“Ultimately, it does come DOWN TO THE CONSUMER to make the MOST IMPACT; if we really WANT GREEN CRUISING, we need to let the cruise lines know”
Inspecting the Bow Thruster on Oasis of the Seas. More companies are investing in hull design to make their vessels travel more smoothly and use less fuel.
THE CRUISE LINE BOSS
Micky Arison, the CEO/chairman of the world’s biggest cruising com- pany the Carnival Corporation, which owns Southampton- based Cunard and P&O as well as Princess Cruises and Holland America, has warned there
is no “silver bullet” when it comes to concerns over pollution and reducing a vessel’s carbon footprint. Arison explained: “We are dedicated to preserving the marine environment in which we operate and therefore believe it is our duty to introduce envi- ronmental practices which set a high standard of excellence and responsibility. “Technology is one answer to the challenges we face but, in terms of fi nding another radically different way of powering our ships in an even more environmental fashion, we have yet to fi nd the solution. “Various alternative energy sources have been put forward but they all have their problems. Even liquid natu- ral gas would need massive on-board storage space.
“In the meantime, we are lowering our energy consumption every year by three to four per cent through a variety of solu- tions from new paints and hull coatings to simply slowing the ships down. “Longer, seven-day transatlantic crossings to and from Southampton and New York are one major change that will mean greener operations, as well as a lower cost of operation.”
excursions on Copenhagen’s canal system with boats powered overnight by shore- based electricity. Potential passengers should enquire if
waste on board is recycled, incinerated or offl oaded for disposal in ports of call; do they have low-fl ow toilets and showers; dry cleaning services that do not use toxic detergents; and simple strategies such as energy-conserving over use of towels if required? Sailing ships obviously have a lot less impact on the environment. For minimum impact, why not try a low-carbon sailing cruise? Also with their shallower drafts, the smaller cruise ships can drop anchor off tiny islands and communities unvisited by the larger vessels, thus bringing low impact tourism and economic benefi ts to the smaller communities. There are hundreds of unique options, from riverboat cruising down the Mekong
34 WORLD OF CRUISING I Summer 2010
in Vietnam and Cambodia to whale- watching off the coast of Iceland. If you get that Columbus feeling, you can even take part in trans-ocean voyages or sail down the Nile on Bales’ six-cabin Edwardian yachts.
it deserves great praise for the efforts that are being made. But, ultimately, it comes down to the consumer to make the most impact; if you want green cruising, then the responsibility is with us. Ask questions, make inquiries and let the cruise lines know if ‘sailing green’ is important to YOU.
A
Who’s Doing What Here’s what some lines told World of Cruising they are doing to boost eco
totally green cruise industry is still some way off, but there is no doubt it will continue to make strides and
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92