Are Cruise Ships Bad for the Environment

The world's largest cruise ship is 115 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower or four times the size of the Statue of Liberty. It features 18 decks, seven swimming pools, and more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. As if that weren't impressive enough, it also boasts the largest waterpark at sea, complete with six water slides.

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Known as the Icon of the Seas, it was built by Royal Caribbean for $2 billion. From Royal Caribbean's perspective, this investment makes perfect sense. According to a 2024 report, a growing number of young travelers and first-time passengers are choosing cruise vacations.

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Also read: How to Plan a Sustainable Summer Vacation

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With three out of five Americans prioritizing cost in vacation planning, cruise voyages offer an appealing option since they typically cost less than land-based vacations.

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But are cruises the most sustainable way to travel?

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Are Cruise Ships Sustainable?

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To run a cruise ship, you need fuel. This fuel comes from fossil fuels that are responsible for carbon emissions and the climate crisis. A large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars. For a seven-day voyage, passengers on an Antarctic cruise can produce as much CO2 emissions as the average European would do in an entire year.

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It’s not just carbon emissions. There’s the problem of sulfur oxides (SOx) as well, which can harm trees by decreasing their growth. They also contribute to acid rain, which can damage sensitive ecosystems. According to a 2022 estimate, the 218 cruise ships operating in Europe emitted more sulfur oxides (SOx) than one billion cars, or 4.4 times more than all the continent's cars.

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Then there’s the problem of noise pollution. Mid-range noise from ships' sonar overlaps with blue whales' calls to each other, forcing them to repeat their vocalizations and disrupting their communication. Also, light emissions from these ships impact the migration of species such as zooplankton, cephalopods, and other marine species.

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The environmental impact of cruise ships extends to water pollution as well. Ships discharge gray water that depletes oxygen levels, spreads harmful bacteria and viruses, and disrupts marine ecosystems. These discharges can trigger toxic algal blooms and create dead zones that devastate marine food chains. In 2019 alone, cruise ships traveling to and from Alaska discharged more than 31bn liters (8.5bn gallons) of toxic waste off Canada's west coast.

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Cruise companies are trying to become more sustainable, but their solutions seem like greenwashing. Take Icon of the Seas, for example. It is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). According to the Royal Caribbean, it is the cleanest-burning marine fuel available.

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While natural gas produces lower carbon emissions compared to coal, its extraction releases methane, the main component of natural gas. Methane is 80 times more effective at warming the planet than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

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Flying vs Cruising

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According to a 2023 survey, 50% of Americans believe that cruise vacations are environmentally friendly. Most Americans also believe that flying is worse for the environment.

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But the reality is a little different. In fact, flying the same distance and staying in a hotel would emit less than half of the emissions of a cruise. This does not even include the fact that cruise guests often also have to fly to the port where they will embark.

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And even if your cruise ship organizer markets it as the most efficient cruise, it would still emit more CO₂ per passenger-kilometer than a passenger jet.

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Also read: Flying vs Driving: Which Has the Highest Footprint?

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To reduce your flight emissions, fly economy, take direct flights, choose newer aircraft, fly with budget airlines, and travel through eco-friendly airports. For more sustainable travel ideas, check out these 6 Tips for Sustainable Holiday Travel.

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