The Eco-Friendly Efforts of Cruise Lines

We often hear about the eco-friendly efforts of resorts and hotels around the world, like low-flow faucets and staff beach cleanups. But they’re not the only ones in the travel space making strides toward more eco-friendly operations. Cruise lines are doing their part to protect the environment, which is crucial, as their very existence depends on the health of oceans and rivers.

Starting with Straws

Eliminating straws on a cruise ship may seem like a very small step, but it’s estimated that Americans use 175 million straws a day, according to a study by Technomics, a marketing analysis firm that specializes in researching the food service industry. So drastically reducing the amount of plastic straws, whether on land or at sea, will no doubt make an environmental impact in a pretty simple way. Many cruise lines have already stopped giving out plastic straws with drinks, like Carnival Cruise Line, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Seabourn and Azamara Club Cruises. Some have gone further by eliminating straws onboard, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas. It’s only a matter of time before all single-use plastic is phased out everywhere.

Hybrid Engines and Alternative Fuels

Hurtigruten is calling its newest ship “the world’s greenest ship” because of the environmentally- focused technology the ship uses. It’s technically a hybrid ship (like a Prius, but for the ocean), using an hybrid engine powered by electricity. The use of electrical propulsion drastically reduces the ship’s consumption of fossil fuel. The ship’s sleek design and unique itineraries, like an 18-day trip through Chilean fjords to Antarctica, are definitely worth considering for 2019 travels.

Looking forward a few years, Hurtigruten is working toward powering their ships with liquefied biogas, a fossil-free, renewable gas produced from dead fish and other organic waste. Using biogas will make Hurtigruten the first cruise company ever to have ships powered by fossil-free fuel. They are hoping this change goes industry-wide, as it could potentially have great, positive impact on the environment.

Solar-Powered Ships

The sun is a powerful energy source and truly renewable, and many cruise lines are capitalizing on this environmentally and financially beneficial energy source. AmaWaterways’ Zambezi Queen is a perfect example of using solar power. The ship uses a solar heating system as well as fuel-efficient and low-emission generators. Its focus on the environment is no surprise, considering it was designed to give passengers up-close experiences with nature. Celebrity Cruises’ ships are also equipped with solar power technology. Their ships’ solar panels produce the electricity that powers the ship’s elevators and LED lights.