Image by Damlan Gadal, used under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)1. Eco-friendly travel Cruise ships have made a serious effort to reduce their carbon footprint. Friends of the Earth - a network of environmental organisations in 74 countries - monitor this. The good news for environmentalists and for travellers in general, is that now you can set sail with a clear conscience AND preserve the earth's natural beauty. 2. Experience other culturesThe ship docks and you're greeted by smiling locals and bustling markets. Why not sample some local cuisine, or pick up some souvenirs? Local economies rely on tourism and thrive when the next big ship pulls up in town. This relationship is especially beneficial when visiting developing countries, where small businesses often struggle to get their feet off the ground. Got a friend's birthday coming up and stuck on what to get them? A present from afar sure beats socks from the local supermarket back home - so it's a win-win, no?
Image by Camille King, used under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)3. On-board recyclingMany cruise liners operate an on-board recycling policy, ensuring no waste goes overboard and the surrounding ecosystems remain in pristine condition. Unsure whether your ship's operating such a policy? Be sure to deploy basic sustainability in your cabin by being a waste-friendly, forward-thinking passenger. When most people think of cruises, they're linking of luxury and of seeing the world in style. However, in recent years, many companies have taken excessive measures to ensure their carbon footprint is thoroughly reduced while still allowing their customers to enjoy the finer things in life. From on-board training to crew members, to reducing emissions, it's never been more sustainable to cruise. Now you can enjoy incredible oceanic scenery on a clean conscience. What's holding you back?
