Cruise Industry Positions Itself For A Greener Future To Achieve Net-Zero Emissions

Reducing emissions from transportation is one of tourism’s biggest challenges. Airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators should integrate carbon offset programs and invest in greener technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels and electric transportation

Environmental sustainability has been a growing focus for the cruise industry, and 2025 is set to be a breakthrough year for green cruising.

On the top of the charts is going in for cleaner fuels. Many cruise lines like MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation, and Royal Caribbean, have made significant investments in LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas) ships to reduce emissions.

The industry has been cruising at full speed towards a greener future and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout 2024. Further innovations and 2025 experiences will push cruising into a new generation of passenger satisfaction.

It’s no secret that the cruise industry has been on a quest to go green, and 2025 is poised to be a banner year for eco-friendly voyages. With increasing numbers of travelers prioritizing sustainability, cruise lines will undoubtedly continue to invest in advanced technologies.

Ships are increasingly equipped with the ability to plug into shore-side power grids while docked, minimizing onboard emissions at ports.

Zero-waste policies:

Companies are doubling down on reducing single-use plastics, food waste, and other non-recyclable materials. The cruise industry has emerged from the challenging years of the pandemic stronger than ever, with innovation and customer experience driving its resurgence and growth. Last year was all about resilience and continuing on its growth plans post-pandemic. Cruise lines also saw record profits and ticket prices that substantiated it. The unparalleled demand will continue full steam into 2025. The cruise industry in 2025 is a hub of innovation, luxury, and sustainability, driven by record passenger demand for unique and tailored experiences. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly travel, cutting-edge technology, relaxing wellness getaways, or thrilling expedition adventures, there’s never been a better time to set sail. With new ships, itineraries, and trends redefining the industry, the year promises to be an unforgettable year for cruise enthusiasts.

Destinations must prioritise eco-friendly infrastructure by investing in renewable energy, water conservation systems, and sustainable waste management. Green-certified accommodations, carbon-neutral attractions, and eco-conscious transportation options can significantly lower tourism’s environmental impact.

Reducing emissions from transportation is one of tourism’s biggest challenges. Airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators should integrate carbon offset programs and invest in greener technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels and electric transportation.

Governments, industry leaders, and local businesses must work together to enforce and incentivize sustainable practices. Policies like visitor caps, sustainable tourism taxes, and strict environmental regulations can help control the negative impact of tourism while still fostering economic benefits.

Global initiatives such as the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism are pushing the industry toward carbon neutrality by 2050. More destinations need to adopt similar commitments and ensure accountability.

Balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability is not just an ethical choice—it’s essential for the industry’s longevity. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact, destinations and businesses that embrace sustainability will thrive.

Hurtigruten is taking a significant step towards eco-friendly cruising by committing to build a zero-emission ship by 2030. The company aims to integrate battery and wind power technologies to reduce the environmental impact of its voyages, as the cruise industry has been widely criticized for its carbon emissions.

Typically, cruise ships have a higher carbon footprint compared to planes, with reports indicating that a two-week Caribbean cruise generates over twice the carbon emissions of a similar stay in Barbados.

The new ship will be equipped with a 60-megawatt-hour battery, charged while docked at ports, and will utilize retractable sails that harness wind energy to improve fuel efficiency. These sails, reaching 164 feet, will be designed to capture wind currents and will also feature solar panels to help power ship systems. Hurtigruten estimates that the energy consumption of this vessel could be reduced by 50 per cent compared to traditional ships, particularly during summer sailings where sunlight is abundant.Additionally, the ship’s design includes innovative technologies like air bubble carpets to minimize underwater drag, enhancing fuel efficiency further. It is described as a hybrid zero-emission ship, meaning while it will primarily rely on battery power, fuel will still be available as a backup.

In differentiating itself in the market, Hurtigruten not only focuses on its vessel but also collaborates with Norwegian ports to enhance shore power infrastructure, essential for recharging the ship’s batteries. Hurtigruten’s plan reflects a growing trend among cruise operators striving for sustainability, as evidenced by similar initiatives being explored by other companies, like Ponant, which is also developing a hybrid model for launch around the same time.

As the cruise industry aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, Hurtigruten’s project represents a substantial leap toward sustainable maritime travel, indicating a future where cruise lines can indeed operate with significantly reduced carbon footprints.