All Photos: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht
Environmentally Friendly Cruise Experiences Lead the Way in Sustainable Voyages
As the cruise industry surges in popularity, the drive to create sustainable and eco-conscious travel experiences becomes ever more urgent.
Leading cruise lines with vessels that take in the Riviera Maya are also now embracing innovative technologies and practices to reduce their environmental footprint, catering to a growing number of environmentally conscious travelers.
In a recent milestone, Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess received commendation for its groundbreaking use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) when it docked in Cozumel for the first time. Weighing 178,000 tons and designed to accommodate 4,300 passengers, the Sun Princess is the largest vessel of its kind ever constructed in Italy, demonstrating how large-scale cruise ships can evolve toward greener energy options.
Riviera Maya Environmentally Friendly Cruise Experiences
LNG offers numerous ecological benefits over conventional diesel, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, greenhouse gases, and particulate pollutants. However, despite its advantages, LNG isn’t without challenges; potential methane leaks can reduce its environmental gains compared to other alternative fuels.
Environmental advocates suggest that smaller cruise vessels dedicated to sustainability can also play a significant role in promoting eco-friendly travel. Highlighted below are some of the cruise industry’s most sustainable initiatives and ships:
Hurtigruten: Hybrid-Powered Nordic Exploration
Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten has long led the charge in sustainable cruising. Embracing hybrid power and alternative fuels like biofuel made from fish waste, Hurtigruten prioritizes local community support and environmental conservation, setting a high standard for the industry.
A-ROSA: Eco-Friendly Rhine River Voyages
A-ROSA’s E-Motion ship brings silent, zero-emission arrivals to ports along the Rhine, recharging overnight to maintain green operations. By eliminating plastics on board and promoting local tourism, A-ROSA integrates eco-conscious travel into each journey.
Celebrity Flora: Solar-Powered Adventures in the Galapagos
Celebrity Flora leverages solar power and advanced positioning systems to provide a low-impact way of exploring the Galapagos Islands. With opportunities for passengers to participate in community projects, Celebrity Flora’s approach emphasizes both ecological sensitivity and local collaboration.
Avalon Waterways: Green Danube River Cruising
Committed to minimizing its environmental footprint, Avalon Waterways incorporates biofuel and has eliminated single-use plastics from its Danube river cruises. Their low-impact shore excursions and partnerships with organizations like The Ocean Cleanup demonstrate a dedication to sustainable travel.
MSC Euribia: A Model of Mega-Cruise Sustainability
The MSC Euribia combines large-scale cruising with environmental responsibility. Powered by LNG and equipped with noise management technology, this ship demonstrates that even the largest vessels can pursue environmentally friendly operations.
Together, these initiatives showcase the cruise industry’s dedication to balancing adventure with environmental stewardship, setting a course toward a greener future for global travel.
____________________________
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.