Eco Friendly Cruises

Eco friendly cruises may seem like a misnomer, but it isn’t! Many cruise lines have taken drastic steps to reduce their carbon footprint. From brand-new efficient ships to corporate practices, there are ways to keep cruising and be environmentally conscious. Whether you’re looking for a river cruise or an ocean cruise, a luxury line or mass market line, there are many brands to choose from for eco friendly cruises. And be sure to read more about eco-tourism here.

Uniworld

Uniworld is the world’s most awarded luxury river cruise line, offering itineraries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia and Peru. The cruise line has committed to eliminating more than 60 types of single-use plastics to reach Net Zero by 2050. Partnering with wildlife organizations, Uniworld is working to protect and rehabilitate animals like elephants, rhinos and big cats around the world. They’re even taking steps to eliminate food waste onboard their ships, shore excursions focused on environmental & social impacts, and more!

Ponant

For over 30 years, “PONANT has been taking its cruise guests to the planet’s most remote, hidden and out-of-the-way locations, places where nature reigns supreme.” Through their Blue Horizon program, responsible and sustainable tourism is at the forefront. In 2019, PONANT became the first cruise line to eliminate the use of fuel oil. They’ve begun rolling out their “Zero Plastic” policy to all ships, eliminating over 30 tons of plastic waste a year. They’re also supporting the international Blue Nature Alliance project with the goal of creating 18 million km² of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2025.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Based in Norway (a leading country in reducing environmental impact), Hurtigruten has adopted the same initiative! The line is targeting zero emissions by 2050, with its first zero emission ship launching by 2030. They’re upgrading all existing ships and integrating sustainable biofuels to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% and NOx emissions by 80%. Three of their new ships (which launched in 2020 & 2021) are battery hybrid-powered, and they have also introduced electric snowmobiles, battery-powered catamarans, and an electric tour bus for excursions. By 2030 they even want to reuse and/or recycle all waste produces on their ships and on land, among many other steps they’re taking.

Virgin Voyages

Recently launched, Virgin Voyages is an adult only cruise line sailing to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, and beyond. With 2 ships already launched, and 2 launching this year, Virgin is quickly redefining the cruising industry. Such innovative technologies on their ships transform heat from the ship’s engines into clean energy. They also purify wastewater so that it’s even clean enough to drink! Tinted windows, LED lighting, and room sensors help them use less energy and minimize their carbon footprint. Their onboard shops also sell up-cycled ocean plastic sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen. They’ve completely done away with single use plastics (from straws to water bottles, shopping bags to food packaging, and stirrers to takeaway cups). They’ve even eliminated buffets, serve sustainable seafood, and brew direct trade coffee! Like others, they’ve also committed to Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.

Royal Caribbean Group

From such brands as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, Royal Caribbean is taking sustainability seriously. Or, as they call it: “Seastainability,” they’ve set such short-term targets as reducing carbon intensity by double digits by 2025. They’ve also made a commitment to protecting & restoring ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, and train future generations with conservation skills. Royal Caribbean even opened the world’s first LEED Zero Energy cruise facility in 2022! Other practices they’ve implemented include using engine waste to heat shower water, redesign their propulsion system, re-purposing solid operational waste, and more.