How we have changed.
Not many years ago, some of us derided the people wanting to save the planet as idealists who specialized in smoking funny cigarettes. Greenpeace was perceived as nutbars who just wanted 15 minutes of fame. We cut slack for people like Don Henley of The Eagles because we liked his voice but not necessarily his causes, specifically Walden Pond. Recycling came with reluctance.
Today, they have our respect. They were right.
Today, cruise lines such as Holland America are partnering with organizations such as the Marine Conservation Institute to educate us about oceans and their protected areas.
Today, we say: “Bring it on.”
The Holland America project — Our Marvelous Oceans — is, of course, an on-board 
presentation. It’s not just for passengers, but also for crew. One of its messages is how to visit a marine protected area without causing harm to its habitat and wildlife.
“The goal of this partnership is to promote marine protected areas around the world — especially in those regions where our ships sail,” said executive vice-president Richard Meadows.
Some examples are taking passengers snorkeling in the Florida Keys to see coral reefs. And taking a unique night-time kayak adventure inn a bio-luminescent bay in Puerto Rico. And going on a nature cruise in Australia and New Zealand to watch dolphins in their habitat, as opposed to swimming with them in an enclosed pool.
What makes these special is they’re all in “marine protected areas” — of which there are 6,600. It’s probably the only way to see them.
Make no mistake about it, there’s a little PR going on here, not just for Holland America but for the cruise industry. Cruise ships are often derided the way environmentalists were for the damage they inflict on the planet the environmentalists want to save.
But it’s good PR, because every little ecological exercise helps.
Some of us have just been a little slow in recognizing it.
Today at portsandbows.com: Princess teaming with Uniworld?
Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas
7 nights
December 7, 2014
Port Canaveral (return): Labadee, Falmouth, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Inside: $329
Cost per day: $47
www.royalcaribbean.com