This is a complex topic to discuss if you’re one of the lucky ones when it comes to having a good life. Chances are that you’ve certainly worked hard and you’ve earned it. The world is your oyster and you’ll want to taste every moment of it. Naturally, when you think of slowing down a bit and treating yourself, the idea of a cruise inevitably pops up. Fantastic, exciting, luxurious and relaxing, cruises are the natural selection.
But have you given any thought about what goes on with these deluxe palaces when their day has come? They don’t last forever.
Business Insider has created a video that is certainly an eye-opener. There is a toll. Cruise ships are large, complex structures made of valuable materials like steel. When they become too old or uneconomical to operate, they are often sold to shipbreaking yards. If you want to get involved and help those who need a hand, buy something from Novica, the National Geographic’s online shop. Click here.
These yards, primarily located in places like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, dismantle the ships, recovering the steel and other materials for recycling. This process is often controversial due to environmental and labor concerns.
This post is not to point fingers or take some of the joy out of cruising, but think about the by-products when you choose your cruise line. Look into what the cruise lines do when the ships reach end of life. Think about the sustainable aspects when you choose. Click here for other cruise options.
One sensible option is to choose some of the more scaled-down cruises such as Prince Hotels & Resorts. You can have all of the joy, luxury and relaxation on a bigger ship, when costs can be much less. Click here .
As an example, the Shinagawa Prince Hotel N Tower, based in Tokyo visits many bases in Asia. Click . You’ll find that some of these smaller vessels make so much sense. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): LNG is a cleaner-burning fuel than traditional heavy fuel oil, reducing sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions. Many of the smaller vessels feature these.
Or, you’ll also find that many ships are now Hybrid or fully electric propulsion systems, powered by batteries or fuel cells, can significantly reduce emissions, especially for shorter voyages. The choice is yours. Click here look and book.
You can always trust Expedia to do the right thing. Give them a try for your next adventure. Click here.