Cruises: How the industry is breaking new ground for sustainable tourism

Carbon footprint reduction  

Reducing the carbon footprint of cruises is a priority for cruisers. This includes the introduction of alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), which, among other things, enables Disney Cruise Line to significantly limit its polluting emissions.   

Other innovative ships are adopting hybrid propulsion systems that draw on renewable energies to complete their power supply, such as electricity, wind, or even solar power. This is the case of Hurtigruten Group, which invested in the conversion of its expedition cruise ships combining fuel and electricity, and plans to launch its first zero-emission ship in 2030. 

Meanwhile, ship speeds are reduced and routes are redesigned to minimize the distances covered, thus reducing energy consumption. For instance, Holland America optimizes its routes using navigation systems that analyze weather and sea currents in real time. Ports of call are also carefully planned to limit waiting time at sea and the use of standby engines, many of which consume large amounts of fuel. 

And that’s not all! Princess Cruises pioneered the cruise industry’s move to shore power back in 2001, equipping its ships with electrical connections to the local grid. 

These initiatives are part of a global approach aimed at transforming the cruise industry and actively contributing to the energy transition. The first results are promising, showing a gradual reduction in emissions, with the goal of achieving a near-zero footprint in the future. For example, with its Destination Net Zero program, Royal Caribbean Group has the ambitious target of being carbon neutral by 2050.

Managing waste on board  

Waste management aboard cruise ships is a major concern for cruisers. Basic practices such as eliminating plastic straws or reusing towels are no longer enough. Here are some good examples of what’s being done across the industry. 

Recycling and waste sorting  

With its recycling and waste management program, Princess Cruises sees to it that waste is properly recycled, incinerated or stored for later disembarkation at a certified waste reception facility. Good to know: To reduce the amount of plastic waste, some lines have started using biodegradable products, such as cutlery and cups made from corn starch. 

Reducing food waste  

The various buffets served to passengers aboard cruise ships are abundant and often lavish, which can lead to a significant risk of food waste. To reduce food waste early on, Royal Caribbean Group has introduced a number of initiatives to manage supplies and avoid overproduction:  

• Training and awareness-raising on food waste;  

• Development of software to manage food supplies;  

• Use of artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust production in real time;  

• Monitoring of food waste. 

Fostering a circular economy  

In partnership with local organizations or through donation programs, several cruise lines are extending the life of various consumer goods by promoting a circular economy. For example: 

• Cunard recycles its mattresses in partnership with RetourMatras; 

• Aida Cruises gives a second life to used carpets and rugs on its ships with the help of OceanCycle;  

• Norwegian Cruise Line, thanks to its partner Goodwill, recycles fabrics from its used towels and cloths to produce more durable, low-cost cloths. 

Safeguarding marine biodiversity  

Nature conservation is another priority for the cruise industry. From adapting itineraries to avoid migratory or breeding areas, to actions to protect marine mammals and their ecosystems, as well as conservation initiatives and partnerships. Here are some examples: 

• Carnival Corporation has established internal procedures, annual training, and resources to respect and protect marine mammals such as whales.  

• MSC Cruises’ Protectours program features responsible excursions that include at least 70% activities with no environmental impact, alongside initiatives such as tree planting and beach clean-ups. 

• Since 2016, Royal Caribbean Group has been working with WWF to help protect the oceans and support coastal communities funding conservation initiatives in Alaska, sustainable fisheries management in Fiji, as well as the ShellBank program to safeguard sea turtles. 

• Many cruise lines treat ballast water to prevent the spread of non-native species from one part of the world to another, in compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC). 

Raising awareness for environmental protection  

By offering eco-responsible excursions, onboard educational programs and training courses, cruise lines raise awareness among their passengers, staff—such as Princess Cruises’ Environmental Officer program—and partners of the importance of environmental protection and responsible travel. Here are some examples: 

• Through its Seabourn Conversations program, Seabourn holds lectures for passengers on topics such as the environment, research, and conservation. 

• Likewise, Celebrity Cruises, through its Go Green program, awards loyalty points to travellers who reduce housekeeping services during their stay. 

• As for Norwegian Cruise Line, a Code of Conduct applies to its suppliers, testifying to their ethical and environmentally responsible practices. 

Committed travellers for sustainable tourism  

Of course, passengers also bear some responsibility for reducing their ecological footprint on a cruise, and this starts with choosing the right cruise operator. They can also:  

• Participate in onboard recycling programs;  

• Save water and energy;   

• Respect local wildlife;   

• Support the local economy during ports of call.  

In the end, we may well ask, do cruises pollute? Although still evolving, the efforts of cruise lines to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainable tourism are paving the way for a future where cruise travel and respect for the planet go hand in hand. 

Interested in learning more about the promises and actions of different cruise lines before sailing aboard their ships? Visit their websites: 

Celebrity Cruises | Royal Caribbean International | Norwegian Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Carnival Cruise Line | Disney Cruise Line | Costa Cruise Line | Holland America Line | Cunard Cruise Line | Seabourn