Cruising to a Greener Planet

With growing concerns about global climate change, you may wonder what effect cruising has on the ecology of the oceans. Because the health and beauty of the world’s oceans is vital to the cruise experience and to the continuing success of the cruise industry, cruise lines invest in technologies that help minimize their ships’ ecological impact.

In fact, all cruise ships must comply with a complex set of national and international regulations, which include environmental rules. Most often, cruise line environmental practices and procedures exceed the regulations of the destinations to which they sail.

Many cruise ships now use advanced wastewater purification systems and procedures that meet and exceed the requirements of the U.S. Clean Water Act. Cruise lines also work with paint manufacturers to develop environmentally safe coatings that make ship hulls smoother. This reduces bio-fouling from organisms like mussels and algae, which can’t latch on to the smoother surfaces. Smoother hulls also reduce water’s “drag” on a moving ship, decreasing the amount of fuel needed by as much as five percent.

Additional fuel-saving equipment in place on many ships includes hybrid diesel-electric engines. In some ports, ships are able to plug into shore-side electric power, allowing the ships to power down their engines while docked.

Many cruise lines are also educating guests about how they can help reduce their individual environmental footprints while on board. This includes simple measures such as turning off unneeded stateroom lights, turning off heating and cooling systems when leaving their staterooms and recycling metal, plastic and paper used on board. Some cruise lines are even working with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund to protect endangered marine life around the world.

All of these efforts mean that you can rest assured that cruise lines are practicing responsible environmental stewardship and even contributing to a greener planet. Ask your personal cruise expert about what your favorite cruise lines are doing to protect the environment.