4 minute read
As someone who’s spent plenty of time sailing the seas and soaking in the beauty of our oceans, I always love seeing cruise lines take real steps toward sustainability. That’s why Costa Cruises’ latest initiative, Guardians of the Sea, caught my attention in the best way. Just launched by the Costa Crociere Foundation in honor of World Ocean Day (June 8), this program is all about educating the next generation of cruisers—kids and teens—about protecting the marine environment.
It’s a smart evolution of the original Guardians of the Coast project, which, over the course of eight years, reached more than 100,000 students and teachers across Italy. Now, this new version is going global, right on board Costa ships.
A Global Effort to Educate and Empower Young Travelers
What makes Guardians of the Sea different? For one, it’s completely onboard the entire Costa fleet and designed for an international, multicultural audience. That means kids from around the world—ages six to 17—can participate, no matter what language they speak.
The idea is simple but powerful: teach ocean conservation through hands-on activities that are actually fun. Through games, group challenges, and interactive learning, young guests develop a deeper connection with the sea and its ecosystems.
And that’s not fluff. These types of programs can be a turning point for kids. When learning is play-based and immersive, it sticks.
Fun Meets Purpose: Three Workshops with Impact
During the week of World Ocean Day, Costa ships will host three special workshops designed by education experts at La Fabbrica. Here’s a quick breakdown of what kids can look forward to:
- Beach Detectives (6–11 years): A treasure hunt for natural relics that opens their eyes to the diversity of marine life.
- EcosySTEM (6–11 years): A deep dive (pun intended) into the science of the sea, with activities that blend STEM learning and environmental awareness.
- Oceanolympic Games (12–17 years): Think quiz battles and physical challenges, all themed around the ocean and its many mysteries.
These aren’t screen-based activities—they’re designed to get kids moving, thinking, and engaging with one another. They’ll learn to respect the ocean through curiosity and connection, not lectures.
Integrated into the Cruise Experience
If you’ve ever sailed with Costa before, you’re probably familiar with the Squok Club and Teen Zone—those onboard hubs where younger guests hang out, make friends, and stay entertained. Guardians of the Sea is now a core part of those spaces. With about 120,000 kids and teens participating each year, that’s a serious opportunity to build a generation of eco-minded travelers.
And it’s not just about awareness. These kids are learning how their choices impact the planet, how ecosystems work, and why biodiversity matters. It’s planting seeds for real behavior change—and that’s what makes this effort more than just a feel-good marketing angle.
Part of a Much Bigger Picture
This initiative is only one part of Costa Crociere Foundation’s broader work. Since its start in 2014, the Foundation has reached nearly 186,000 people through 32 global projects. It’s provided nearly a million meals, donated hundreds of thousands of essential items, and repurposed over 200,000 kg of objects that would have otherwise gone to waste.
That’s the kind of work I want to see more of—especially from major travel companies. Real impact, real transparency, and a focus on turning travel into a force for good.
Why This Matters
As someone who’s constantly around cruise ships, ports, and coastal towns, I see the direct effects of marine pollution and unsustainable tourism. Programs like Guardians of the Sea aren’t just PR fluff—they’re part of a shift in how cruise lines interact with the environments they sail through.
It’s refreshing to see Costa investing in youth education, and even more exciting that they’re doing it in a way that transcends language and culture. When kids become stewards of the sea, we all win.
If you’re sailing with Costa soon and traveling with family, check out this program. It might be the most meaningful part of your cruise.
