The cruise industry is joining forces with aid and conservation agencies to support sustainability and humanitarian efforts in many of the amazing destinations their ships visit.

Holland America Line lends a hand to Ukrainians

When the Ukraine crisis struck, help came from all corners of the world, including cruise. Holland America Line sent Volendam to dock in Rotterdam, with a three-month agreement to take refugees that were currently staying in hotels.

The ship provided three meals a day, private rooms, housekeeping services, a fitness centre and internet access to those on board, with 650 crew members to service them.

Passenger sailings were cancelled in order to help the refugees, as humanity triumphed over profits in a heartfelt gesture by the line. Especially, as the help came at a time where the Dutch government was feeling the strain of the crisis and providing aid.

“We are in a unique position to accommodate the immediate need for food and housing, so we felt it was very important to work with the City of Rotterdam and charter this ship,” said Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line’s president.

Carnival on track for 2030 sustainability goals

Carnival Corporation has strong sustainability goals and is aiming to achieve a 20% carbon reduction by 2030, currently looking into the use of alternative fuels and researching technologies such as advanced air quality systems.

Furthermore, at the end of 2021, 46% of the company’s fleet was equipped with shore power capabilities and there are now six ships in the fleet that can be powered by LNG.

Carnival is also in the process of investing in a lithium-ion battery storage system, among other innovations like hull air lubrication systems and new hydrogen derived from methanol fuel cells.

Silversea galvanises the Galapagos

Luxury line Silversea has played its part in ensuring the Galapagos Islands are as beautiful and biodiverse for future generations as they are now.
The dedicated Silversea Fund aims to strengthen the connection between humans and nature in the Galapagos, spreading the money across a wide range of conservation projects each year.

Paul Salaman, President of Galapagos Conservancy said: “The Silversea Fund will help to protect the natural environment, as well as the fauna that inhabits the archipelago, for generations to come.”

A recent donation from the line gave scholarships for 30 students at the Tomas de Berlanga School on the islands, which offers sustainability focused education.

A Cleaner Planet is the Best Reward.

Avalon Waterways has been honoured with a Europe’s Green Award—recognised for its Suite Ship fleet’s high safety and environmental standards. This prestigious award is given to river cruise ships based on the environmental impact of engines, fuel consumption, waste and maintenance, pollution prevention.

Along with a large number of charities involving children and wildlife around the world, Avalon also supports two important charities: Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Australia and the Kangaroo Sanctuary, Australia

A-ROSA sets the standard for river

As ocean ships innovate, so do the ships roaming the worlds river. River cruise line A-ROSA’s new ship Sena is leading the way in sustainability.
The vessel was recently christened, and its sustainable build was a key focus of the celebrations.

The vessel has already received acclaim for its sustainable features, receiving the ‘German Award for Sustainability Projects 2022’.

Lucia Rowe managing director at A-ROSA River Cruises UK & Ireland said: “Her sustainability credentials demonstrate to the industry just what can be done.

“Her hybrid propulsion system, exhaust gas purification filters and her ability to turn exhaust gas into electricity are just some of the incredible things that set her apart from anything we’ve seen previously.”

Valencia port commits to zero emissions

The Port of Valencia in Spain is working shore-side towards a better and greener future for cruising. An installation of a hydrogen generator has begun, with the port committed to zero emissions by 2030.

The Valencia Port Authority president Aurelio Martinez said: “For the PAV, the fight against climate change and decarbonization is a priority, as demonstrated by all the projects we are carrying out to meet the objective of being an emission-neutral port by 2030.

“Our strategy is based on facts such as this hydrogen station which positions us as the first European port to use this technology.”
The plant is part of a larger H2Ports project, with the National Hydrogen Centre providing investment and required fuel to make the emission goals become a reality.