Take A Voluntourism Cruise

With voluntourism already a popular travel option for many millennials, cruise lines are jumping on the trend and offering passengers ways to give back, whether they would prefer to spend the entirety of their cruise dedicated to volunteering or just a portion of their time aboard.

Fathom, a branch of Carnival and their newest line, offers cruises to the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Cuba itineraries are more about cultural exchanges and immersion, rather than actual volunteer work. To really get involved, opt for the Dominican Republic itinerary, which sets sail from Miami and travels to Puerto Plata. You’ll enjoy activities such as working alongside locals at an organic cacao nursery or making chocolate with female entrepreneurs.

For those who want to get in as much sand and sun as possible, while still giving to a good cause, some cruise lines, such as Crystal Cruises, offer singular voluntourism shore excursions that passengers can choose to participate in if they so wish. You can find volunteer opportunities like this matching just about any cause, from reforestation efforts and urban gardening to working at food banks, animal shelters and elderly care facilities.

Other cruise lines allow you to make a difference without even leaving the ship, hosting on-board walkathons, charity auctions and other fun activities. Look for ways you can be involved when planning your cruising getaway.