Cruise Industry and Seattle Works Host Volunteer Event to Support Seattle Parks' Restoration of Golden Gardens

SEATTLE, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 50 volunteers participated today in Golden Gardens Park restoration efforts, hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its member lines Holland America Line, Seabourn, Windstar Cruises, and Paul Gauguin Cruises in partnership with volunteer organizers from Seattle Works, representatives from the Port of Seattle and staff from Seattle Parks and Recreation.  The event included restoration of the park's shoreline, dunes and wetland. 

"Every day, across the globe, CLIA members make positive contributions to the ports and communities in which they operate," said Christine Duffy, President and CEO of CLIA. "Today's event provided the cruise industry with the opportunity to support the city of Seattle while also participating in an effort that demonstrates our cruise lines' commitment to environmental stewardship." 

The event was recognized by Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, proclaiming April 23, 2013 "Cruise Industry Employee Volunteer Recognition Day."  The proclamation from the Mayor's Office noted the cruise industry's strong ties to the Pacific Northwest and its economic contributions to the state of Washington.

"The Port of Seattle is a committed steward of the environment," said Port Commission President Tom Albro.  "We're happy to contribute our efforts to keeping Puget Sound and its public access areas safe and clean places for families."

"Cruise industry partners and employees came together today to contribute to the restoration of Golden Gardens," said Acting Parks and Recreation Superintendent Christopher Williams. "We're proud to see so many volunteers contribute to the Park's restoration so that the local community and its visitors can continue to enjoy this popular park with extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains."

Today's event in Seattle coincides with National Volunteer Week and international observances of Earth Day, and is part of CLIA's global "Cruise Forward" initiative, which highlights the economic benefits, community partnerships and environmental stewardship of the cruise industry. Today's local restoration is just one of many ways in which the global industry gives back to its port communities.

The cruise industry has benefited port communities worldwide through fundraising activities, volunteer initiatives and clean-up projects. Whether it is raising money for local school children in Florida or helping clear debris off of Hawaii's beaches after the Japanese tsunami, the activities by CLIA and its member cruise lines have positively impacted communities and environments worldwide.

For additional information and examples of how cruise lines around the world are giving back and helping improve their communities, please see www.CruiseForward.org or join Cruise Forward on Facebook (Facebook.com/CruiseForward).

About CLIA

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA's Associate Member and Executive Partner programs include the industry's leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog.

SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association