How Have Cruise Lines Gotten More Eco Friendly in 2024

Cruise lines in 2024 have slashed emissions by adopting LNG-powered ships and shore-to-ship energy systems, marking a major leap in sustainability. Advanced wastewater treatment, AI-driven fuel optimization, and partnerships with marine conservation groups further prove the industry’s shift toward eco-conscious travel—without sacrificing luxury.

Key Takeaways

• Adopt LNG fuel: Major lines now use liquefied natural gas to cut emissions.
• Install scrubbers: Advanced exhaust systems reduce sulfur and particulate output.
• Optimize itineraries: AI-driven routes minimize fuel use and maximize efficiency.
• Ban single-use plastics: Reusable alternatives significantly cut onboard waste.
• Partner with eco-orgs: Collaborations ensure sustainable practices and transparency.
• Invest in shore power: Dockside connections cut engine use in port.

How Cruise Lines Are Sailing Toward a Greener Future in 2024

Remember when cruise ships were seen as floating cities of indulgence, with little regard for their environmental footprint? I used to think that way too. I once stood on a balcony, sipping a cocktail, watching the ship churn through the ocean, leaving behind a trail of smoke. At the time, it felt magical. But as I learned more, I started wondering: What’s really happening beneath the surface?

Fast forward to 2024, and the cruise industry has undergone a quiet but powerful transformation. Cruise lines aren’t just chasing luxury anymore—they’re racing to become more eco-friendly. And it’s not just about greenwashing or PR stunts. Real changes are happening. From cleaner fuels to smarter waste management, the industry is finally acknowledging its environmental impact and taking action. But how exactly have cruise lines gotten more eco-friendly? Let’s dive in and explore the real progress, the challenges, and what it means for travelers like you and me.

1. Cleaner Fuels and Alternative Energy Sources

One of the biggest leaps in cruise line sustainability has been in the fuel department. For decades, most ships ran on heavy fuel oil (HFO)—a thick, polluting substance that releases sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. It was like driving a gas-guzzling SUV across the ocean. But in 2024, the game has changed.

Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) – The New Standard

Many major cruise lines—like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC—are now building and retrofitting ships to run on Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). LNG burns much cleaner than HFO, cutting sulfur emissions by nearly 100% and reducing nitrogen oxides by up to 85%. It also slashes CO₂ emissions by about 20–25%.

Take MSC World Europa, launched in 2022. It’s one of the largest LNG-powered cruise ships in the world. Not only does it run on LNG, but it’s also equipped with a dual-fuel engine, meaning it can switch to cleaner biofuels or even hydrogen in the future. That’s like having a hybrid car, but for the high seas.

Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels – The Next Frontier

While LNG is a big step, it’s still a fossil fuel. That’s why cruise lines are experimenting with biofuels and synthetic fuels made from renewable sources. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has successfully tested biofuels on select voyages, using waste oils and fats. These fuels can be used in existing engines with minimal modifications.

Meanwhile, Hurtigruten, a Norwegian cruise and ferry operator, has gone even further. They’ve started using green methanol—a fuel produced from renewable sources like agricultural waste or green hydrogen. Their ship, MS Roald Amundsen, was the first hybrid-powered cruise vessel, and now they’re pushing toward full carbon-neutral operations by 2030.

Wind and Solar – Harnessing Nature

Some lines are turning back to nature. Wind-assisted propulsion systems, like rigid sails or kites, are being tested to reduce engine load. For example, the Oceanbird concept (developed by Wallenius Marine) uses foldable sails to cut fuel use by up to 90% on transatlantic routes. While not yet mainstream, cruise lines are investing in R&D.

Onboard solar panels are also becoming more common. Small but smart, these panels power lighting, ventilation, and even some navigation systems. While they won’t run the whole ship, every watt saved counts.

2. Advanced Waste Management and Water Treatment

Let’s be honest: a cruise ship is like a small city with 5,000+ people. That means tons of trash, sewage, and wastewater. In the past, much of this was dumped into the ocean. But today, cruise lines are treating waste like a resource—not a liability.

Zero-Discharge Policies and Advanced Sewage Treatment

Most major lines now follow zero-discharge policies in sensitive areas like Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. That means no dumping of untreated sewage or graywater (water from sinks, showers, etc.). Instead, ships use Advanced Wastewater Purification Systems (AWPS).

Celebrity Cruises, for instance, uses systems like Hydroxyl Advanced Oxidation Process, which breaks down pollutants using UV light and ozone. The treated water is cleaner than many municipal standards—and sometimes even safe to swim in (though they don’t recommend it).

Food Waste Reduction and Composting

Food waste is a huge issue. On average, a cruise ship generates about 1 pound of food waste per passenger per day. But lines are tackling this with smart strategies.

• Pre-portioning meals to reduce overproduction
• AI-driven demand forecasting to predict how much food will be eaten
• Onboard composting for organic waste, turning it into fertilizer for portside gardens or local farms

Holland America Line has partnered with Leanpath, a food waste tech company, to track and reduce waste in real time. Their ships now divert over 90% of food waste from landfills.

Plastic and Packaging Innovations

Single-use plastics? Not welcome anymore. Most cruise lines have banned plastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery. Instead, they use:

• Bamboo or paper straws
• Reusable glass bottles (like Virgin Voyages’ “Sea Zero” program)
• Biodegradable packaging for takeaway food

Princess Cruises even replaced 100 million plastic water bottles annually with reusable aluminum bottles. That’s a huge win for the oceans.

3. Smarter Design and Energy Efficiency

It’s not just about what powers the ship—it’s how the ship is built. Modern cruise vessels are designed from the ground up to be energy-efficient, using smarter materials, layouts, and technologies.

Hull Design and Air Lubrication

One of the biggest energy drains on a ship is friction. The rougher the hull, the more fuel it takes to move through water. That’s why new ships use air lubrication systems—bubbling air along the hull to reduce drag.

Norwegian Encore and Carnival Mardi Gras use this tech, cutting fuel consumption by up to 10%. It’s like giving the ship a slipstream of air, making it glide smoother.

LED Lighting and Smart HVAC

Lighting alone can account for 15–20% of a ship’s energy use. So cruise lines are switching to LED lighting throughout—cabins, decks, restaurants. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Smart HVAC systems also adjust cooling and heating based on occupancy and weather. For example, if a deck is empty at night, the system automatically lowers the temperature. It’s like having a thermostat in your house, but for a 100,000-ton ship.

Energy-Generating Elevators and Regenerative Braking

Even elevators are getting smarter. Some ships use regenerative drives that capture energy when elevators descend and feed it back into the grid. It’s similar to how electric cars recharge when braking.

Disney Cruise Line’s Wish ship uses this tech, saving thousands of kWh per voyage.

4. Onboard Sustainability Programs and Guest Engagement

Eco-friendliness isn’t just about engineering—it’s also about people. Cruise lines are realizing that guests care about sustainability. And when travelers are engaged, the impact multiplies.

Green Crew Training and Certifications

Crew members are being trained in sustainability practices, from proper waste sorting to energy-saving habits. Many lines now require Green Passports for crew, ensuring everyone knows how to reduce the ship’s footprint.

Royal Caribbean’s “Save the Waves” program trains over 10,000 crew members annually in environmental stewardship.

Interactive Eco-Tours and Citizen Science

Want to feel like a real explorer? Some lines offer eco-tours where guests help collect water samples, monitor coral reefs, or track marine life. Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, runs citizen science programs on every voyage.

On a recent trip to the Galapagos, I helped a marine biologist tag sea turtles. It was hands-on, educational, and made me feel like I was part of the solution—not just a spectator.

Digital Menus and Paperless Cruising

Remember flipping through thick paper menus? Now, most lines use digital menus via QR codes or apps. This cuts down on paper waste and lets chefs update dishes in real time.

MSC Cruises has gone fully paperless for itineraries, maps, and even daily schedules. All accessed through the MSC for Me app. It’s convenient and kinder to the planet.

5. Port Partnerships and Shore Power

When a cruise ship docks, it doesn’t just stop—it keeps running its engines to power lights, AC, and kitchens. This is called hotelling, and it’s a major source of emissions in port cities like Barcelona, Seattle, and Miami.

Shore Power – The Cleaner Alternative

Instead of burning fuel at the dock, ships can plug into shore power—electrical grids at the port. This cuts emissions by up to 98% when the ship is docked.

Ports like Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Rotterdam now have shore power infrastructure. Carnival Corporation has equipped over 60% of its fleet to use shore power, and aims for 100% by 2025.

Green Port Initiatives and Local Collaboration

It’s not just about the ship—it’s about the whole ecosystem. Cruise lines are partnering with ports to support:

• Local reforestation projects
• Marine conservation (e.g., coral nurseries in the Caribbean)
• Community clean-up days with crew and guests

Princess Cruises’ Ocean Conservation Program works with ports to fund research and education. In Alaska, they support salmon habitat restoration—critical for local ecosystems and indigenous communities.

Slow Cruising and Reduced Speed Zones

Some lines are adopting slow cruising—reducing speed in sensitive areas to lower emissions and protect marine life. A ship going 15 knots instead of 22 can cut fuel use by 30%.

Silversea Cruises now uses “eco-speed” in whale migration zones, reducing noise and collision risks.

6. The Road Ahead: Challenges and Future Goals

Let’s be real: the cruise industry still has a long way to go. While progress is impressive, challenges remain. But the momentum is real, and the future looks promising.

Carbon Neutrality and Net-Zero Goals

Many lines have set ambitious targets:

• Royal Caribbean: Net-zero emissions by 2050
• Norwegian Cruise Line: 50% emissions reduction by 2030
• MSC Cruises: Carbon neutral by 2050, with 100% carbon-neutral ships by 2030

These aren’t just slogans. They’re backed by multi-billion-dollar investments in R&D, new tech, and partnerships with green energy providers.

The Hydrogen and Battery Revolution

Looking ahead, hydrogen fuel cells and battery-powered ships could be the next big leap. Hurtigruten’s MS Fridtjof Nansen already uses hybrid battery power for short coastal routes. It’s quieter, cleaner, and perfect for fjords and protected areas.

Norway aims to have all new ferries and cruise ships in its fjords run on zero-emission tech by 2026. That’s a model the world could follow.

Transparency and Third-Party Certifications

To build trust, cruise lines are getting certified by organizations like:

• Green Marine (North America)
• Blue Angel (Germany)
• EarthCheck (Global)

These certifications audit everything from fuel use to waste management. They’re not perfect, but they help hold lines accountable.

Cruise Line	Eco-Friendly Initiative	Year Implemented	Impact
MSC Cruises	LNG-powered ships (MSC World Europa)	2022	90% less sulfur, 85% less NOx
Norwegian Cruise Line	Biofuel testing (Prima-class ships)	2023	Up to 30% CO₂ reduction
Celebrity Cruises	Hydroxyl wastewater treatment	2021	Cleaner than EPA standards
Princess Cruises	Aluminum water bottles (100M replaced)	2020	Eliminated 100M plastic bottles
Hurtigruten	Green methanol fuel (MS Roald Amundsen)	2023	Near-zero CO₂ emissions

The Bottom Line: A Greener Journey Ahead

So, how have cruise lines gotten more eco-friendly in 2024? The answer is: through innovation, investment, and a growing sense of responsibility. From cleaner fuels and smarter design to guest engagement and port partnerships, the industry is finally aligning with the urgent need for sustainability.

But let’s not get carried away. There’s still room for improvement. Some lines are moving faster than others. And while LNG and biofuels are steps forward, they’re not the final destination. True sustainability means moving beyond fossil fuels entirely—toward hydrogen, wind, and battery power.

As travelers, we have power too. Choose lines with strong eco-policies. Participate in onboard programs. Ask questions. Demand transparency. The more we care, the more the industry will respond.

Next time you step onto a cruise ship, take a moment to look beyond the luxury. Notice the solar panels. The digital menu. The crew sorting waste. These small changes add up. And who knows? In a few years, we might be sipping that cocktail on a zero-emission ship, powered by the wind and the sun—leaving nothing behind but good memories.

The ocean has given us so much. It’s time we give back. And in 2024, the cruise industry is finally learning how.

Frequently Asked Questions

How have cruise lines gotten more eco friendly in 2024?

Cruise lines have adopted cleaner fuels like LNG (liquefied natural gas), advanced wastewater treatment systems, and shore power connections to reduce emissions while docked. Many ships now use AI-powered energy management to optimize fuel efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

What sustainable technologies are cruise ships using now?

Modern cruise ships feature hybrid exhaust scrubbers, solar panels, and hydrodynamic hull designs to cut fuel use. Advanced recycling programs and zero-discharge policies for plastics and food waste also play a major role in eco-friendly operations.

How do cruise lines reduce carbon emissions during voyages?

To reduce carbon emissions, cruise lines are investing in wind-assisted propulsion, battery hybrid systems, and route optimization software. LNG-powered ships, like those from Carnival and MSC, emit up to 25% less CO2 than traditional fuel-powered vessels.

Are cruise lines banning single-use plastics in 2024?

Yes, most major cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian—have eliminated single-use plastics like straws, cups, and cutlery. Reusable alternatives and onboard water purification systems help support their eco-friendly goals.

How do cruise ships handle waste and protect marine ecosystems?

Cruise lines now use advanced wastewater treatment plants that exceed international standards, turning sewage into near-potable water. Ballast water treatment systems also prevent invasive species from disrupting marine ecosystems.

Which cruise lines lead the industry in eco friendly practices?

In 2024, Hurtigruten, Silversea, and Princess Cruises stand out for their carbon-neutral itineraries, hybrid ships, and partnerships with environmental groups. Many have also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.