Last call for Real Journeys Cruise-for-a-Cause 2019

Media Release 

There is less than a week to go before applications close for the Real Journeys annual ‘Cruise-for-a-Cause’.  New Zealand based charitable organisations can apply for the opportunity to sell all the berths on one of Real Journeys iconic overnight cruises in Fiordland - and keep all the proceeds. Launched in 2015, this unique fundraiser has raised over $150,000 for seven charitable organisations.

Cruise-for-a-Cause 2018 (Doubtful Sound)

Last year, Wanaka Search & Rescue sold out its Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise raising a record $39,100 and the Auckland-based KidsCan Charitable Trust Milford Sound Overnight Cruise took home almost $14,000.  

Cruise-for-a-Cause sees Real Journeys donate an entire overnight cruise in Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound to a charitable organisation.  It includes the vessels, crew, dinner, breakfast and water activities.  The two chosen recipients of the Cruise-for-a-Cause sell as many tickets as possible to their designated overnight cruise and keep 100% of the proceeds.   

Real Journeys General Manager Paul Norris says the Cruise-for-a-Cause has been an overwhelming success.  “An overnight cruise in the wilderness of Fiordland National Park is an extraordinary experience.  Add to that an organisation with a good cause along with their supporters and it’s always an incredibly good night!”

The Cruise-for-a-Cause stemmed from the need for a ‘dress rehearsal’ each season for the overnight crews in the final stage of their training.  The initiative turned the ‘dress rehearsal’ into a cruise that raised funds for a good cause.

New Zealand based charitable organisations that demonstrate they have the organisational ability to market and sell the overnight cruises can apply.  The Doubtful Sound Cruise-for-a-Cause will be held on Saturday 31 August 2019, and the Milford Sound Cruise-for-a-Cause will be on Friday 13 September 2019.  Applications close on the 3^rd February. 

Comments from last year's recipients of Cruise-for-a-Cause:

Wanaka Search and Rescue was delighted to be chosen as a Cruise-for-a-Cause charity by Real Journeys in 2018. The whole thing was fabulous for us in more ways than we had anticipated. Firstly, and most importantly, we raised some serious money that let us buy some amazing rescue equipment that we could not otherwise have afforded. What we did not plan on was that the journey gave us intimate shared experience time with our members and our more external supporters. This was an enriching experience that brought us closer to those who supported us but did not really know the detail of our work. It continues to pay dividends. Cruise for a Cause is such a great program. We remain ever grateful to Real Journeys.

Bill Day, Chairman, WanakaSAR

Thank you to Real Journeys for a wonderful Milford Sound Cruise-for-a-Cause! It was an amazing experience that I was so pleased to share with a great group of KidsCan supporters. Having four students and the Principal from Tikipunga High School made the trip extra special. Thank you again to Real Journeys for making this event possible and helping raise vital funds to support KidsCan’s work with Tikipunga High School.

Julie Chapman, KidsCan Founder and CEO

For more information please visit:    www.realjourneys.co.nz/cruiseforacause