Recently, the Marine Connection has become aware that "Come Alive Cruises" offers excursions to captive dolphin facilities in the Caribbean. As a charity which campaigns for the protection, conservation and welfare of dolphins and whales worldwide, I felt compelled to contact Come Alive International inc. regarding this.

As I am sure you will be aware, dolphins are wide-ranging and complex animals. Swimming numerous miles in straight lines and diving to depths of over 100 feet, dolphins live in intricate family groups and use their extensive echo-location or sonar skills to forage and make sense of their water-based world. To confine these animals to an artificial, lifeless tank without currents, live fish or their family pod, in order that they perform for human entertainment is unacceptable. Simply, in captivity each one of their abilities and desires are rendered useless and a naturally independent dolphin becomes fully reliant on human beings.

In view of this, I was disappointed to see that Come Alive Cruises promotes captive dolphin "close encounters" in the Bahamas and Mexico. The name of the cruise ship on which the "Come Alive" cruise is to be hosted is the "Liberty" - a name which signifies freedom, a basic right for all living things. Captive dolphins suffer mentally and physically from having their innate, instinctive skills inhibited and become a caricature of their wild counterparts simply for the entertainment of humans. These animals deserve their liberty, to roam the complex oceans and seas where they belong.

Visiting a dolphin show or swimming with dolphins might seem like a profitable excursion to "Come Alive Cruises" but take some time to think about the impact on the captive dolphins, the pods they were removed from and the ocean which is slowly being depleted of its dolphins through a multitude of ways. Tourists are becoming increasingly aware of the issues surrounding dolphinariums as well as how the wild capture of dolphins always leaves a legacy whether within the remaining pod dynamics or individual captive dolphin. They want to use tour operators and visit places which have solid sustainable, ethical and responsible roots. Promoting captive dolphin excursions is contrary to this expanding tourist ethic. By not offering excursions to these facilities, "Come Alive Cruises" would be setting a precedent and would truly be able to cruise on the "Liberty" without contradiction.

Renowned for its natural beauty, the Caribbean offers a wealth of enjoyable excursions utilising its diverse physical environment and fascinating local cultures, from dolphin watching to Scuba diving. Caribbean captive dolphin facilities are predominantly sustained by the cruise ship industry; local communities do not benefit and are more often than not strictly averse to having captive facilities. A complete contradiction to Caribbean "natural" beauty, contrived dolphin facilities simply profit those who own them. Radisson (now Regent) Seven Seas, took the step not to promote these excursions and have successfully maintained their cruise business.

Therefore, I can see no reason why the cruise industry or Come Alive Cruises need to maintain the promotion of these facilities which only serve to harm the animals within them. I urge you, as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Come Alive International, to encourage the removal of this type of excursion from Come Alive International's itinerary. This would provoke international commendation as the basis of tourism is fast becoming environmental, ethical eco-tourism.

Thank you for taking the time to read my correspondence. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or wish to discuss this matter further.

I very much look forward to receiving clarification of Come Alive International's perspective on this matter and any thoughts you might have regarding this.

Yours sincerely,

Andrina Murrell
Captivity Officer