This topic came to me while returning from a recent camping trip to the southwestern US. Why talk about topics of talks that I have given aboard cruise ships? Is there a message behind this madness of mine to try to interest more people in the natural world?

Most passengers on HAL cruises are not young. Thus trying to motivate them to take a greater interest in the natural world might seem to be a misplaced effort at environmental education. Most nature-oriented education focuses on children and young adults – with the expectation that such children will have a lifetime of nature enjoyment and possible support for conservation efforts.

The cruise audience is a bit different. Young cruisers are focused on having a “good-time” and partying, not listening to nature talks. Older individuals have less desire for partying and more for socializing with like-minded individuals. Many HAL cruisers are widows or widowers seeking companionship. They are nearing the end of their lives. Others are living the dream of sailing the seven seas in retirement, having worked for many (too many?) years without enjoying travel.

So they want to travel and see the world. Sadly, a great many will not really see the world as it is, but as excursions that are arranged by the ship want to show them. Every cruise line wants repeat customers and excursions that show too much of the reality of many ports may encourage passengers not to visit such ports again.

The short stays in port (typically 8-5) prevent travel to locations distant from the ports.

What I talk about