Royals will tour Caribbean on yacht to cut travel expenses and greenhouse gas emissions
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will tour the Caribbean on a luxury yacht to cut travel expenses and greenhouse gas emissions.The Royal couple will sail around the region visiting a number of countries on the Leander - a vessel hired from British businessman Sir Donald Gosling.
A Clarence House spokeswoman said the 11-day trip next month “will reinforce Britain’s ties with the important Commonwealth countries of Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and Jamaica and the UK Overseas Territory of Montserrat.
“It will advance key British Government priorities in the promotion of sustainable development, environmental protection and youth opportunity.”
Using the Leander to travel between the islands rather than a plane is expected to reduce climate change pollutants.
The 246ft-long vessel will produce a saving of about 40% in carbon emissions compared to the Prince’s last Caribbean tour in 2000 when he flew.
The cost of the yacht, which has a crew of 24, will also be cheaper than travelling by chartered planes.
The vessel has a Jacuzzi deck, bar, gym and sauna, and accommodation which includes two master suite cabins, three en-suite double guest cabins and five twin guest cabins.
In a further effort to cut emissions and costs, Charles and Camilla will fly to and from the Caribbean by a scheduled service.
The pair will arrive in the region on March 4 and have a busy schedule of engagements and meetings which will cover the trip’s three main themes.