When looking for slower, more sustainable travel options, many people believe that cruising is better than taking a plane. A cruise holiday can certainly take you away from the fast pace of modern life, but is it really a greener way to travel? The answer lies in the type of cruise you choose as well as the destination. We investigate in what ways cruising can be a slow and sustainable form of travel. (Photo "Boats at Kusadasi" by tuareq)Taking it Slow
What’s the advantage of traveling slowly? It means that a trip can become about the journey as well as the destination. On a cruise ship you get to view the passing scenery instead of whizzing over it on a plane, whether that be the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean or the historic towns and castles on the banks of the River Seine. The fast pace of modern travel can mean that we miss out on a lot of what makes a place beautiful. On sightseeing trips it can also mean that we spend a lot of time traveling and don’t have chance to relax. A cruise ship is like a floating hotel, so you enjoy the experience of traveling and sightseeing whilst indulging in quality relaxation.
Are Cruise Ships Sustainable?
For those who want to travel responsibly, it’s worth considering the cruise itinerary and the destination. If you have to fly to get to the departure point of your cruise then the whole holiday could end up being less sustainable than if you’d flown to a resort and stayed there. A no fly cruise is a good option for people seeking a greener holiday option. (Photo "Ship in Alaska" by linder6580)
After considering your destination, it’s also worth researching a cruise liner. Nowadays, many companies are making efforts to improve their green credentials and make ships more sustainable.
You can check out the report card compiled by charity Friends of the Earth to see which cruise liners are the greenest. Some liners are making serious efforts to clean up their acts when it comes to waste water treatment, sewage, energy efficiency and energy generation. As well as the Friends of the Earth report card you can check out the liner’s own website to read up on their environmental policy.
Doing Your Bit
As well as choosing a cruise with good green credentials there are things you can do to make the holiday more sustainable. These are the same things are you likely do at home already: eating locally produced food, minimising waste, and being conscious of how much water and electricity you use. By choosing the right cruise and traveling responsibly you can maximise your holiday’s sustainable credentials as well as taking it nice and slow.
