Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) recent report on the State of the Cruising Industry indicates that cruising is anticipated to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism in the next several years – an estimated 31.5 million passengers will set sail in 2023, increasing to 39.5 million by 2027.
This projected growth will take place concurrently with consumer desire – and expectation – for more sustainable and responsible travel options. In fact, 76% of global travelers say they’d like to travel more sustainably this year.
Cruise industry leaders have taken note of these shifting consumer preferences and have put into motion a myriad of initiatives and projects, overhauling their technology, infrastructure and operations in the process, to embrace a more responsible and sustainable future.
Four ways the cruise industry is leading the charge are:
- Transitioning power sources. Currently, cruise lines are utilizing liquid natural gas as a transitional fuel – the cleanest fuel available at scale – while more sustainable marine fuels and propulsion technologies are being developed. Once available at scale, 75% of the CLIA-member cruise line fleet will be able to utilize sustainable fuels. What’s more, the number of ships with shoreside power capability will more than double by 2028, reducing emissions up to 98%.
- Sourcing food and supplies responsibly. The industry is working closely with the Marine Stewardship Council, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and others to up efforts to source food and supplies locally and responsibly. Doing so has a variety of positive impacts, from allowing certain species of fish to repopulate to supporting local businesses as they maintain, serve and craft authentic, unique goods to reducing single-use plastics.
- Offering sustainable and eco-friendly shore excursions. Many cruise lines offer a variety of low environmental impact activities – think hiking in Mallorca, marveling at butterflies in Aruba or learning about native Alaskan tribal history – while others make a direct contribution to the environment, such as tree planting or beach cleaning. Some are even pursuing sustainable tour excursion certification with respected conservation organizations.
- Contributing to the protection of ocean and marine life. Reducing vessel speed in sensitive areas, partnering with a variety of research and ocean and marine life protection organizations, hosting on-board scientists to support important research, developing advanced wastewater treatment systems – these are all ways cruise lines are embracing their role as stewards of ocean and marine life protection.
The Aon Travel Takeaway
“Responsible and sustainable travel options are no longer a choice, but a business imperative,” said Beth Godlin, president of the Aon Affinity Travel Practice. “Those in the cruise industry who are taking steps to be more sustainable, whether that be by decarbonizing, offering eco-friendly shore excursion programs or working to restore coral reefs, will be at the forefront of the industry and win the business of conscientious travelers.”
This article is based on the facts and figures presented in the 2023 CLIA State of the Cruise Industry Report.