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CLIA report confirms climate commitment

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Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with JUST Goods, Inc to eliminate single-use plastic bottles across it fleet

 The cruise industry has made unprecedented, year-over-year progress in implementing sustainable technologies and practices according to the third annual Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report released last month and compiled by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

“While cruise ships comprise far less than one per cent of the global maritime community, cruise lines are at the forefront in developing responsible tourism practices and innovative technologies. Our industry leads in environmental stewardship,” said Michael Thamm, chairman of CLIA Europe and group CEO of Costa Group and Carnival Asia, who shared the results at the recently concluded Seatrade Europe in Hamburg. “The entire shipping industry benefits from early adoption of innovative technologies by cruise lines–many of which did not exist five to 10 years ago such as exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), LNG as fuel for passenger ships and shore-side power capabilities,” he added.

CLIA Cruise Lines have invested more than $22 billion in ships with new, energy-efficient technologies and cleaner fuels, and as noted in the report achieved substantial progress in LNG fuel, exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), advanced wastewater treatment systems, shore-side power capability as well as fleet age.

“CLIA Cruise Lines are passionate about clean oceans and committed to responsible tourism practices and the highest standards of environmental stewardship–with policies and practices often exceeding those required by law,” said Adam Goldstein, chairman of CLIA Global and vice-chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “While we are encouraged by and proud of the progress we’ve made, we know there is still work to be done. The cruise industry is a pioneer in maritime environmental protection and has made a fleet-wide commitment to reduce the rate of carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2008. It’s a challenging goal, but the CLIA Cruise Lines fleet is working diligently to meet this aggressive target.”

Last month, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd announced 1,400 sustainable tours, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond, which are now available for booking.

Offered by certified sustainable tour operators, these special tours are available across Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s (RCL) family of brands – including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara – and include unique experiences around the world.

The initiative began as part of the company's 2020 World Wildlife Fund (WWF) target to offer guests 1,000 tours provided by operators certified to the UN-created Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standard. By reaching and surpassing the goal nearly one year ahead of schedule, RCL is underscoring its commitment to operate sustainably and provide its guests with responsible options while ashore.

"The scale and scope of Royal Caribbean Cruises' commitment to sustainable shore excursions and accomplishments to date are unprecedented," says Jim Sano, vice-president for Conservation Travel, WWF. "This initiative not only helps advance WWF's conservation mission, it elevates the sustainability bar for the entire travel industry."

In 2016, RCL announced a partnership with WWF to take its sustainability performance to the next level. This partnership set ambitious sustainability targets in three key areas: emissions reduction, sustainable food supply and destination stewardship.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with JUST Goods, Inc to eliminate single-use plastic bottles across it fleet, beginning with its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore. Norwegian will be the first major global cruise company to Become plastic bottle free by January 1, 2020, with over six million plastic bottles eliminated each year.

The decision is the latest sustainable step forward for Norwegian Cruise Line. In 2018, the Company eliminated single-use plastic straws across its 16-ship fleet and private destinations, and as a result of this most recent initiative, it will replace over six million single-use plastic bottles every year. These efforts are driven by the Company's Sail & Sustain Environmental Program which is its commitment to minimise waste to landfills, reduce its CO2 emissions rate, increase sustainable sourcing and invest in emerging technologies.

"We are a leading company – one that is in the business of creating memorable experiences for our guests," said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "It is imperative that we take meaningful steps to preserve our oceans and the destinations we visit. Partnering with JUST is one of my proudest moments, as the head of our pioneering brand. This latest effort – the elimination of single-use plastic bottles across our fleet – is just the latest environmentally responsible action we are taking to reduce our footprint and encourage others to protect our natural resources. While we are aware that this is just the beginning of what we and others need to do to be good stewards of our environment, we are committed to our Sail & Sustain initiatives and will continue to innovate for the overall benefit of the planet and its future."  

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