Making a sea change

On World Cancer Day (in February), Holland America Line announced its On Deck for a Cause campaign, a fund-raiser for cancer research. Passengers on any of the line's 15 ships are invited to walk five kilometres around the decks and donate to the fund, which is shared with six international cancer organisations. In the past, HAL's passengers have raised $US1.9 billion worldwide for a US-based breast cancer foundation and this new campaign taps into a strong desire to "make a difference" - while enjoying yourself at the same time.

P&O Cruises has been involved with community schemes in the Pacific islands its ships have been visiting for 80 years, and this year is supporting Save the Children. Donating is as painless as having a $1 donation added to your on-board account and you can become more actively involved by buying a Born to Knit Kit and knitting a square for blankets for newborn babies on the islands. In Myanmar, Pandaw River Cruises' charity, which was established by passengers and employees of the cruise line, has done amazing work.

Over the past 10 years it has helped establish 12 schools, an orphanage, and seven clinics for poverty-stricken locals in regions the cruise line visits.

The Pandaw Charity is funded by donations from passengers and profits from the cruise line and is run by two local volunteers.

Charity auctions feature on several upmarket cruise lines' voyages. On the last night of Hapag-Lloyd's cruises, the captain auctions the chart of the sailing at a farewell party. Passengers have been known to pay thousands for the charts and proceeds go directly to selected charities - however, the cruise line's policy is not to boast about this.

You don't have to be especially well-heeled to cruise for a cause. As well as joining in shipboard fund-raisers and donating to your ship's chosen charity, there are lots of ways you can become a "voluntourist" on your next cruise. Many itineraries include shore excursions that involve hands-on involvement in everything from helping in animal rescue shelters to tree planting. Giving a little really does help - and alleviates that twinge of guilt for indulging in all the good things a cruise offers.

Package of the week

Escape pre-Christmas madness on a 15-night Dubai to Colombo cruise on MV Voyager, departing Dubai on December 2 and calling at various ports in Abu Dhabi, Oman and India. Cruiseco's 17-night package includes airfares from Australia, two nights' accommodation in Dubai, and a three-night Royal India and Agra tour extension. Prices start at $7614 a person, twin share. 1800 225 656, cruising.com.au.