Eco-Friendly Cruises and Activities

Cruises are not traditionally the most sustainable way to travel. Ships carrying thousands of people burn millions of gallons of gasoline to traverse destinations far and near, while endless dinner buffets result in tons of waste from food and garbage, which is often dumped into the water, causing pollution and endangering sea life. Their sheer size is greatly disruptive to nature as they travel to port. But a new generation of cruise ships is flipping the script, providing eco-friendly travel to lively destinations with a focus on sustainability alongside fun and exploration. That means working with local artisans, eliminating single-use plastics, minimizing carbon footprints, focusing on environmentally friendly excursions and working to preserve and protect wildlife.

- EILEEN FALKENBERG-HULL

Coastal Cruise

NORWEGIAN FJORDS

Cruisers who climb aboard a Havila Voyages ship to cruise up or down the Norwegian coast will be in for a sustainable treat. The longest trip is a 12-day, 34port affair that stretches from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. The ships have large battery packs that provide four hours of emissions-free sailing and recharge via hydropower as the ship moves.

(See #06 on following spread)

01 Safeguarding Sea Life

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR

Cruising the Pacific to the Galápagos Islands on Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Flora boat is a peek into the future. The first-of-its-kind 100-guest ship was specifically created for cruising these islands. It features natural materials and doesn't drop anchor to maintain position, protecting sea life. Solar panels supplement electricity and chocolates and bathroom supplies are locally sourced from Ecuador.

02 Alternative Power

BAIE-COMEAU, QUEBEC

Get off the Explora Journeys ship, which is primed for future eco-friendly power solutions, and go inside one of the world's largest hydropower hollow-joint gravity dams as it harnesses Earth's natural energy for Canada's power needs. The Manic-2 reservoir features a 440-ton generator and is home to the first 735,000-volt power line ever installed. It's a two-and-a-half-hour expedition that comes as an add-on to your cruise. On-the-water fun can be had courtesy of a sea kayak exploration of the St. Lawrence River with views of the Manicouagan Reservoir.