Cruise lines are making strides to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through various methods, both onboard and off. Some onboard solutions that have been implemented include using energy-efficient light bulbs, turning off cabin electricity when guests remove their keycard, and reconfiguring how ships recirculate heat. These small changes can add up to significant reductions in emissions over time.
One major way cruise lines are aiming to reduce emissions is by changing the fuel types used by their ships. By switching to cleaner, more sustainable fuel options, cruise lines can make a significant impact on their overall carbon footprint. This is a crucial step in achieving the industry-wide goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Another strategy being utilized by cruise lines is the use of shore power in port to reduce the need for ships to burn fuel while at a standstill. This method not only helps reduce emissions but also has the potential to cut down on air pollution in port cities. Seattle, a major hub for cruises to Alaska, is even taking steps to require all ships to use shore power by 2027.
In addition to onboard and fuel-related solutions, cruise lines are also focusing on crafting itineraries that require less fuel to operate. MSC Cruises, for example, has introduced a new itinerary planning tool called OptiCruise, which aims to cut emissions fleet-wide by 10% to 15% by 2026. This tool balances various factors such as port calls, ship speed, guest appeal of destinations, and operational costs to optimize efficiency without sacrificing guest satisfaction.
As the cruise industry continues to work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there are still many questions and challenges to address. How will the new itineraries and schedules differ from current ones? Will guests notice a difference in their experience? And most importantly, will these efforts be enough to reach the industry-wide goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050? Only time will tell, but with innovative solutions like OptiCruise and a growing focus on sustainability, the future looks promising for greener cruising.