Over the last four years cruise companies have made tremendous strides to become more eco friendly, cutting their waste by up to half.  Some ships have also employed gas turbines which reduce their nitrogen and sulphur emissions, whilst others have installed seawater scrubbers to remove smokestack pollutants.  Installing on-board environmental equipment such as grinders for waste products, crushers for glass and aluminium, incinerators for cardboard, paper and other waste by-products, combined with highly advanced engine room equipment, these advancements are all part of a long term commitment to making cruise ships more eco friendly.  Cruising at a slower speed helps with fuel efficiency and is now common procedure throughout the cruise industry, this helps reduce the amount of carbon emissions and use of carbon fossil fuels.

P&O Cruises have lowered their energy consumption by three to four per cent each year.  They have achieved these impressive figures by using different types of paint on the hull to make the ship more fuel efficient, and also by cruising at slower speeds.

Costa Cruises have also committed themselves to safeguarding the environment by using reverse desalination plants; these plants reduce the amount of water consumption on-board.  To minimise rubbish generated on their ships, all sorting and recycling is carried out at sea, each category of waste is then compacted, incinerated or crushed.

The MSC Cruise ship Splendida has an Advanced Water Treatment plant that processes up to 1500 cubic meters of liquid waste per day, which can then be released straight into the sea.
Solstice-Class ships which belong to Celebrity cruises are built with eco friendly technology throughout their construction.  The hull on this magnificent ship is one of the most fuel–efficient  possible, and with 216 solar panels installed over a 500sq meter area, alongside Led lights and window coatings to reflect heat, reducing the need for constant air-conditioning all of these advancements  have created a more eco friendly and greener cruise ship.

Holland America and Royal Caribbean recycle as much waste as possible.  Holland America uses as much recyclable material as possible and has an on-line booking system, introducing e-tickets limiting the need for printed materials.  Whilst Royal Caribbean has an environmental officer assigned to each of its ships.

There are also many ways to individually make a difference to our own impact on the environment whilst on a cruise, many ships have information on-board to educate and help us all become Greener guests.  Some ways that can make a difference are by packing re-usable and durable item.  Try cruising on a smaller ship, and research the ships environmental policies to see if they recycle and are doing their best to help the environment.   When you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and conserve water whenever you can, take shorter showers and never leave a tap running. Most ships now have recycling bins positioned on the ship, take the time to locate them and recycle your rubbish at all times.  If the ship you're on offers an environmental presentation go along and find out what else you can do whilst on the cruise to help reduce your carbon footprint.

Whilst on a cruise remember that it is not only the cruise lines responsibility to be more environmentally aware, as passengers we also have our part to play in making cruising a greener and more eco friendly experience.