Reducing Our Environmental Impact
The future of our business is closely intertwined with the health of our oceans and the destinations we visit, and environmentally friendly practices allow our business to thrive. We are committed to addressing climate change and doing our part to protect and preserve the environment. This commitment extends from our Board of Directors and executive management team to each of our ships and offices worldwide. We regularly evaluate environmental risks and have a company-wide emphasis on environmental leadership. We also continuously seek and invest in new technologies and innovations that will allow us to improve our environmental performance.
We aspire to:
- Combat climate change
- Protect our oceans
- Minimize waste to landfills
- Conserve water
- Increase our sustainable sourcing
- Reduce, reuse and recycle
Addressing Climate Change
We have a long-term climate action strategy with a commitment to pursue net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through 1) reducing carbon intensity, 2) investing in technology including exploring alternative fuels and 3) implementing a voluntary carbon offset program. We comply with applicable regulations, quantify and report our greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and continuously seek new cost-effective ways to reduce or minimize our carbon footprint.
We recognize climate change is a real business risk and partner with other companies, our cruise association, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), domestic and international governments and NGOs to contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Learn More on p. 14-19 of our 2021 ESG Report
Energy Conservation
Each ship in our fleet has a Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). The primary objective is to improve the overall operating efficiency of the ship on a long run by implementing optimized methods for energy and fuel savings. Those initiatives include improving voyage planning, optimizing ship’s speed, operating the main engines at their most economical loads, optimizing HVAC systems and improving our ships’ hydrodynamic capabilities by upgrading propulsion systems with more efficient propellers.
Water Stewardship
We have a responsibility to respect and protect our valuable shared water resources, which are becoming increasingly scarce, and work to be good water stewards. Through a combination of onboard initiatives and progressive technologies, our ships are consistently improving their water production rates while simultaneously working to decrease consumption. We self-produce ~80% of the water used onboard our vessels.
Waste Mitigation
We strive to reduce onboard waste through innovative technologies, staff training and implementing stringent recycling programs. We are embracing the principles of a circular economy and working to adopt and apply these principles in our waste mitigation strategy. Our progressive waste mitigation program lessens the environmental impact of our operations, reduces pollution, promotes diversion of material from landfills, conserves natural resources and saves energy. We have strict discharge standards and policies for all wastewater generated onboard and 100% of our ships have Advanced Wastewater Purification systems.
Responsible Sourcing
We are committed to working with diverse partners across the supply chain to source safe, high-quality, ethically responsible and sustainable products for our guests. We recognize the economic, environmental and social impact of our large global network of nearly 20,000 suppliers and believe we can work together to drive progress towards our responsible sourcing goals. We have formal policies, including a Vendor Code of Conduct, and clearly defined expectations in place for our suppliers regarding environmental management, health and safety, ethics, anti-bribery, human rights and labor practices. We recognize the value and importance of a diverse supplier base and are committed to facilitate, promote and encourage the growth of small businesses and businesses owned by diverse and/or economically disadvantaged populations.
Destination Stewardship
As a global cruise operator, we visit nearly 500 destinations worldwide each year. We work closely with ports and governments at the destinations we visit to comply with applicable laws and regulations and promote responsible and sustainable tourism. We seek to maximize social, economic and environmental benefits at the destinations we visit while delivering exceptional vacation experiences to our guests. We also implement responsible and environmentally friendly practices at our two incredible private destinations and our shoreside construction projects.
