My daughter and I recently went on an Oasis of the Seas cruise. While it is a fun way to travel, cruise ships aren’t always the most eco-friendly. However, you can still make thoughtful choices that help reduce waste and support more sustainable travel habits. Here are some tips!
Pack Reusables
One of the easiest ways to reduce waste on a cruise is by bringing reusable items. A refillable water bottle, reusable shopping bag, metal straw, etc. can help to reduce use of disposables.
Many cruise ships have refill stations, making it easy to stay hydrated without constantly using disposable cups or bottles.
Be Mindful of Food Waste
Cruise buffets can be tempting, but keep in mind how much food you take. Taking too much is unnecce
but taking more food than you can eat often leads to unnecessary waste. Start with smaller portions and go back for more if you’re still hungry.
Being intentional about food choices helps reduce the amount of discarded food generated onboard.
Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen
If your cruise includes beach stops or snorkeling excursions, using reef-safe sunscreen is an important eco-friendly choice. Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Choosing environmentally friendly products helps protect the oceans and beaches you are visiting.
Reduce Towel and Linen Usage
Many cruise lines offer programs encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens instead of requesting daily replacements. Reusing towels can conserve water, energy, and cleaning resources.
Small choices like hanging towels to dry and reuse them can make a difference over the course of a cruise.
Support Responsible Shore Excursions
When booking excursions, look for tours and activities that prioritize sustainability and respect local environments and wildlife. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage fragile ecosystems.
Supporting responsible local businesses and eco-conscious tour operators can positively impact the destinations you visit.
Limit Energy Use
Cruise cabins use electricity for lighting, air conditioning, and electronics. Turning off lights, unplugging chargers, and adjusting the temperature when leaving your room can help reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Keep your balcony door closed when you run the AC.
Avoid Overconsumption
Cruises often encourage nonstop consumption, from food and drinks to souvenirs and disposable items. Traveling more intentionally by purchasing only what you truly need can help reduce waste and environmental impact.
Choosing quality experiences over excessive consumption often leads to a more meaningful vacation as well.
Respect Local Communities and Environments
Being eco-friendly on a cruise also means respecting the places you visit. Avoid littering, stay on designated paths during excursions, and support local businesses when possible.
Responsible tourism helps preserve destinations for future travelers and benefits the communities that depend on tourism income.
Research Cruise Lines With Sustainability Initiatives
Some cruise companies are investing in cleaner technologies, improved waste management systems, and more sustainable practices. Researching a cruise line’s environmental policies before booking can help you support companies making efforts toward sustainability.
While no form of travel is entirely impact-free, choosing companies focused on improvement can encourage positive industry changes.
Love the perspective. Green travel initiatives like these make me much more excited about future cruising adventures. I’d love to go on one btw!
I must keep these in mind if I get to cruise. I truly want to one day, and I always am working on being more eco-friendly.
I learned about the reef safe sunscreen when I traveled to Hawaii. I didn’t know, and I still use it now.
I learned about the reef safe sunscreen when I traveled to Hawaii. I didn’t know, and I still use it now. It better for the environment and our skin.
WOW, my kids are going on a cruise in August, I need to keep this in mind to share with them. Reef Safe sunscreen sounds like it should be in my purse at all times this summer.
I appreciate that you focused on realistic ways people can travel more responsibly, rather than pretending that cruising is either completely perfect or completely terrible. The balanced perspective makes this genuinely useful.
I loved the cruise that I went on. It was a ton of fun and I got to see some cool places. I usually ate at the buffet simply because you could pick and choose what to eat. I skipped the formal dinners. Maybe next time.