Greener Horizons: How Cruising is Becoming More Sustainable (and Why That Matters)
When I first got into travel planning, I was impressed (and a little intimidated) by how many people prefer to cruise. It wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned doing as a travel planner, first of all, and to be honest, I’d always imagined cruises as something for a very specific kind of traveler. It turns out that people from all walks of life are drawn to the idea of unpacking once, waking up somewhere new every day, and seeing the world by sea. And the more I’ve learned about cruising, the more excited I am about it.
Because I am the type of person that can’t do anything without it being 1,000% (it’s a curse), I’ve gotten certified in several cruise lines, especially those that specialize in polar travel (my personal favorite niche, of course!). And to be honest… I’ve been really impressed. Not just by how easy, convenient, and surprisingly affordable cruising can be (especially when you book with a travel agent who can snag you bonuses and perks), but by how many cruise lines are actively working to improve the waters they sail through. (In fact, I’m planning to take my own family to some Christmas markets this season! There’s still room on the group booking, btw… just saying.)
But back to the blog… let’s be real: cruising didn’t always have the best reputation when it came to sustainability. For years, cruise ships were associated with high emissions, heavy fuel use, and waste mismanagement. Add in wildlife disruption and overcrowding in small ports, and it was clear the industry needed to change course.
Thankfully, it has—and fast.
Today, thanks to growing environmental awareness, stricter international regulations, and the pressure of travelers like you asking for more mindful options, the cruise industry is investing big in sustainability. And not just the “let’s pollute less” kind; real changes are being made to protect wildlife, reduce emissions, support local economies, and even restore the very ecosystems ships sail through.
Big Shifts on the Seas
Government regulations now mandate cleaner fuel, better wastewater treatment, and noise reduction to protect marine life. Newer ships are going above and beyond those standards with impressive innovations like:
⚡ LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Propulsion
⚓ Shore Power to reduce emissions while docked
🌊 Advanced Wastewater Systems that return water cleaner than it started
💡 Energy-Efficient Hulls and Propellers
📡 Smart Navigation to avoid sensitive marine migration routes
🌍 Conservation Programs to protect and even rebuild ecosystems
Cruise Lines Leading the Charge
Here are just a few of the lines I proudly work with that are making serious moves toward a greener cruising experience:
🧭 Quark Expeditions
Quark’s Ultramarine is one of the most eco-innovative expedition ships out there, built specifically for exploring fragile polar regions with minimal impact. From low-emission fuel systems to helicopter-assisted landings that protect terrain, Quark is leading the way in responsible polar travel.
🌿 Viking
Viking’s ocean and expedition ships are models of sustainability: hybrid engines, solar panels, shore power capabilities, and energy-saving technology are just the start. They also put a big emphasis on cultural sensitivity and give back to the communities they visit.
🐬 Princess Cruises
Princess is adopting LNG-powered ships, using shore power in port, and participating in several marine wildlife protection programs. They’re also piloting programs to reduce underwater noise and enhance recycling—turning large-scale ocean cruising into something more responsible.
🚢 AmaWaterways
Ama is a standout in river cruising, which already has a lower footprint than ocean travel. Their ships are equipped with fuel-efficient engines, water conservation systems, and onboard sustainability practices. They also work closely with the communities they visit to ensure tourism is beneficial and respectful.
What You Can Do as a Passenger
Booking with a responsible cruise line is a great start—but your everyday actions while traveling matter too.
🧴 Pack reusables: Bring your own water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, and reusable shopping bags.
🛍️ Shop and eat local: Supporting locally-owned businesses at port isn’t just fun—it helps sustain the communities you’re visiting and reduces economic leakage from mass tourism.
📸 Choose responsible excursions: Look for wildlife- or culture-focused tours run by local guides or certified eco-operators.
🌱 Think big picture: Sustainability isn’t just about pollution—it’s about people, cultures, ecosystems, and long-term impact.
🎓 Stay curious: Attend enrichment talks on board and learn about the places you visit. It makes your trip so much more meaningful.
Let’s Set Sail—Sustainably
Cruising is evolving and it’s more exciting, more responsible, and more immersive than ever before. Whether you’re dreaming of glacial coasts, ancient river cities, or island-hopping in the Mediterranean, I’d love to help you plan a cruise that feels good and does good.
If you’re ready to dip your toes into the world of sustainable cruising—or just want to hear about the perks I can snag for you—reach out anytime.
Let’s take flight… by sea. 🌊🕊️
Yours in flight,
Tianna
