Who am I not to latch onto Earth Day, apply it to travel, and go for an easy article? Isn’t one of the major purposes of Earth Day? To find better ways to conserve energy?
In the endless training offered to travel planners, one of the topics I find most interesting is how destination vendors are handling the call to bring down their carbon footprints. It is a tricky topic as many travelers have very little interest in separating their garbage while escaping reality. I living proof of this in my travel partner. Every time we prepare to leave a vacation property, I scurry to separate our trash from items that could be recycled.
In fairness, the waste bins provided by those properties are…discouraging. Hello? If you really want me to recycle, then give me a blue bin that isn’t immediately overflowing the moment I drop a used water bottle into it. And, also, if we’re all agreeing to staggered cleanings, might we get some larger, more durable trash bags?
Anyway.
Last year, while doing some certifications for the cruise industry, I went down an absolute rabbit hole that quickly turned me into a stalker of onboard ship tours. I love learning how the cruise industry is sailing greener. I have been surprised to learn just how far ahead the cruise industry is, when it comes to lowering that carbon footprint, in comparison to their land-based equivalents. It does make sense, I suppose, as cruise ships do have to be much more creative as they cannot simply plop recycling bins on the curb one a week.
Cruise vacations have long been known for providing the perfect marriage of relaxation and adventure as travelers explore a beautiful, new location every day while being pampered along the way. Unless, of course, you’re a mom leading a tribe of unpredictable travelers. For us, that perfect marriage of relaxation and adventure is more a collision of chaos and eye rolls.
That’s not important.
A common phrase I hear from those who don’t cruise is that they are just really, really concerned about the impact of cruise ships on the environment. I know that most aren’t actually that concerned, but hey, it sounds good to sound eco-conscious, right?
I now come armed for this phrase with both a biodegradable soapbox and a breath of fresh air. Why? Because the cruise industry’s commitment to the environment is serious. It’s also not new. Hop on board any cruise ship and you will find an eco-nerd ready to tell you all about their vessel’s commitment to a smaller carbon footprint.
Did you know that cruise ships make up less than 10% of the large vessels on our oceans or seas? Cruise ships make up a very small portion of ocean traffic, yet the industry is leading the charge on best eco-practices.
Cruise lines have experienced rising demand since 2021, which has some submitting contracts for new ships to meet the influx of new travelers. The cruise industry continues to emphasize the importance of minimizing environmental impact, even as fleets grow, by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Net-zero. Seriously. Gold star.
How will the cruise industry get to that coveted zero-emissions goal?
By approaching it from multiple directions.
● Fuel Flexibility encourages cruise lines to develop and implement Alternative or Hybrid fuel options. Many are shifting to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as it reduces sulfur and nitrogen oxides emissions. A handful of cruise lines are also testing the use of LNG in combination with fuel cells and rechargeable batteries. Now, if they could also harness the non-odorless gas coming from my stateroom after my husband overeats, well, I’ve no doubt we’d sail for free.
● Shore Power Integration is gaining popularity as cruise ships and ports work together to allow docked vessels to “plug in” to local electrical grids. This means ships can significantly reduce the need to run diesel engines while in port and offer a cleaner, emissions-free experience for those who work or live nearby. If you’re picturing a GIANT three-prong plug, you’re not alone.
● Reducing Drag is another cornerstone of sustainable cruising, and it starts below the surface. Hydrodynamic hulls are designed to reduce friction and create lift while moving through the water. Cruise lines now use anti-fouling exterior paint which discourages algae, barnacles, or other marine organisms from attaching to the ship, reducing drag. That paint has also been tested to ensure that it brings no harm to sea creatures that come in contact with it.
● Onboard Water Treatment has always been a priority for cruise lines. Desalination converts seawater into freshwater for various uses on board while ships are in transit. Grey water (sinks and showers) flows down drains, through treatment tanks, and is then reused for non-potable purposes (toilets). Black water (toilets) is then treated before being discharged back into the ocean with no negative effect on the environment. By recycling water, ships are able to carry less which lowers overall weight, reduces drag, and saves fuel! Does this mean Hollywood showers are fine? Not really at all ever but try to convince a teenaged boy otherwise and you’re in for a treat of an argument.
● Harnessing Heat is a no-brainer as there are loads of heat-producing machinery onboard cruise ships, from engines to large-scale irons. Waste heat recovery repurposes that heat by using it to power air conditioning, heating pools, or even generating electricity. Many cruise lines are also transitioning to gas turbine engines, which produce less heat than traditional diesel engines. I’d like to offer my menopausal hot flashes to this effort.
● Traveler Education is a key piece in the cruise industry’s sustainability effort. Like many hotels, these floating resorts are saving water by shifting to staggered linen changes. Like many themed resorts, cruise ships are now providing travelers with reusable drink containers and edible straws. Onboard signage instructs travelers on best practices for refuse and many ships offer tours that highlight ship wide initiatives. While family mostly ignores those best practices and definitely skips educational tours, I have hopes that this is not forever.
I hate that Earth Day is only a once-a-year celebration, but I do love that the cruise industry’s focus on the environment is a priority every single day and with every single sailing. Technological innovations and collaborative efforts have already redefined eco-friendly cruising, with best practices being updated regularly.
For those who have fallen in love with cruising, it is because exploring the world by water is an unbeatable experience. The cruise industry understands that focusing on sustainability protects their bread and butter: preserving the very waters they frequent.
The best way to learn more about sailing green?
Educate yourself!
Tell your family you are headed off for a learning adventure and hop on board a cruise ship.
Your secret is safe with me. Heck, I may even come along!