Happy World Oceans Day, Cruises!

What is World Oceans Day? The United Nations World Oceans Day is observed annually on June 8th to promote ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

On land and sea, indigenous cultures around the world remind us that we remain an integral part of nature, not set apart from it. They patiently teach us how to act as our planet’s stewards so that we can live sustainably as they have for millennia to preserve our mothership, Earth.

This World Oceans Day, All Aboard Ship Ahoy takes a look at how cruise lines implement the latest technologies to help protect our oceans. Our impact on the environment directly affects our ability to enjoy the Earth’s wonders and waterways. As we have enjoyed for so many years, future generations deserve to voyage on our glorious azure oceans to various destinations all over the world.

So, how does the cruise industry help to protect the environment? The cruise industry has made significant efforts to protect the environment. Many cruise lines have implemented sustainable practices, such as advanced wastewater treatment systems, energy-efficient technologies, and reducing emissions through the use of tri-fuelled engines and the adoption of cleaner fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

LNG is a clean-burning fossil fuel that has gained significant importance in the cruising industry in recent years. LNG is produced by cooling natural gas to a liquid state, making it more compact and easier to transport. It emits significantly lower levels of air pollutants compared to traditional marine fuels. Utilising LNG as a fuel source plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of our oceans.

Below, we list some of the latest cruise ships that use LNG as a fuel source. 

MSC World Europa 

Launched in 2022, MSC World Europa is MSC Cruises’ first vessel powered by LNG and is the cruise line’s most environmentally high-performing ship. With 22 decks and the most luxurious and spacious MSC Yacht Club cabins (suite cabins) yet, MSC World Europa offers 7-night cruises sailing to the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France. 

P&O Arvia

Launched in December 2022 and christened at Heywood’s Beach, Barbados, Arvia is the newest ship in P&O Cruises’ fleet, their second ship powered by LNG, and the largest ship to be commissioned for the British cruise market. With a name meaning “from the seashore”, Arvia sails to ports in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Check out our 2024 Caribbean Repo Cruise, where we sail from the UK to the Caribbean.  

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

When Royal Caribbean’s brand-new mega-ship, Icon of the Seas, launches in January 2024, it will become the largest cruise ship in the world. With a range of immersive entertainment options on board, Icon of the Seas boasts a grand total of 40 restaurants and many industry firsts including the largest swimming pool and water slides at sea. Carrying 7,600 cruise passengers at maximum occupancy, this cutting-edge new ship will be powered by 6 engines all using LNG. Icon of the Seas will set sail on its first set of itineraries out of Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean islands in January of 2024. 

Cruise Lines’ commitment to net zero carbon cruising by 2050 sets them firmly on a trajectory toward achieving this goal with LNG-powered ships. Contact us today to sail on one of these beautiful ships. The oceans are calling, and your next great adventure awaits! ⚓️