75 including green methanol, hydrogen fuel cells, photovoltaic/solar, battery storage and wind. Some cruise lines have implemented carbon offsetting projects by investing in renewable energy projects and have publicly reported on these in their annual sustainability reports. According to data from the CLIA’s 2023 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, as part of the European Union’s Fit for 55 emissions programme, major ports in Europe will be required to have shoreside power by 2030. This will further accelerate the available port infrastructure investment in that region. Today, 120 CLIA member cruise line ships (46 per cent of the total) are capable of plugging into shoreside electricity to reduce emissions in port. “All CLIA member ocean cruise lines have made the commitment that by 2035, all ships calling at ports capable of providing shoreside power will be equipped to either use this shoreside electricity or alternative low-carbon technologies, as available, to reduce emissions,” says Craighead. Along with a greener outlook, CLIA research shows that younger generations are the future of cruise, with the 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report revealing that 88 per cent of millennials and 85 per cent of Generation X travellers who have cruised before plan to do so again. In addition, there is more interest than ever before among millennials (77 per cent) and Generation X travellers (73 per cent) wanting to take their first cruise. The report also indicated that travellers are seeking more adventure, with search results for expedition cruises to Antarctica increasing 51 per cent in 2022 compared to 2019. “Interest in booking an expedition cruise is higher than ever as travellers seek more immersive, responsible, bucket-list travel experiences,” says Craighead. “The trend is evident across all age groups as the number of passengers sailing on expedition cruises more than doubled from 2016 to 2022. “Together with our members and partners, CLIA will continue to support policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and innovations that protect our planet,” she says. “ Partnerships are crucial to advance the industry’s sustainability goals” Kelly Craighead (left) joined cruise executives, government representatives and industry suppliers at CLIA’s inaugural Cruise Week Europe in Genoa, Italy, on 11-14 March 2024
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