Royal Caribbean won the 2011 Marine Environment Protection Award from the North American Marine Environment Protection Association in recognition of Royal Caribbean’s efforts on behalf of preserving the marine environment as exemplified by a commitment to a program which has specific objectives set for environmental performance and improvement, and which is innovative and goes beyond minimum environmental compliance.
Royal Caribbean Vice President Global Corporate Communications, Michele Nadeem, was gracious in accepting the award, "It is an honor to be recognized by NAMEPA for our commitment to protect, conserve and support the environment. This award is for all the many Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. employees both on shore and on our ships for all of our brands, Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, who work tirelessly to protect the marine environment. They are fully committed to caring for the unique and beautiful places we visit throughout the world."
The judges commented “Royal Caribbean's efforts to educate their passengers through their comprehensive program "Save the Waves" program deserves special attention”, “Save the Waves program is changing "Hearts and Minds"...and preserving the marine environment for future generations to enjoy”; “Royal Caribbean's robust fuel consumption reduction and waste recycling programs have yield excellent results in reduced in GHG and shoreside disposal”; “Royal Caribbean’s commitment and efforts in protecting the environment clearly follow the ABCs...Above Basic Compliance.”
