How can cruising be sustainable?

Cruise-ship holidays are a growing part of the tourist industry. Cruising is dominated by multinational companies working in many countries and is a good example of globalisation. But large cruise parties have heavy environmental, economic and social impacts. This article looks at the sustainability of this global industry

Peter Jones and Daphne Comfort

Ocean cruising has grown rapidly to become a high-profile part of the tourist market. In 2016 around 24 million passengers took a cruise, generating almost £40 million in revenue. The cruising industry now has global geographical reach and is seen by some researchers as a symbol of the globalisation of the tourist industry. At the same time the industry’s environmental, economic and social impacts are growing and it is looking for ways to manage these impacts as part of its sustainability strategies.

Two companies, Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises, dominate the ocean cruising market, together accounting for about 70% of cruise passengers. They trade under a number of brands, including Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Both companies are public corporations listed on the New York and London stock exchanges. Their main headquarters are in Miami, USA, but most of their ships are registered in the Bahamas, Panama and Bermuda.