The cruise industry is experiencing a dramatic shift towards sustainability. As cruise companies begin transitioning towards more eco-friendly practices, cruisers have more sustainable options to choose from for their next cruise. In my last blog, I shared various criteria to keep in mind when making this decision. Today, I will guide you through our picks of three sustainable cruise companies leading the pack in developing sustainable travel practices.
Ecoventura
Ecoventura is a cruise company specializing in small, environmentally-conscious expeditions to the Galapagos Islands. With two, eight-night expeditions to choose from, this company grants passengers the luxury of exploring one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet in an eco-friendly way.
For over twenty years, they have led the way in developing proper waste management and recycling practices on their ships, as well as supporting a number of conservation funds and projects that aim to protect the Galapagos Islands. In 2017, they established the Galápagos Biodiversity & Education for Sustainability Fund to support “research and monitoring trips, community outreach, scientific equipment, [and] GNPD boat maintenance and equipment.”
Ecoventura has also banned the use of single-use plastics onboard, encouraging their guests to develop environmentally-conscious habits while exploring the Galapagos. In an effort to support local communities, Ecoventura also pledges to buy produce, meats, and dairy products from regional suppliers. This means that a majority of food items offered on their voyages are locally sourced, helping to reduce harmful impacts on the environment.
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten Expeditions has more than a century of experience advocating sustainable and respectful travel all around the world. Offering excursions to Alaska, West Africa, the Northwest Passage, and beyond, this cruise company emphasizes eco-friendly tourism in every sense of the word.
Putting their money where their mouth is, Hurtigruten invests in green technologies that will help reduce the carbon footprint of the cruise industry. They have built two hydrogen-powered ships, a feat which has allowed them to transition away from heavy fuels that damage ecosystems. Furthermore, they have eliminated single-use plastics on board, and they serve healthy, locally-sourced plant-based food to their passengers.
Hurtigruten also supports a number of charity organizations and volunteer projects around the world. According to their website, they are committed to “helping endangered orcas in the Pacific Northwest, […] protecting Galápagos seabirds, [and] securing safe spaces for vulnerable Greenlandic children and enabling community storytelling for the Itquamavit elders in Canada’s frozen north.” Hurtigruten Expeditions is proving that a cruise company can provide unforgettable experiences without harming the environment.
Amadeus
If you want to explore the rivers of Europe in an enriching, sustainable way, look no further than Amadeus River Cruises. From Holland to France to Austria to Slovakia, this river cruise company offers a number of environmentally-friendly voyages through Europe that are sure to satisfy.
Amadeus is firmly committed to their sustainability standards. As often as possible, they connect their vessels to shore-power energy systems, allowing them to power everything aboard their ships in the most energy-efficient way. Additionally, they continuously improve their fleet’s carbon emission standards by reducing overall fuel consumption. Not only does this aid in the energy efficiency of the cruise ship, but it also lowers the amount of pollution going into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, Amadeus strives to limit water consumption as much as possible. By implementing water treatment and microfiltration systems, their ships are able to recycle 100% of the water used onboard. This, in addition to their ban of single-use plastics, ensures that nothing aboard their vessels goes to waste.
Photo by Ursula Drake on Unsplash
With these cruise companies paving the way, the cruise industry is heading toward a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future. From investing in green technologies to supporting local communities to teaching cruisers the importance of living sustainably, these companies prove that sustainable cruising is possible. And that is something worth celebrating.
