The Allure of Cruising
The lure of cruising is easy to understand – sprawling ocean vistas, a salty breeze gently tousling your hair, the promise of exotic locales on the horizon, and the temptation of the all-you-can-eat buffet…
In fact, cruising is now more popular than ever, with the Cruise Lines International Association forecasting that a record 30 million passengers would set sail on cruises in recent years. No other travel method makes visiting such a variety of worldwide locations, especially hard-to-reach places like Antarctica, so simple and affordable.
However, in an era of increasing awareness around sustainability, cruise ships are often criticized for their environmental impact. Despite ongoing improvements in the industry, many passenger ships still have significant carbon footprints, polluting the sea and contributing to overtourism in popular destinations. Cities like Venice and Dubrovnik experience unmanageable levels of tourist footfall, leading to some cities imposing limits or trying to ban cruise ships entirely.
So what can environmentally conscious travelers do if they aren’t ready to abandon cruising? Here are nine personal choices to ensure your cruise experience is as responsible as possible, both on the high seas and on dry land.
Before Boarding…
1. Check the Cruise Liner’s Environmental Report Card
It’s unsurprising that the massive cruise liners now resemble floating cities that are not particularly eco-friendly. From air pollution to sewage treatment, there are numerous ways these ships impact the oceans.
To encourage cruise lines to improve their environmental performance, Friends of the Earth has published a ‘report card’ that ranks major operators based on various environmental criteria. It’s recommended to check the performance of the cruise company you’re considering, but remember this information may not always be completely up-to-date.
Backing up your initial research is beneficial; examine the cruise liners’ websites for their sustainability commitments. Look for key indicators, such as wastewater management, energy usage and emissions, sustainability of on-board food, and crew working conditions. Engaging with the cruise company on social media may also yield quick responses.
2. Consider a ‘Small Cruise’ Holiday
While the word ‘cruise’ often evokes images of enormous ships, the diversity of cruise itineraries available today is remarkable. Increasingly, companies are offering ‘small cruise’ holidays, where fewer passengers travel on smaller vessels to lesser-known, less crowded destinations. These cruises tend to foster local community engagement and encourage passengers to support local businesses and initiatives.
3. Pack a Little Extra
Although it may seem counterintuitive, you can have a positive impact by bringing a few extra items along with your cruise attire. The initiative Pack for Purpose encourages travelers to bring specific items, such as clothing and stationery, for donation to local community projects at their destinations. Given the less stringent baggage restrictions for cruises, this is an ideal way to contribute and it’s worthwhile to investigate what useful items you can deliver during your journey.
While On Board…
4. Give the Buffet a Swerve
Despite the tempting array of dishes, filling your plate at the buffet may be one of the least sustainable choices on a cruise ship. This is primarily due to the significant amount of food waste generated; it is estimated that around 30% of buffet food on cruise ships is discarded.
Although buffet meal costs are often included in cruise packages, making responsible food choices is essential for sustainability. Instead of frequenting the buffet, consider dining on land at locally-operated restaurants (preferably away from the port’s main drag) or trying out local markets and street food to keep costs manageable. The more passengers opt for local dining, the more cruise companies will be encouraged to consider alternative food service options.
5. Reduce Your Single-Use Plastic Consumption
This is elementary for saving the planet, yet just as vital on a cruise as it is in daily life – say no to plastic straws, cups, and bottles. Bringing a reusable water bottle can significantly cut down on plastic waste, as can packing your own toiletries. Several larger cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and P&O, have begun implementing fleet-wide bans on single-use plastic. Nonetheless, it is still important to remain vigilant about plastic use in your cabin and on land.
6. Monitor Your Energy and Water Usage
During the excitement of a fantastic holiday, it’s easy to overlook energy and water consumption. Make sure to turn off lights in your cabin when not needed, unplug electrical devices, and refrain from using the air conditioning when a fresh sea breeze will do. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and reusing linens and towels to minimize unnecessary laundry.
While On Dry Land…
7. Invest Your Time and Money in Local Communities
A common critique of the cruise industry is that it promotes a ‘tickbox’ travel culture, leading passengers to simply check off destinations rather than truly engaging with them. Consequently, the economic benefits cruise passengers contribute to local economies are often disputed – although port authorities collect large docking fees, this money seldom makes its way to local residents.
To counter this trend, make an effort to explore more deeply when ashore. Replace organized tours with independent exploration, and choose to spend your money in locally owned restaurants and businesses, such as bike rental shops. Asking locals for recommendations on where to eat, drink, and shop often results in a more enjoyable and authentic experience.
8. Use Instagram Wisely
A report by the Cruise Lines International Association identified Instagram as a new incentive for younger audiences to adopt the #cruiselife. If you plan to document your journey on Instagram, consider how you frame your content – strive to showcase your authentic experiences on land alongside shipboard life, include local culinary experiences, and ensure your posts are free of single-use plastics. Given Instagram’s significant influence, it’s essential to use that power for good.
9. Seek Out Genuinely Sustainable Community Projects
The trend of ‘voluncruising’ is on the rise, offering passengers opportunities to give back to the destinations they visit. Various cruise lines provide volunteering experiences as part of their travel packages, with some such as P&O, Crystal Cruises, and Carnival Corporation getting involved. As noble as these initiatives may seem, thorough research is crucial to ensure that your efforts are not misdirected. The turnover of unskilled cruise passengers often hampers local employment. Therefore, inquire about your skills, the proven positive impacts of the projects, and the allocation of any financial contributions. The more demand there is for transparency in voluncruising, the more likely companies will adapt to create initiatives that genuinely benefit local communities without causing harm.
