No industry has a stronger interest in protecting the oceans we sail and the destinations that are visited than cruise. CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) are committed to long term economic, environmental and cultural sustainability. CLIA Cruise Lines support local economies not just by bringing guests and crew to their shores but by using local services and goods on their ships.
Here are a few examples of ways that the cruise industry has a positive environmental effect.
- Cruise ships recycle 60 percent more waste per person than the average person does on land. In fact, cruise lines recycle 80,000 tons of paper, plastic, aluminum and glass each year.
- Many CLIA Cruise Lines conserve water by capturing condensation and recycling it for uses such as deck washing, machine operations and laundry. Water-reduction technology, including sink aerators, reduced flow dishwashers and low-consumption laundry also help conserve water.
- 93% of the cruise industry has eliminated plastic straws or provides them only on demand.
The cruise industry is also committed to the health of the world’s oceans, marine life, and marine environments.
- In 2018, Silversea launched a partnership with ORCA, one of the UK’s leading marine conservation charities. Silversea is assisting ORCA by helping them collect critical sightings data of whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
- Holland America Line teamed up with NOAA and the University of Alaska Southeast to offer guests a unique experience to view humpback whales and other wildlife aboard small research vessels. While guests gain an understanding of the local wildlife from guides, plankton samples, feeding patterns, and other data is collected and used to further the organizations’ understanding of the species and habitat.
In destinations worldwide, the global cruise industry works with communities to grow tourism sustainably while preserving their unique heritage and way of life.
- In Dubrovnik, in collaboration with the Mayor’s office and the City Council, CLIA Cruise Lines were instrumental in developing new measures to alleviate significant tourism flow issues.
- In Alaska, CLIA Cruise Lines meet more stringent waste water requirements than communities on land; lines also support local environmental efforts and operate vessels to higher environmental standards in sensitive Alaskan waters.
- In Santorini, the cruise industry is cooperating with local authorities to ensure the success of a new ship arrival management system that will spread the flow of tourists visiting the island.
If you’d like to find out more about which cruise lines are making sustainability commitments and how you can choose a cruise that will have a positive economical and environmental impact then please give us a call on 01225 744992 or email info@silvercompass.co.uk