Three ways cruise is answering the climate question
As eco-friendly solutions like liquified natural gas (LNG) continue to come under closer scrutiny, what else is the cruise industry doing to improve its environmental impact? Will Payne reports
Whenever the travel industry’s carbon footprint comes into focus, the cruise sector often finds itself in the firing line.
In 2023, for example, several of the world’s largest cruise lines disputed claims made by an environmental pressure group that they were trying to “gaslight” consumers into believing LNG – which the group claimed was a polluting fossil fuel – was an appropriate climate solution.
NGO Opportunity Green (OG) filed a series of complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) against lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Costa Cruises to try to put an end to the alleged “LNG greenwashing”. The complaint is still under review.
What can’t be disputed, however, is that travellers are more engaged in the climate debate than ever before. According to booking.com’s 2024 Travel Predictions, more than half (53 per cent) of holidaymakers are seeking travel options that blend comfort with sustainability.
Mel Connell, head of marketing for sustainability organisation Cleaner Seas Group (CSG), believes the industry is entering a “pivotal moment” for sustainability.
“The industry is waking up to the role it can play in minimising the greatest causes of ocean and environmental pollution, as well as the consumer demand for greener travel,” she said.
Connell believes everyone – whether corporate or personal – has a responsibility to minimise their impact on the planet for future generations.
“It’s awesome to see the cruise industry at large set a course for minimising pollution across the business and working with innovative organisations like us to make that a reality,” she added.
Here, we highlight three lines which have implemented innovative solutions to help reduce the impact their ships have on the environment.
Marella Cruises
Earlier this year, Marella Cruises began trialling a new microplastic filter on board Marella Explorer. In partnership with CSG, the line installed two Indikon filters onto the ship’s crew laundry system to help prevent marine life from being harmed by microfibres produced from plastics.
The line is working with the University of Surrey to monitor and measure the microplastics captured on board the ship, which will help Cleaner Seas Group adapt its technology based on the findings.
Marella will review the results of the six‑month trial before rolling out the filters across the rest of its fleet, including Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager.
By collaborating with one of the largest cruise lines in the UK, we hope to set a new course in microplastic capture prevention at sea
Olivia Wells, sustainability manager at Marella Cruises, said: “We are committed to finding ways to further look after the natural environment in which our ships sail.
“By working with Cleaner Seas Group during this six-month trial as an industry first initiative, we believe that it will support future studies on preserving and protecting oceans.”
Dave Miller, CEO at Cleaner Seas Group, added: “We are thrilled to be working on this ocean conservation initiative with Marella Cruises. By collaborating with one of the largest cruise lines in the UK, we hope to set a new course in microplastic capture prevention at sea.”
Hurtigruten
A specially designed reactor at one of Hurtigruten’s ports has been installed to convert edible food waste into compost which can be used to grow vegetables for the line’s restaurants.
The initiative starts with sorting food waste from Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express ships, which sail year-round along the coast of Norway, calling at 34 ports from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north.
The waste is then transported to Stamsund Harbor where it undergoes transformation through a compost reactor, which converts edible food waste into compost within 24 hours. This is then sent to a farm on the Lofoten Islands to enhance soil quality and produce food which will end up on the menu of Hurtigruten’s ships.
We are committed to taking proactive steps to minimise our ecological footprint and promote responsible practices
“We understand the importance of preserving our environment while offering unforgettable experiences to our guests,” said CEO Hedda Felin.
“Recognising that our operations inherently impact the environment, wildlife and local cultures in the waters we sail in, we are committed to taking proactive steps to minimise our ecological footprint and promote responsible practices.”
Following a five-year scheme to reduce waste, Hurtigruten has seen a drop in leftovers from 261 grams per customer in 2019 to 66 grams in 2023. To increase awareness on climate change amongst its crew and passengers, the line has also added presentations, workshops and interactive experiences to its onboard programming.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line (HAL) has embarked on a long-term biofuel test on its flagship, Rotterdam, leveraging 100 per cent low carbon intensity biofuel while sailing within the Norwegian Fjords.
The ship will operate one of its four engines using low carbon intensity oil derived from organic waste produced from fats, oils and grease left over from feedstock processing, which is hoped to yield an estimated 86 per cent reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions.
HAL is one of the first Carnival Corporation brands to run a long-term 100 per cent biofuel shipboard operation, having completed a successful first test in August 2022.
Converting items such as food waste into fuel is an innovative way to meet environmental challenges and we thank the Dutch government for its support
“Holland America Line is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and we are excited to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us toward our pursuit of net zero emissions,” said Gus Antorcha, president of HAL.
“Converting items such as food waste into fuel is an innovative way to meet environmental challenges and we thank the Dutch government for its support.”
Meanwhile, the company’s German line Aida Cruises also sampled biofuels onboard AIDAprima in Rotterdam in 2022. While biofuels have been tested on large diesel engines at shoreside research facilities and in other shipping segments, these are among the first live tests on working cruise ships.
How to help your cruise business reduce its climate impact
Appoint a full-time sustainability advisor
Having someone in your company dedicated to ensuring you’re operating with the environment in mind can help keep you on track to achieve your sustainability goals.
Take part in local clean up events
Joining litter pick-ups is a great way to support your community while promoting your commitment to the planet. Last year, The Travel Village Group and Royal Caribbean collected 50kg of rubbish from Blackpool beach.
Promote sustainable travel to customers
Consumer interest in sustainability is growing, but the number of travellers making responsible choices is still relatively low. Be sure to highlight sustainable options – like bus and train transfers – when selling cruises.
Offer alternatives to paper brochures
With the advent of technology in recent years it is now easier than ever to get a brochure in front of a client without using paper. Reach out to your supplier partners to find out how they can support you in moving brochures online.
Learn more at expert-led events
Attend as many industry events as possible to pick up tips on how to sell cruise in a more sustainable way. For example, this year’s Cruise Summit by Cruise Trade News gave attendees insight into why consumers are ready to learn more about responsible travel.
