Though cruise ship travel took a heavy hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are cruising now than ever before.
As a result, cruise ships are getting increasingly larger.
As The Guardian reported, the world's largest cruise ships are twice as big as they were in 2000. Industry experts expect these "cruisezillas" to get even larger in the future — up to eight times larger than the Titanic by 2050.
What's happening?
Cruise travel is on the rise because of increasing wealth and clever marketing that moves beyond the baby boomer demographic and targets millennials with money to spend.
It is projected that 35 million people will take cruise ship vacations this year — a 6% increase from before the pandemic. There are also 20 times more cruise ships sailing the seas than in 1970.
"Today's cruisezillas make the Titanic look like a small fishing boat," said Inesa Ulichina, a sustainable shipping analyst for Transport and Environment.
Why are larger cruise ships important?
The news about increasingly large cruise ships and heightened demand for this type of unsustainable travel is concerning because the industry significantly damages our oceans.
Cruise ships have an enormous carbon footprint and release lots of carbon dioxide and methane emissions during operation. Large cruise ships can generate over a ton of waste daily and have a bigger pollution footprint than 12,000 cars.
These vessels commonly dispose of untreated sewage in the ocean, putting marine habitats at risk while exposing passengers to toxic chemicals from dirty energy sources.
"Hardly any form of tourism is more energy-intensive than cruises — specifically in combination with a flight to the point of departure," Linnaeus University professor Stefan Gössling said.
What can I do to offset cruise ship travel?
As an individual, you can commit to traveling responsibly and sustainably, avoiding cruise ships at all costs.
Rather than booking a cruise, choose low-impact travel options, such as taking the scenic route via train or reserving an electric vehicle instead of a gas-guzzling rental car.
You can save money and reduce pollution by discovering cool vacation spots close to home. When you feel like exploring further away, choose eco-friendly travel destinations that prioritize sustainability.
It is also helpful to inform friends, family members, and neighbors about the negative impacts of cruise travel and discourage others from ignoring unsustainable cruise ship practices and contributing to the desecration of our natural resources. With better education about the devastating effects of cruise ships, fewer people may take cruise vacations.
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