Jean-Michel Cousteau's
The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program is a unique, ground-breaking program that introduces young travelers (ages 9 - 17) and their families to extraordinary natural wonders while demonstrating imaginative ways to build environmental sustainability into their lives back home. The AOTE program on Seven Seas Mariner was created through an exclusive partnership with the renowned environmentalist, film producer and educator Jean-Michel Cousteau, and his experienced team from Ocean Futures Society. The program aims to give young participants direct, hands-on experiences and knowledge of marine and terrestrial eco-systems, while emphasizing the critical importance of conservation. Hosts for the program are Ocean Futures Society naturalists, with college degrees in the natural sciences, who will share their broad knowledge of the natural world through experiments, nature-watch sessions, art activities, lectures, and games on board the ship, and also by serving as wildlife interpreters during the Sitka shore excursion. Throughout the sailing, young guests will explore topics ranging from Alaska's whales, dolphins and otters, to the ocean's tiniest creatures visible in our microscopes, to Alaska's amazing fish, Native Alaskan art, and, to bring the message of sustainability home, how we may all attempt to live more sustainably on our fragile and complex planet. Other onboard activities can include tours of the galley and bridge - activities that show Regent's efforts to be more environmentally friendly through the ship's operations. During the call at Sitka, young guests will take part in a program designed to explore the beautiful and unique habitats of wild Alaska. The exact shore component of the AOTE program includes a more in-depth version of our popular "Sea Otter and Wildlife" excursion as well as a visit to other environmental highlights not available to other guests of the "Sea Otter and Wildlife" tour. Sitka's coastal road leads to the renowned Alaska Raptor Center, where injured birds of prey receive medical treatment. A wildlife interpreter will introduce you to some of the birds perched in outdoor habitats: owls, eagles, falcons, and more. Then, you will experience your first muskeg habitat, with sponge-like moss and rich earth that squish between one's fingertips. Your naturalist will then lead you on a trek through the towering rainforest trees of the Sitka National Historic Park to the charming Crescent Harbor, where you will board a deluxe, waterjet-powered sightseeing vessel and set out to explore one of the most beautiful marine wilderness areas in Alaska. You will have the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, brown bears, Sitka blacktail deer, and a variety of marine birds. An OFS naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem as your skilled Captain maneuvers the vessel to provide the best-possible views. Visit the topside observation deck for unparalleled photo opportunities and to fully enjoy the experience with all your senses. Note: Because Alaska's great wilderness offers so many outdoor experiences, Ocean Futures Society has recommended several additional excursions that embrace experiential learning in the great outdoors. OFS naturalists will accompany tours on which the highest numbers of AOTE participants are enrolled. Click on the following to view samples of Club Mariner daily programs. Terms & Conditions This amenity is subject to availability and is capacity controlled. |
