*Post in Collaboration with Demi King
Everyone has a ‘Traveling Wish List’ and going on a cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experience most people aspire to. However, it’s hard to deny the cruise industry’s impact on the environment and coastal communities. In 2022, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) predicted that the industry would grow to 12% by 2026 in terms of passenger numbers and revenues. At the same time, the CLIA also announced a series of sustainability commitments for a more efficient future, with a target of achieving net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.
As a result, many cruise companies in recent years have adopted sustainable practices and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and continue to provide oceanic comfort while staying relatively green. Luxury cruise operator Explora Journeys is at the forefront of this trend. With its “ocean state of mind” philosophy, the brand endeavors to help passengers travel further, immerse deeper, and linger a little longer. Explora’s all-inclusive journeys include authentic, cultured service for a well-rounded travel experience and shuttle services from the port to the city center for reduced carbon emissions.
At a time when travelers are demanding more eco-conscious and sustainable ways of travel, the cruise industry’s shift towards greener initiatives and technologies can help bridge the gap between five-star luxury and environmental consciousness. In this post, we’ll look at some of Explora Journeys’ sustainable initiatives:
Sustainable onboard retail
This year, Explora Journeys announced The Journey — a redefined shopping experience at sea inspired by the company’s “ocean state of mind” philosophy. The company partnered with over 30 of the finest artisanal brands, all committed to caring for the planet and its people. The Journey includes items exclusively designed for Explora Journeys and is only available onboard their newest vessel Explora I. All the brands featured in the collaboration feature natural materials that are recycled and regenerative in their production process. These brands include Sóley Organics, whose ingredients are wild Icelandic herbs, and Kampos, a luxury clothing and swimwear brand whose sustainable products are made from recycled plastic bottles, abandoned fishing nets, and other organic materials.
Less emissions using shore power
MSC Group, in charge of Explora and other fleets, recently announced the next expansion phase for their Shore Power Plan. This means that all MSC cruise ships — including Explora Journeys — will be able to utilize shoreside charging stations in 15 new ports between 2024 and 2026. Using electricity from these charging stations eliminates the need for ships to keep their engines running, significantly reducing in-port emissions from vessels. Since 2017, MSC has also invested heavily in hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems to substantially reduce local air quality emissions. The company will begin testing its new facilities in the Norwegian port of Haugesund later this summer, along with additional testing scheduled in Bergen and Alesund in Norway and Warnemunde in Germany.
Plans for hybrid power
Finally, the first ship in Explora Journeys’ fleet, the Rina Dolphin-certified Explora I, incorporates shore power connectivity and is ready to adapt to alternative green energy solutions according to availability. This includes provisions for battery storage for future hybrid power. This is in line with other cruise companies, like Hurtigruten Norway, which recently launched its first environmentally upgraded battery-hybrid powered ship. This battery-hybrid technology aims to reduce both CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions. Hurtigruten likewise announced plans for three upgraded hybrid ships by next year, cutting CO2 emissions by 25% and nitrogen oxide by 80%.
As cruise companies like Explora continue to prove their commitment to providing sustainable luxury travel experiences, it’s great to see the attention to detail, such as the initiative for a sustainable onboard retail experience. Initiatives like Explora’s “The Journey” allow travelers to not only travel on greener cruise ship technologies but indulge in a personal shopping experience that prioritizes sustainability and organic materials.
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