As Earth Day approaches this year, it’s time to remember how to be our most environmentally-responsible selves, even while indulging in a vacation.
Cruise lines are embracing modern ideas and state-of-the-art technology to reduce the waste production and carbon footprint of their vessels. Whether it’s choosing a smaller ship, or toting a reusable water bottle, here a five ways to be an earth-friendly cruiser.
Depending where you live, there are different regulations around single-use plastics. As Canadians, I think it’s fair to say we are used to the idea of bringing our own reusable tote while shopping, and drinking soda or coffee from a cup, rather that sipping though a plastic straw. This move to eliminate single-use plastic is said to prevent about 3 million tonnes of plastic waste from being generated in Canada each year. When Disney Cruise Line stopped handing out plastic straws, it says it eliminated using more than 14 million straws each year! When selecting a cruise line, consider the policy in place around single-use plastics aboard their ships so you can be an earth-friendly cruiser.
Virgin Voyages has opted to ban single-use plastics across their fleet including eliminating the use of plastic straws, plastic water bottles, condiment packets and shopping bags. Norwegian Cruise Line replaced all single-use plastic bottles across the fleet with refillable or recyclable containers and banned all plastic straws. Hurtigruten removed all single-use plastics not only from their ships, but from their offices. Disney Cruise Line is removing or replacing many single-use plastics onboard their ships, including plastic shopping bags and straws and plastic water bottles have been replaced with refillable aluminum bottles. MSC Cruises has eliminated the use of plastic straws and single use plastic in buffet restaurants, and their luxury Explora line has introduced refillable aluminum water bottles to their guests. Azamara has eliminated single-use plastic water bottles and straws across their fleet. Holland America is no longer using plastic straws, stir sticks or plastic water bottles
No matter the cruise line policy on plastics, be sure to utilize waste reduction and recycling options onboard, reuse when you can and go paperless when possible.
Cruise ships have all of their guests comforts covered while at sea, and as such can consume large amounts of energy and water. Consider choosing a cruise line that takes steps toward conservation of precious resources.
Royal Caribbean ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems that recycle water for non-potable uses, as well as smart HVAC systems that reduce energy consumption in unoccupied spaces. Celebrity Cruises has installed energy-efficient appliances and systems and encourages guests to participate in towel-reuse programs to save water consumption.
Don’t forget to consider your personal choices while onboard, and think about using a towel a second time, rather than having it replaced by housekeeping, making you an earth-friendly cruiser.
It’s easy to forget about making sustainable choices while you are enjoying your vacation, but one way to be aware of your footprint is to think about the sourcing of the onboard food.
Many cruise lines participate in the Ocean Conservation program of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which includes sustainable seafood guidelines and best practices. Their programs typically include avoiding endangered species, sourcing from certified fisheries, and providing information to guests about their sustainable seafood choices.
Virgin Voyages has a no buffet model to reduce food waste and a high percentage of plant-based options on their menus. MSC Cruises utilizes AI tracking technology to reduce food waste. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity focus on locally-sourced ingredients where possible and have onboard food waste reduction technology that includes biodigesters.
Sometimes you can’t beat the appeal of a large ship with every amenity at your fingertips, but consider a smaller ship for their unique charms.
River cruise lines such as Ama Waterways, Avalon, Viking and Uniworld carry fewer passengers, so naturally have a smaller environmental footprint. French luxury line Poignant has small ships that use selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce emissions. Their Le Commandant Charcot polar exploration vessel operates on hybrid electric-LNG. While considered mid-size at about 700 passengers, Azamara ships are equipped with Shore Power Capability, using shore power where available to reduce emissions while docked.
You can calculate your carbon footprint using an online calculator, and perhaps choose to purchase offsets. While offsets help compensate for emissions, remember its most effective to combine with actively making more sustainable choices.
Here’s a quick list of questions to make sure you’re being an earth-friendly cruiser.
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