Our world is at a crossroad when it comes to dealing with environmental challenges. We can either keep going the same way or make changes that will impact future generations positively. The good news is that most people are opting for the latter.
According to Forbes, 92% of consumers are more likely to trust environmentally or socially-conscious companies. And in the world of tourism, a massive 83% of travellers want to travel more sustainability. This is backed by the fact that 72% of global travellers believe we have to act now to save the planet. But how does sustainable tourism impact the cruise industry?
Sustainability in cruise travel and sustainable cruise practices are now paving the way for eco-friendly cruises. This means eco-conscious travellers can now enjoy better and more sustainable cruise experiences that are good for the planet. Let’s take a closer look.
Key Environmental Problems in the Cruise Industry and How They Are Being Solved
The cruise industry’s environmental problems haven’t been left out of the sustainability and climate change debate or spotlight. However, the €2 billion industry (as of 2019 figures) is heavily working towards solving sustainability challenges. Examples of common challenges being addressed by sustainable cruise solutions include:
- Water-waste treatment technology: Water challenges come from black water, grey water, ballast water and bilge water.
- Black water is sewage. Discharge of such water is regulated and members of CLIA are banned from discharging untreated back water at sea (under normal operating conditions).
- Grey water refers to wastewater that is incidental to ship operations, such as laundry, showers, kitchens, etc. Many cruise lines use simple filtration systems to discharge such water.
- Bilge water is water that may contain oil, grease or other contaminants. It can come from different sources such as shaft seals, evaporators or machinery. This is the most common source of oil discharge from cruise ships. This is managed by either retaining it onboard in a holding tank for later discharge or treating it inboard via an Oily Water Separator (OWS).
- Ballast water is held in ballast tanks that contain either sea water or wastewater to ensure a consistent centre of gravity during a voyage.
- Alternative energy: There is a shift towards using liquefied natural gas (LNG) with filters to take out toxic emissions. However, this is still based on fossil fuels and is not a viable long-term solution. The key challenge lies in the main engines (ME), auxiliary engines (AE) and steam generation via auxiliary boilers (AB) to power on-board operations. Aside from propulsion, HVAC systems also have intensive energy requirements.
- Cleaner exhaust systems: When it comes to air emissions, problems emerge from propulsion and air polluting emissions from burning fossil fuels.
- Alternative power sources: An alternative power source solution is connecting to onshore power supply (OPS). The aim of this is to cut emissions at port. It is necessary for OPS to use renewable energy for maximum positive effects. It is possible that in the future, ship makers will consider hydrogen and biofuels, such as biomethanol or a switch to batteries.
- Solid waste: This can be classified as non-hazardous or hazardous. It primarily comprises plastics, glass, paper, food waste, incineration residue and more. While it has the potential to pose a threat to water quality, marine life, humans, coastal communities, etc, many cruise operators manage their solid waste on board through either incineration or pulping. It is then either discharged overboard or transported ashore for disposal or recycling. Some major cruise lines have or are planning to install onboard food processing and biodigester plants in addition to appointing onboard environmental compliance officers.
- Hull biofuelling: Biofuelling refers to an accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae or small animals on a ship’s hull. However, this may contain invasive alien species (IAS) which are brought into new environments in which they displace local marine life. It also entails hydrodynamic friction and drag, resulting in the vessel requiring more fuel and thus emitting more. In order to address this, anti-fouling coatings or hull painting can combat these impacts. However, these paints must not contain toxic biocides that can threaten water quality and marine life.
Leading the way: Cruise lines making strides in sustainability
From net-zero initiatives, alternative fuels and sustainable food sourcing, there are many sustainable cruise lines leading the way by implementing green cruise practices. Among the eco-friendly cruise companies worth highlighting include the following:
- Carnival Corporation: The world’s biggest cruise company aims to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations and zero-emission ships by 2050 through the use of greener and more sustainable fuel.
- Hurtigruten: The Hurtigruten Expeditions fleet of ships is being converted to hybrid power, with reductions in carbon emissions expected to reach 20%. Hurtigruten’s Norwegian Coastal express fleet, on the other hand, is being converted to run on hybrid power and/or biofuel. Worth noting is that single-use plastic has been completely scrapped from the company’s entire operations.
- Havila Voyages: This cruise operator has launched the first of four hybrid-powered ships that combine LNG fuel with sustainable batteries, based on hydropower along the Norwegian coastal fjords, emitting no noise and no emissions for up to four hours at a time.
- Virgin Voyages: Its first ship, Scarlet Lady, uses wasted heat from engine cooling water to generate electricity. This cruise line has also banned single-use plastic on board and aims to reduce food waste, among other initiatives.
- A-ROSA: This river cruise line has all ships in its fleet equipped with shore power connectivity to avoid engines running in port.
- Aurora Expeditions: The ships in this line are designed with an inverted bow that is energy-efficient. It slices quietly through waves with minimal vibration, which results in up to 60% fuel consumption.
- MSC Cruises: A member of the Hydrogen Council, MSC is working towards the large-scale use of hydrogen as fuel. MSC has also converted an abandoned industrial facility in the Bahamas into a nature reserve called Ocean Cay.
- Royal Caribbean: The entire group is committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 through efficient ship hull development, along with developing alternative fuels and reviewing its supply chain, among other areas of improvement.
- Silversea Cruises: This luxury group of ships uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to provide 100% of power while in port. The three power sources are dual fuel engines with LNG as the primary fuel, batteries and fuel cells. It also offers highly-efficient waste processing systems.
These impressive cruise line sustainability efforts are fully in-line with consumer demand as well as stringent global and national regulatory requirements and standards, ensuring safer and more eco-conscious cruise travel.
The Positive Environmental Impacts of Sustainable Cruising
For travellers concerned about their next cruise, the good news is that there are many positive impacts of cruising. With optimised ship designs, alternative power sources, waste management and reduction, each of these initiatives is greatly impacting the environment leading to benefits of sustainable travel. These environmental benefits of cruising will lead to greater cruise industry sustainability, with positive ramifications for future generations.
Advanced technologies driving sustainability in the cruise industry
Having mentioned some key cruise technology for sustainability and eco-friendly cruise innovations, let’s also look at a few examples of where green cruise tech is being implemented. It is worth noting that many popular destinations are launching sustainable ship technology, such as:
- Germany: Offering cruise-specific Onshore Power Supply (OPS) at its cruise terminal in Hamburg.
- Estonia: There is now a sustainable cruise terminal in the Port of Tallinn, Estonia.
- Croatia: Dubrovnik is taking a more holistic approach to tourism.
- Spain: The Port of Barcelona offers LNG bunkering.
- Sweden: The Port of Stockholm now has a waste treatment facility.
How Cruise Agents Can Promote and Support Sustainability
As a travel agent focusing on cruise sales, you’ll note that promoting eco-friendly cruises is becoming highly sought after. Green travel agents working within a cruise franchise can promote sustainable travel options.
Firstly, this can be achieved by offering sustainable cruise sales and eco-friendly cruises by educating clients on green travel.
Secondly, if you are looking to sell low-impact cruise routes, which do not come at a higher cost, one of the best ways to do so is by tailoring your clients’ itineraries in such a way that they do not use flights, which can release heavy amounts of carbon dioxide emissions.
Finally, by emphasising how sustainable choices help, you’ll be able to attract environmentally-conscious travellers. You can also help clients make more sustainable choices to offset their environmental footprint.
That’s why travel agent sustainability is taking centre stage in today’s eco-aware society.
Top sustainable cruise destinations to market
Whether your clients are seeking adventure combined with a low environmental impact, you can offer eco-friendly cruise locations that appeal to this clientele.
Some popular eco-friendly and green travel destinations include:
- The Caribbean
- Rhine River
- Antarctica
- Norway (Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord will be zero-emission locations from 2026)
- Norway’s Lofoten Islands
- Spain
- Portugal
- The Canary Islands
- The Mediterranean
- And so much more
The Role of Cruise Franchises in Leading the Sustainability Movement
If you are looking to make a difference in other people’s lives as well as on the environment through travel, the best way is to join eco-friendly travel franchises that offer sustainable cruise franchise opportunities. As a green travel franchise, The Travel Franchise is actively promoting franchise sustainability practices among its travel agents so that customers can make the most out of their next sustainable cruise travel experience.
As a green travel business, The Travel Franchise is not only involved in a number of environmental initiatives, it is also actively promoting sustainability while raising funds for organisations that are working to save the planet.
The Future of Sustainable Cruising: Trends to Watch
Some important cruise sustainability trends include an overall major uptick in cruising. As a growth market, with more ships being built over the next couple of years, travellers are looking for experts to help them choose a sustainable cruise that will have a lower carbon impact. Apart from this, the future of eco-friendly cruising includes important green travel trends such as:
- Net-zero ships
- Biofuel advancements
- Improvements in waste management
- And more
In short, the future of sustainable tourism is going to be largely driven by green cruises with heightened traveller demand for sustainable cruising practices.
Enjoy a Competitive Edge Through Sustainability by Choosing the Right Cruise Franchise
It is clear that sustainability in the travel business will become increasingly important for many travellers searching for eco-friendly cruises. And with a green cruise franchise such as The Travel Franchise, you can gain a competitive edge in the travel market. The high consumer demand for eco-friendly travel can help you build brand loyalty, attract more clients and create long-term business growth. The Travel Franchise is perfectly positioned as an eco-conscious cruise franchise that can help you achieve just that.
Conclusion
Overall, the importance of sustainability in the cruise industry is undeniable. As a travel agent that is part of a cruise franchise, you can contribute to a more eco-friendly future, with dual benefits for both the environment and your business success. Hear what our current travel agents say about their successful partnership with us on Trustpilot and get in touch with us for a greener and brighter future.
Looking to make a positive impact in cruise travel? Join The Travel Franchise today and lead the way in sustainable travel!
Sustainability in Cruise Travel: How Franchise Owners Can Lead the Way
Eco-conscious travel is becoming a major selling point in the cruise industry, but how do you position yourself as an expert in sustainable travel? Being part of a franchise offers access to the latest industry initiatives, exclusive partnerships with sustainable cruise lines, and the marketing support needed to attract eco-minded travellers. Want to know how a franchise can help you stay ahead in sustainable cruising?
👉 Read our Ultimate Guide to Starting and Growing a Cruise Travel Franchise!
