Environment
The cruise line industry is committed to protecting the fragile
natural environments in which we operate and we have a strong
record of developing and implementing sound environment
practices. The Cruise Line International Association's (CLIA)
oceangoing cruise lines all have senior level staff responsible
for environmental programs, which include among many other
things, compliance with applicable international, federal and
state environmental regulations. These senior staff members are
also responsible for the training, oversight, and implementation
of other corporate environmental policies and practices on
board.
The industry has an Environmental Committee, comprised of
representatives from the cruise lines, who meet regularly with
groups such as the U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental
Protection Agency to discuss issues related to compliance with
environmental regulations. We work with NGOs, universities,
regulators and scientists around the globe to continually improve
our environmental practices. The cruise line industry also employ
engineers and environmental experts who lead programs to assure
compliance with today's requirements and direct investments to
reduce our environmental footprint in the future.
Our commitment to employing sound environmental practices has
never been stronger. We meet - and in some cases exceed - the
many international, federal and state environmental regulations
that apply to cruise ships whether at sea or port. CLIA member
cruise lines are continually evaluating new technologies and
programs to enhance our environmental practices. In February
2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a set of
very comprehensive regulations for all forms of vessel discharge.
Our industry commends the EPA for its hard work and CLIA members
are committed to the rigorous and ongoing work required to comply
with these new regulations.
The cruise line industry is responding to the expectations of our
customers who share a commitment to “green” practices. We have a
wide variety of programs that make a difference, including
switching to low energy LED lights, recycling engine cooling
water to heat passenger cabins, disposing of photo processing
chemicals through licensed contractors, and using special window
tinting to keep passageways cooler and reduce the need for air
conditioning.
Passengers aboard our cruise ships are encouraged to be “green.”
Many ships provide guest opportunities to recycle trash, reuse
towels and use flow restrictive shower heads and recyclable
clothes hangers. Our environmentally-friendly practices go beyond
what is obvious to our guests. CLIA ships utilize
state-of-the-art technologies that help consume less fuel,
operate more efficiently, reduce air emissions, and in many
cases, treat wastewater in ways that exceed those of many
land-based facilities and municipalities.
To learn more about what the cruise line industry does to protect
our environment, click on the links on the right.
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In November 2009 at an industry forum with cruise lines and personnel, suppliers, manufacturers and other vendors, cruise line executives had an opportunity to comment on the industry's efforts to address environmental issues. Watch...
Gregg Michel, CEO, Crystal
Cruises
Stein Kruse, President and CEO,
Holland America