Published on March 30th, 2008 | by Stephanie Evans

Eco Cruising is a Breeze

Cruises are getting greener thanks to new technology and industry interest.

An industry-wide shift towards cleaner tech hints of a future propelled by hydrogen-powered ships. Hydrogen is made from water and releases water vapor and electricity, not carbon.

A hydrogen future is not the only green thing setting sail for this industry…

Eco Cruise Ship at Sea

The Ocean Conservation and Tourism Alliance (OCTA) created a partnership of cruise lines that are currently greening everything from wastewater purification to marine mapping for ecosystem preservation to building relationships with communities in destination areas.

Approximately 90% of America’s cruise lines participate in the partnership. View a list of partners at Conservation International.

However, since most ships cruising the seas aren’t currenly powered by hydrogen, here are a few eco steps you can take in the meantime:

Eat in moderation. Cruises are a great excuse to indulge in excessive amounts of food and beverages. Keep a sensible mindset and only eat what you really need, which will cut back on food waste.
Cut down on water consumption by taking short showers and making a request to the cleaning staff to not exchange towels and sheets every day.
When at port, travel by bus, by bike, or by foot. Walking is perhaps the best way to experience a new place—it’s beneficial for your health and the planet’s atmosphere.