Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has brought guests and crew together to plant 300 trees in Madeira, supporting ecological restoration through a hands-on shore experience.

On 23^rdApril, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines invited 28 guests and crew members from Bolette to join an exclusive, complimentary shore experience – a hands-on morning of tree-planting at Funchal Ecological Park, a protected nature reserve and conservation area north of Funchal, Madeira.

Together, the group planted 300 trees, contributing to ongoing ecological restoration efforts within the park. The initiative reflects Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ commitment to caring for the destinations it visits — helping to protect natural environments, support local communities, and create a lasting, positive impact.

The experience was delivered in partnership with DMC Madeira, a Funchal‑based destination management company specialising in thoughtfully curated, sustainable travel experiences across Madeira and Porto Santo.

Soraia Gouveia, Shorex and Operations Manager at DMC Madeira, commented:

“The initiative was a great success, making a very positive contribution to sustainability, and with the enthusiastic participation of the ship’s crew, guests, and the DMC Madeira team, it became a truly collaborative and rewarding experience – demonstrating how tourism can give back while helping to preserve Madeira’s unique landscape.”

Dominic Simpson, Sustainability Manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, added:

“Initiatives like this are an important part of how we look to care for the destinations we visit. Working closely with DMC Madeira allowed us to deliver an initiative that supported ecological restoration on the island, while also offering guests and crew a meaningful way to engage with the destination – going beyond a traditional shore excursion.

“We look forward to continuing this approach through further initiatives across the destinations and communities we operate in, helping guests and crew make a positive difference together.”

The initiative forms part of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ broader community engagement strategy, supporting the places it sails to and from, and the people connected to them.