Cruising provides a lot of bang for your buck. So much bang, in fact, that over 13 million of us sailed the seas in 2009. Cruising is so popular that, since 1990, the industry has had an average annual passenger growth rate of 7.4% per annum.
Many travelers think a cruising vacation is eco-friendly. But according to Climate Care, a carbon-offsetting company, cruise ships emit nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as airplanes.
According to the environmental group Friends of the Earth, a typical one week voyage on a large cruise ship generates:
- 1 million gallons of gray water runoff from sinks, baths, showers, laundry, and galleys
- 210,000 gallons of sewage
- 25,000 gallons of oily bilge water
- 100 gallons of hazardous or toxic waste
- 50 tons of garbage and solid waste
- diesel exhaust emissions equal to thousands of cars on the road.
These facts may make you think twice about booking your cruise. But the industry is working hard to change destructive practices, and not all cruises are equal. For example:
- Norwegian Cruise Lines has a program that offloads used cooking oil and converts it into useable biodiesel fuel for farming equipment
- Disney Cruise Lines sponsors volunteer coastal cleanups
- Holland America has a Ship to Shore program that donates reuseable goods to charities. They also have an Avoiding Whale Strikes program where crews learn to protect the safety of all whale species.
- Carnival Cruises has an environmental officer aboard all ships to make sure that environmental policies and practices are followed. Their ships have on-board recycling, LED lighting, solar panels, and high efficiency appliances.
So if you love to cruise, don’t give it up. GO GUILT FREE. Before you book take a look at this environmental report card ranking 10 major cruise lines. Choose your cruise wisely. Then follow the tips below.
1. If you live in North America, think about choosing a “Close to Home” North American embarkation port. There are over 30 of them. When you have to fly to your port of departure you’re increasing your carbon footprint.
2. Avoid ports of call in ecologically fragile areas where high volume tourism would hurt local ecosystems.
3. Pack biodegradable phosphorous free soaps, shampoos, and detergents.
4. Recycle whenever possible.
5. Don’t throw anything overboard.
6. Take brief showers to conserve water.
7. Use the stairs.
8. Turn lights out when you’re not in your room.
9. Buffets are tempting, but don’t waste the food.
10. Don’t eat endangered seafood. For a Super Green List connecting human and ocean health click here.
11. Choose environmentally friendly shore excursions.
12.Make sure that your spending in ports of call reaches the pockets of local merchants and craftspeople.
Cruising is not going to disappear, and it may be the best deal financially for you. So if cruising matches your travel style, sail responsibly, sail with pride. And Heritage Traveler, have a great time!
My name is Lisa (pronounced Liza) Wolfe. I'm a writer, photographer, political scientist, new media maven and editor/creator of The Heritage Traveler. I earned my travel stripes as a trip planner and tour leader in the Middle East, and as a "top 10" travel agent in the United States. I've also designed individualized tours to hard to reach places and established exchange linkages while working in World Heritage areas in the Caribbean. My goal now is to provide you with accurate and complete information on ethical and sustainable heritage travel. I hope you will visit The Heritage Traveler often. Meanwhile, Happy Traveling!