Want to make your cruise greener? Use these eco cruise travel tips to make sure you minimize the effect of your travel on the planet.
The very idea of an eco-friendly cruise seems to be a completely counter-intuitive paradox. Those who are not very well educated on the industry might well stop to look only at the tremendous fuel expense a cruise is and then decry the industry for its carbon footprint.
However, the truth of the matter is that there are several things that one can do to ensure that a cruise is conducted in an environmentally friendly manner. An eco cruise is not a myth, but if one uses the right tools, then it is a reality.
In this article, we'll introduce you to five critical tips that you should follow on your next cruise in order to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy your ride while not significantly damaging the environment.
1. Low Flow Fixtures
One of the best ways that a cruise ship can begin to reduce its environmental footprint is to start saving water. With so many people on board, a traditional cruise ship will have oodles and oodles of water consumption.
A quick way to stop the bleeding is to install low flow fixtures in all areas. This reduces the amount of water used in showerheads and faucets all throughout the ship, from personal bathrooms to the kitchen sinks.
2. Optimize Power with Schedules
Eco-friendly cruises also focus on optimizing their power consumption. Just as with water, the sheer number of people on board in combination with the required operations of moving the cruise ship translates into a massive electrical power requirement for the ship to maintain its operations.
The way that many cruise lines are beginning to reduce their power consumption is by taking note of tide schedules and letting those dictate how they operate the ship.
3. Solar Powered Ships
By replacing the source of the electric power that is consumed on board with a renewable source, cruise ships are taking a massive step in the right direction. Out on the open seas with no buildings around to block the view, ships can really soak up the sun.
The only problem is figuring out what surface area the solar panels can be placed in. Technology continues to develop, but solar-powered ships are a reality even today.
4. Water Treatment
Another way that cruise lines reduce their environmental impact is by changing how they treat the unsanitary water that is disposed into the ocean. Most cruise ships now incorporate a two-stage treatment process before the water is released back into the ocean, ensuring its cleanliness.
5. Cruise Close to Home
Last but not least, one essential eco cruise travel tip is to cruise close to home! You can reduce your footprint by not flying or driving hundreds of miles to the port that you cruise leaves from.
A Mediterranean cruise is a great way to see the old country, so go on one of those if you live close by!
Eco Cruise Travel Doesn't Have to Be Hard!
With these essential tips, eco cruise travel can be a reality without being hard to implement.
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