlessing, vice president, customer strategy and marketing for Regent.

In 2008, Jean-Michel Cousteau will sail with Regent as a special lecturer during Seven Seas Mariner’s South America cruise in February and March; aboard Seven Seas Navigator’s Discovery Collection cruises to India and Africa in October and November; and aboard Paul Gauguin to Tahiti and the Cook Islands in September.

The Ambassadors of the Environment Circles of Interest introduce young travelers and their families to extraordinary natural wonders while demonstrating imaginative ways to build sustainability into their everyday lives. Ideal for families, the program gives participants direct, hands-on experience and knowledge of marine eco-systems while emphasizing the importance of conservation. Through slide shows, hikes, diving excursions (where appropriate) and discussions, families are introduced to the natural wonders of the region’s environment. Presentations focus on biodiversity, the region’s unique characteristics, plus human impact and resource management. Families learn important biological and ecological scientific principles, and explore their relationship to ecosystem sustainability. Further details can be found on Regent’s website, Luxury Cruise Lines: Luxury Cruise Vacations from Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Regent’s schedule of Ambassadors of the Environment programs in Alaska and Tahiti from December 2007 through December 2008 is as follows:

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Paul Gauguin/Tahiti – Dec 19 & 29, 2007; June 7, 14, 25; July 5, 16, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16, 27; Dec 20, 27, 2008
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Seven Seas Mariner/Alaska – June 4, 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Aug 6, 2008

NCCruzer · 12-03-2007, 07:18 PM

I'll be on 5 segments of the Discovery Collection next fall. Looking forward to hearing Jean-Michel Cousteau then.