GTC Logo

Climate-Friendly Cruise Travel Tips

Follow these tips to reduce the carbon footprint of your cruise trips.
Climate-Friendly
Travel Leaders Image

Choose a cruise line with a net zero commitment

Choose a cruise line that is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint through measures such as sustainable fuels, energy-efficient vessels and technologies, shore power, plastic and food waste reduction, recycling, or waste-to-energy systems.

Travel Leaders Image

Plan efficient trip itineraries

Minimize transportation to/from your cruise by choosing a trip that departs from a port closer to home. Look for itineraries that include overnight stays in ports or combine a shorter cruise with a “land vacation” in the departure port to cut down time, and emissions generated, at sea.

Travel Leaders Image

Take low-carbon transport to the departure port

When flying, choose airlines that prioritize fuel-efficient planes, sustainable fuel, and waste reduction such as recycling. Opt for an electric car, or fuel-efficient vehicle.

Travel Leaders Image

Go digital

Use apps and cloud storage when traveling to your cruise and once on board for tickets, itineraries, excursion sheets, maps, and learning about the destinations on your route.

Travel Leaders Image

Choose low-emission shore excursions

When exploring ports, choose walking and cycling tours, hiking, kayaking, or non-motorized snorkeling and diving excursions. Look for eco-friendly operators that use low emission modes of transportation and have eliminated single-use products.

Travel Leaders Image

Reduce single-use items

Bring reusable items such as toiletries, water bottles, shopping bags, and coffee cups from home to reduce the need for disposable items. When shopping at ports, choose practical, locally produced items.

Travel Leaders Image

Recycle and compost your waste

Utilize recycling and compost bins in airports, on board, and while sightseeing to properly dispose of waste. Be sure to read any posted signage and sort your trash accordingly.

Travel Leaders Image

Offset your carbon footprint

Use apps and cloud storage when traveling to your cruise and once on board for tickets, itineraries, excursion sheets, maps, and learning about the destinations on your route.

Ready to go? These travel experts can help you plan a trip related to this article

  • Alexandra Christensen

    Luxury Travel Agent

    Chicago, IL

    Greece, Italy, Spain, Australia, Kenya

    If you see the text box to the right do not fill it in
  • Andrea Wallace & Jessica Lesiak

    Corporate, Entertainment & Leisure Travel Team

    Encino, CA

    USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Europe

    If you see the text box to the right do not fill it in
  • Kacey Cunningham

    Group and Family Travel Specialist

    New York, NY

    San Diego

    If you see the text box to the right do not fill it in

Related Travel Tips Stories

  • Puerto Rico Pride - Four Ways to Discover This Colorful Caribbean Paradise

    Puerto Rico Pride - Four Ways to Discover This Colorful Caribbean Paradise

    Puerto Rico is known for its festivals, traditions, art, and music — but it doesn’t end there. Puerto Ricans refer to themselves as Boricua, a name...
  • Don't Look Down - Unbelievable ways to observe the night sky

    Don't Look Down - Unbelievable ways to observe the night sky

    While we know spotting the Big Dipper's seven stars has nothing on witnessing the dancing Aurora Borealis, sometimes the simple opportunity to look...
  • Summer in Paris - Your Guide to a Chic & Effortless Escape to the City of Light

    Summer in Paris - Your Guide to a Chic & Effortless Escape to the City of Light

    It's said that life imitates art, and no place paints a prettier picture than the City of Light. In Paris, every street has a compelling story to te...
  • Climate-Friendly Cruise Travel Tips

    Climate-Friendly Cruise Travel Tips

    Follow these tips to reduce the carbon footprint of your cruise trips.