I like the ocean & have been a passenger on about 35 ocean cruises. Any references to “bluer” ocean cruising in this post means better for the ocean & kinder to marine life. I am for constant improvement there. Following: some of my personal thoughts after research; your own thinking & conclusions are also necessary.
Although cruise ships account for “less than 1% of the total ocean-going commercial fleet of vessels worldwide”, each ship can have thousands of humans aboard. Most of us wish to lessen their environmental impact. Some news of efforts & progress in sustainable cruising:
Six cruise lines were said to be making significant progress in sustainability (per the opinions in one recent article). They are “taking steps toward eco-conscious cruising”. The most affordable mainstream choices I noted in that article were: MSC Cruises & (more pricey though sometimes found on sale): Virgin Voyages. Some reasons:
Virgin Voyages: Their all-newer ships have “modern technology that optimizes energy & fuel usage”. Their ships can also be proud of “futuristic features like in-room energy-saving sensors to operate the lights, curtains & air conditioning”. Their ships serve “ethically sourced seafood & other local ingredients”. & Helping to lower food waste on board, their ships do not have buffets.
MSC Cruises: Reported: that this cruise line with “each of its 20-plus ships” has reduced its carbon emissions “by 35% over the past 15 years”. Has been working on that for a while; since 2008. Further efforts of MSC Cruises include:
– Water-saving tech. so that its ships can self-produce almost all the water supply needed on board (up to “almost 800,000 gallons per day”); &
– Use of shore energy. As of a few years ago, 65% of their ships were already fitted (or retrofitted) to take advantage of shore power when docked, when/where that is available.
General Cruise Line Efforts Gaining Traction:
– Reducing food waste. I have seen notes that several cruise lines are making progress to reduce food waste. I believe this to be much welcomed by many ocean cruise passengers. Also getting more mainstream: minimizing of single-use plastics.
– Activities & shore excursions that minimize ecological impact, especially in pristine & protected environments. Helping to promote “sustainable cruise tourism”. Cruise
lines are more often designing their itineraries towards that. Including for national parks, more fragile marine areas, & UNESCO sites (all so popular on itineraries). Travelers can choose to make less environmental impact. More eco-friendly activities & shore excursions can include snorkeling, hiking, & wildlife conservation outings.
A section of the April ’24 report published by the Cruise Lines Int’l. Association is devoted to “Charting the Future of Sustainable Cruise Travel”. Noted, among other infos:
– It was said that there are “32 pilot projects testing future fuels”;
– New ship builds are being constructed with fuel flexibility in mind. By investment in propulsion tech. that has fuel “conversion capabilities for the future”; &
– Over the next several years,”15% of ships entering service… are being built with battery storage and/or fuel cells”. Making further possibilities for “hybrid power generation”.
Also of note:
– The Association’s (cruise line) members have committed to “not discharging untreated sewage anywhere … during normal operations”. Some cruise lines are already utilizing Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems;
– Some ships are apparently already able to repurpose 100% (!) of their waste, & able to “transfer surplus [machinery] heat … to heat water for showers & pools”; &
– The Association’s members agree to “avoid or voluntarily reduce vessel speed in sensitive areas”. Many ships also have “underwater noise & vibration reduction systems”.
Some cruise ships have scientists on board supporting “ocean & marine life research”, including important climate change research, e.g. “in Antarctica, the Arctic & the Galapagos”.