How to: Cruise sustainably

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How to... ...be sustainable at sea

As cruise ships strive to become more sustainable, Jo Austin boards SVP Star Clipper to see how its team approaches the eco challenge at sea…

USE YOUR ASSETS

Star Clipper is a cruise ship with a difference. Firstly, it has sails, giving it an instant eco opportunity. Over a year, the average time under sail in the Med is around 55% and 70% in the Caribbean. Nestor Pastor, the ship’s Hotel Manager, and Executive Chef, Rodelio De Dios (pictured) are both veterans of the cruise world, and proudly insist: “Cruising is in our blood and we are totally dedicated to protecting the environment."

PLAN AHEAD

Carbon emission reduction, sustainable sourcing and respect for the destinations they visit are key to operations, and self-reliance is the name of the game. Supplies are planned and pre-ordered three weeks in advance and loaded in Venice, Italy.

FOCUS ON CUTTING WASTE

The ship’s menu cycle is based on a two-week rotation with a food cost programme based on the daily consumption. With this the chef, storekeeper and hotel manager can see the exact amount of food requested by the galley on that menu cycle day compared to the number of passengers onboard, and are able able to estimate the quantity of food required for the next menu cycle.

INVEST IN ECO

Low-emission engines are part of the engineer’s green mission and the company keeps a close eye on the latest green technologies. It is proud to have recently become the first cruise line to be Pura Vida Pledgeapproved by the Costa Rican tourism authorities, meaning it aligns with sustainable tourism practices.

TAKE SMALL STEPS

Covid-19 heavily restricted the cruise line's supply chain and postCovid, hygiene requirements have made it increasingly difficult to reduce the use of plastic onboard. However, encouraging steps towards more sustainable practices include removing plastic straws and encouraging passengers to refill their water bottles and re-use their towels when they can. The ship produces all its own water for cooking, showers, toilets and ice; and all rubbish and human waste (converted to dehydrated pellets onboard) is disposed of in port following strict guidelines under maritime law. •

FACT FILE

Star Clippers ships follow itineraries in the Med, Central America, Asia and the Caribbean.

Swedish owned, Star Clippers recognises its government’s ambitious goal to reach 100 per cent renewable energy. The cruise line operates a fleet of three tall ships.

The ships use a pure, high quality lowsulphur gas oil and were awarded the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.