🌿 A clear start
🌿 A clear startWhen I first started thinking about a cruise, I had questions.
Was it okay for the planet? What do these big ships really do about pollution?
Cruising isn’t perfect — but it’s changing. Ships are getting cleaner, waste is handled better, and even small choices from passengers can make a difference.
This guide is simple and practical. It’s based on what I saw during my own first cruise trip, plus what cruise lines are doing right now to be more sustainable. No pressure — just real steps you can take if you care about the sea and still want to enjoy your holiday.
What’s inside this blog?
⚓️ Why Are Travelers Concerned About Cruising and Sustainability?
Cruising has a bit of a reputation problem. For years, large ships were linked to pollution, plastic waste, and big crowds in small ports. Some of that worry is still valid: a single cruise ship can produce hundreds of tons of waste each week, and older ships often used heavy fuels that aren’t very kind to the air or sea.
But here’s the other side: things are changing fast. Today’s travelers are asking better questions — and cruise companies are responding. Newer ships are cleaner, rules are stricter, and there’s more awareness about how cruising affects the environment.
Some people still wonder: “Can I enjoy this holiday and still care about the planet?”
That’s what this blog is about — not guilt, but choices.
⚙️ How Ships Are Changing: New Tech, Cleaner Fuels, and Smarter Waste
Modern cruise ships look similar on the outside, maar vanbinnen gebeurt er veel nieuws. Groene innovaties maken deze drijvende dorpen schoner en slimmer dan ooit.
Cleaner fuels:
Many new ships run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) — it burns much cleaner than old marine diesel and can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 25%.
Some even test biofuels on special trips. MSC Euribia, for example, used bio-LNG for its maiden voyage.
Plugging in at port:
Instead of running engines all day, more ships now use shore power. This means they switch off their fuel engines while docked and “plug in” to local electricity. It’s quieter, cleaner, and much better for the air in port cities.
Smarter design:
New ships are built with fuel-saving shapes, heat-reflecting paint, and smart systems that manage energy use.
Some ships even glide more easily thanks to air bubble systems under the hull — like a soft cushion that reduces drag.
Less plastic, more recycling:
Single-use plastic is disappearing fast. Onboard, you’ll often find refillable water stations, paper straws, and even sunglasses made from recycled ocean plastic.
Waste is sorted and compressed on board — and some ships can recycle up to 60% of their trash before they reach land.
🔎 Fun fact: Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen can sail for hours on battery power alone — no fuel, no noise. That’s especially helpful in fragile places like the Arctic, where silence and clean air really matter.
🧳 What Passengers Can Do: Small Steps for a Big Impact
You don’t have to go fully eco-warrior. But these simple steps are easy to follow — and help reduce your footprint while cruising.
Bring a refillable bottle (and use it):
Most new ships have water stations near elevators and buffet areas. You’ll save on plastic and it’s often quicker than queueing for drinks. Many cruise lines also sell branded metal bottles onboard — but it’s better to bring your own from home.
TravelGlaze tip: Metal bottles are not always allowed in your hand luggage on the flight, so check airline rules or pack it in your suitcase. 
Skip the hotel-size toiletries:
Many ports (especially in the Mediterranean) have eco shops with refill options. Look for brands like Lush, Faith in Nature, or Ethique, which you can even pre-order and pick up near your port. Use reef-safe sunscreen like Stream2Sea or Sun Bum, especially in warm destinations.
Choose eco-labeled excursions:
Before your trip, visit ShoreExcursionsGroup.com or Viator to compare local tours. Look for labels like “sustainable”, “community-based” or “eco-certified”. Many excursions offered by the cruise line also mention if they support nature reserves or animal protection.
Be realistic about towels:
Cabin stewards usually clean twice a day — if your towel’s on the floor, it’s gone. Hang it neatly and tell your steward you’re reusing it. The same goes for your bed linen: ask at guest services for a “no daily change” option.
Souvenirs with a story:
Yes, you’ll probably shop on land — but avoid imported trinkets and plastic fridge magnets. In ports like Dubrovnik, Valletta, or Katakolon, look for markets with local food, soaps, or handmade crafts. Many cities have official local product signs (like “Gozo DOK” or “Made in Malta”).
📅 How to Book a ‘Green Cruise’
Eco-friendly cruising starts long before you board—by making thoughtful choices that support the planet and your comfort.
Look for certifications
Check for cruise lines carrying Green Globe, ISO 14001, or Friends of the Earth ratings. These labels show real environmental commitment.
Read sustainability reports
Lines like MSC, Carnival, and Viking publish annual updates showing their progress in areas like waste reduction, fuel efficiency, and carbon emissions.
Choose modern, eco-savvy ships
Ships launched after 2018 often include cutting-edge tech:
MSC World America and World Europa run on LNG with shore-power connectors and advanced waste systems.
Celebrity Flora sails in the Galapagos, powered by solar panels, uses dynamic-positioning to protect reefs, and has refillable metal water bottles.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima uses more efficient diesel-electric engines and advanced wastewater treatment.
Check “shore power” connectivity
Ports such as Barcelona, Vancouver, Seattle, and Bremen often let ships plug into shore electricity, cutting emissions in the harbour.
Book early, especially green cabins
Eco-friendly rooms and ships are in demand, especially off-season. Booking early ensures you sail greener at a better price.
Look for thoughtful extras
Some lines offer unique eco-perks:
Heat-recovery tech on Virgin’s Scarlet Lady
Local and certified seafood menus on Holland America cruises
Refillable water stations and reusable amenities on most premium lines
🌍 Fun Fact:
Explora I from MSC is the first luxury ship under the new Explora Journeys brand. It’s powered partly by bio-LNG, showing that even high-end vessels can go greener from day one.
✨ TravelGlaze Moment
I’ll admit it—I didn’t pay much attention to sustainability at first. But when MSC’s staff onboard mentioned the MSC Foundation and their matching-donation programme. If each passenger donates just €1, MSC doubles it. That sounded like a lovely idea. I couldn’t find any official confirmation online, so perhaps it’s something they offer during certain sailings or seasons. Either way, maybe those coins helped plant a coral. Maybe they helped train a nurse. Of course I donated and it felt good.
The Foundation supports impressive projects like the Super Coral Programme in the Bahamas, restoring reefs around Ocean Cay, and funding new hospital ships with Mercy Ships in Africa. They even turn plastic waste into classroom bricks in Côte d’Ivoire with UNICEF.
It’s not just MSC. Norwegian Cruise Line once matched passenger donations to rebuild Caribbean schools after hurricanes — a reminder that giving even just a little can go far.
🌎 Final Thought
Cruising will never be perfect — no travel is. But things are changing. Ships are cleaner, tech is smarter, and more people are asking real questions about their footprint at sea.
You don’t have to become a sustainability expert to make better choices. Book a newer ship, bring a water bottle, support local projects, or just skip the plastic straw. Small steps count. And if you’re lucky, they still come with sea breezes, sunsets, and good coffee on deck.
Want to see what a first-time cruise feels like — before you start thinking about eco tips?
Take a look at Thinking About a Cruise: What Helped Me Decide or join me on Boarding Day on a Cruise: What to Expect.
💬 Have you spotted any green changes on your own cruise? Or maybe you’re still deciding if the sea is for you? Let me know — I always reply!
