Cruise: Mindful of Our Planet

Mindful of Our Planet
Cruise lines are not only mindful of their passengers, they’re also mindful of the oceans they navigate. In fact, the cruise line industry aims to achieve net-zero carbon cruising by 2050, with 2023 delivering the youngest, cleanest, most technology-advanced fleet ever. Earlier this year, during Seatrade’s State of the Cruise Industry, Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, cruise division for MSC Group and global chairman of CLIA, told conference attendees that 60 percent of newbuilds scheduled to debut between 2023 and 2028 will rely on LNG fuel for their primary propulsion. “We know the path ahead,” he said. “Cruise is leading the way in responsible travel, with the intention of achieving net-zero carbon cruising by 2050. We’re sailing to a better world—it’s a responsibility.” Added Kelly Craighead, president & CEO of CLIA: “Our industry leads when it comes to environmental and technology advances and practices that are respectful to the air we breathe, the waters we sail on and the lands and communities we visit. Cruise tourism is managed tourism—it allows cruise companies and destinations to work together to manage traffic flows and educate cruise passengers to be culturally sensitive and environmentally aware.” Innovations within the industry include exhaust gas cleaning systems that improve air quality at sea and in port; air lubrication systems for ship hulls to reduce drag and fuel consumption for greater efficiency; energy-efficient engines that consume less fuel and reduce emissions; advanced recycling systems and practices that allow some ships to recycle 100 percent of waste; special paint coatings for ship hulls that reduce fuel consumption by up to 5 percent; installation of tinted windows, higher efficiency appliances and HVAC systems and windows that capture and recycle heat; LED lighting—it lasts 25 times longer and uses 80 percent less energy; and advanced wastewater purification systems. Case in point: The MSC Euribia recently sailed the first-ever net zero greenhouse gas emissions voyage. The ship sailed for four days from Saint-Nazaire, France to Copenhagen, Denmark, and utilized bio-LNG with a mass-balance approach, the most environmentally efficient method of delivering the benefits of renewable biogas. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., parent company to Oceania Cruises, currently has 12 ships equipped with shore power capabilities that allow these ships to connect to onshore electrical power grids to supply much of the power needed while docked (when available). The company expects to have approximately 60 percent of its fleet shore-power enabled by year-end 2023 and approximately 70 percent by year-end 2025. For more on cruise lines’ initiatives when it comes to a more sustainable future, visit cruising.org/en/environmental-sustainability.PRINCESS CRUISESPRINCESS CRUISES IFCCOVEREXPLORA JOURNEYSTable of ContentsTURKISH AIRLINESEditor's NotesSANDALSSANDALS SPREADAdvisor Speak: Meet Susanna Steinbeck — Passion for Travel Led Her HereCruise: Mindful Vacations at SeaCruise: Mindful of Our PlanetOCEANIA CRUISESCaribbean/Mexico: Green Wellcations for the WinPALLADIUM HOTEL GROUPSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIASANDALS SCOnsite Review: 5 Unmissable 'Beyond the Beach' Experiences in BarbadosOnsite Review: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera MayaOnsite Review: This Punta Cana Hottie Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Adults—TRS Turquesa HotelNorth America: Sustainable Las Vegas—Betting on GreenMGM SCMGM RESORTSWEBINAR HOUSE ADRECOMMEND EDU HOUSE ADRCA AWARDS HOUSE AD