With every passing year, the issue of sustainability becomes that little more pressing.

The cruise industry knows it has to play its part in global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, allowing destinations to thrive and tourists to enjoy.

There are, naturally, debates as to the best method of reducing the sector’s carbon footprint and emissions. In addition, with the cruise business, it is multi-layered – emissions from ships sailing; waste on board; the impact of mass tourism in fragile destinations.

We have debated this matter previously in Cruise Trade News, in particular in the CTN Investigates section, and it is to this that we again turn this month, as Lucy Abbott uncovers the story behind the use of liquefied natural gas as it becomes more and more widespread in the cruise sector.

Our work this month also sees us speak to Princess Cruises president John Padgett on all things MedallionClass. As Padgett explains, this technology has benefits for guests and agents, and there’s much more to come in the future. We also take a trip down the Rhine on Viva Tiara for a journey full of culture and good food and drink, and hear more about Ambassador Cruise Line’s partnership with marine conservation charity ORCA, which aims to help protect whales and dolphins.

Last but not least, this issue sees the launch of fresh content for CTN, namely a new Q&A with top tips and tricks of the trade direct from other travel agents.

On that note, enjoy.