FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Sustainability Measures Help Cruise Lines Care for the Planet

by Eugenia Lazaris

Sep 26, 2024

PHOTO: © HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

September 2024

With a reputation for excess, the multibillion- dollar cruising industry pushes the limits. Each year brings bigger, more extravagant ships, and as ships continue to grow, so do bookings. According to a 2024 Cruise Lines International Association report, passenger volume in 2023 reached 32 million, a 7 percent increase from 2019. It anticipates a 10 percent increase over the next four years.

These numbers bring closer scrutiny to the environmental impact of cruising, affecting everything from food waste and carbon emissions to air quality, marine ecosystems and communities they frequent. CLIA launched new standards in line with the Paris Agreement to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Cruise lines responded with sustainability measures such as using more energy-efficient fuels, reducing waste and leaving a smaller footprint on destinations.

Holland America Line intends to achieve the benchmark with energy-efficient fuels, sustainable interior designs and innovative technologies. It is the first Carnival brand to run a long-term 100 percent biofuel test, currently underway with Rotterdam, expected to yield an estimated 86 percent reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. To address excessive food waste, the entire fleet employs 68 biodigesters and seven food dehydrators. A commitment to sourcing food locally helps the line support communities and leave a smaller carbon footprint.

CLIA reports expedition cruising experienced a 71 percent increase between 2019 and 2023, making it the fastest-growing segment of the industry. Aurora Expeditions, known for visiting remote locations like Antarctica and Svalbard, positioned itself as an industry leader in sustainability, with a key focus on education and transparency.

“Through our journey,” said David Tanguay, global head of sales, Aurora, “we have learned that sustainability is much more than our environmental impacts, and we continue to strive for a higher level of accountability and transparency in all our operations while minimizing our impact on the planet. We’ve taken steps towards this by becoming a B Corp and a 100 percent carbon neutral company, and implemented programs dedicated to educating our passengers on the importance of taking care of our planet while expanding their knowledge and understanding of the places we travel to.”

Aurora lets passengers participate in scientific research and data collection, taking sustainability far beyond behind-the-scenes practices, and educates passengers on environmental issues at local, regional and global levels.

Windstar Cruises, offering small-ship, luxury, yacht-style cruising, addresses sustainability through every aspect of operations, directly involving passengers. By partnering with Coral Gardeners in Moorea, French Polynesia, which works to preserve and revitalize dying coral reefs, passengers sailing to Tahiti learn first-hand about the impact of climate change on the world’s reefs. By adopting a coral, passengers help Coral Gardeners plant a heat-resilient species to help the delicate local ecosystem sustain life despite climate change.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Oct 3, 2024

Fall Fun is in Store at These 2 Texas Hotels

Head south to Texas for Halloween fun and enjoy a warm-weather extension this fall. In Austin, elegance, history and spooky tales are the themes at The Driskill. The hotel is said to be frequented by the spirit of Jesse Driskill, who constructed the property in 1886. The scent of cigar smoke in public spaces allegedly announces his presence. A life-sized painting of Jesse is displayed in the hotel lobby, and guests can stay on the lookout for him during the daily 4 p.m. history tour.

Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports

Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.

Daily
Oct 3, 2024

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows Reopens

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows recently announced its reopening, featuring new developments like two culinary venues.

Daily
Oct 3, 2024

Savoy Signature Elevates Personalized Hospitality with Tailored Experiences for Every Traveler

Savoy Signature, a luxury Madeira hospitality brand, is dedicated to redefining the guest experience by offering a diverse selection of experiences across its portfolio of properties. Whether a traveler is looking for wellness, luxury or a family-centric escape, Savoy Signature has a property for you.

Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid

With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.

Daily
Oct 2, 2024

Learn Why Zambia is One of Africa’s Best-Kept Secrets for Adventure

Zambia stands out as Africa's premier destination for adventure and extreme sports. The country’s Victoria Falls region hosts a variety of activities that attract visitors from around the world, from bungee jumping off Victoria Falls Bridge to whitewater rafting along the untamed Zambezi River.

Daily
Oct 1, 2024

On the Wing

We’ve now reached our cruising altitude, so feel free to kick back and enjoy this issue of Global Traveler, which happens to be our annual Aviation Issue. Join us as we celebrate the fascinating world of aviation, from airlines to private aircraft, airports and lounges, and from flight schools and amenity kits to aviation museums. Let’s take flight!

Colombia: A Different Kind of Beauty

Colombia’s beauty defies description — it’s that unique, that special, that different — and travelers are taking notice as 2023 marked the country’s best year for tourism, welcoming more than 6 million international travelers. The Country of Beauty looks to continue growing and enhancing its regions and communities in 2024 and beyond.

Airlines
Oct 1, 2024

Some Delta Air Lines International Flights Get Free WiFi

As of this August, Delta Air Lines officially brought its free, high-speed WiFi offering to international flights. In August the airline activated free WiFi on flights to Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. In September the airline began free WiFi on flights to Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Israel.