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Cruises, traditionally, aren't green vacations. In fact, Climate Care, a carbon-offsetting company based out of the U.K., has statistics that show that cruise ships emit almost twice as much carbon dioxide as airplanes do. Not cool. On top of that, many cruise passengers have to fly to the port their cruise departs from. Additionally, a lot of the ships run on the cheapest and dirtiest fuel oil available. An average one-week trip on a large ship produces around 210,000 gallons of sewage, 25,000 gallons of oily bilge water, one million gallons of gray water, and over 130 gallons of hazardous wastes. Yuck. There's nothing 'relaxing' about those numbers.
Thankfully, the cruise ship industry is changing. The Environmental Protection Agency, as well as other campaign groups and regulations, have pushed changes that will allow for a cruise vacation in your future without all of the guilty baggage. Starting this year, the New York Times reports, all ships will have to burn low-sulfur diesel fuel instead of the filthy bunker fuel. Legislation has been proposed that will prohibit the dumping of cruise waste within 12 miles of United States shores.
Cruising is one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors. As a multi-billion dollar industry, these ships can certainly afford to clean up their acts.
My advice to you:
If you're thinking of booking a cruise; wait. Wait until these cruise lines have officially made these changes. Supplement your desire to relax on the water with a sailing day trip or canoeing adventure. You'll spare yourself the money (which is more important now than ever) and you'll spare our waters an unimaginable amount of gross pollution.
More on green vacationing:
How to Close Your Office Before a Vacation
Leisurely Vacation Breakfast
Try These Staycation Vacation Destinations
Eco-Friendly Travel
