Finding ways to become eco-friendly has quickly become a goal for many individuals and businesses around the world. Cruise lines are no exception to this movement. Cruise ships by nature are large floating pollution producers; however, several cruise lines such as P and O Cruises and Royal Caribbean have taken steps to decrease their carbon footprint on the world.
- Costa Cruise Line
This Italian cruise line was the first to become environmentally friendly. Costa Cruise Line has taken intricate steps to ensure that all of their ships have comprehensive plans in place in order to dramatically cut back on energy use and excess garbage. They even teach their staff and crew how to be eco-friendly through educational programs focusing on ways to keep the environment clean. Due to their ground-breaking efforts, in 2005 they were awarded with the Green Star notation environmental award.
- Disney Cruise Lines
Disney has begun a major initiative to make their cruise ships more eco-friendly. The ships now feature more efficient lighting and cooling systems. The company has also started recycling cooking oil into fuel for large machinery. A recycling plan is also in place for all materials constructed out of cardboard, aluminum and plastic. The efforts of this plan has greatly decreased the amount of unnecessary waste.
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
In order to reduce the amount of sewage which goes into the water, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has converted their waste management system into a water purification system. They also have dramatically reduced garbage by eliminating plastic utensils. All recyclable materials are delivered to a recycling plant, thereby further reducing the amount sent to landfills. And to decrease energy usage during the winter months, the cruise line turns off one engine on each ship, which lessens the need for fossil fuels.
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
Besides the usual steps toward creating eco-friendly ships, Norwegian Cruise Lines has taken additional steps to stream-line this process. They utilize an eco-ballast system. This advanced filtration system removes all wastes and toxins from any water which leaves the ship, ensuring there are no pollutants being deposited freely into the environment. The cruise line also helps other industries by donating used cooking oil to farms for use as fuel. This
Anyone who wishes to venture out in a relaxing cruise, but still be environmentally friendly, should consider doing so through one of these companies. Their efforts to provide quality vacations while decrease the impact on the Earth are commendable.
