As the world’s largest cruise ship begins its maiden voyage from the Port of Miami, it is also making news for many wrong reasons. While the Icon of the Seas can accommodate nearly 8,000 people and has many novel offerings, including the largest water park at sea, the cruise is facing a lot of flak for being damaging to the environment too.This is not new. Overall, the cruise industry has been criticised for its negative impact.
The 2021 Marine Pollution Bulletin estimates that despite technical advances, cruising remains a major source of air, water and land pollution. In the past, it has been estimated that the carbon dioxide emissions from cruise ships visiting European ports in 2022 were the equivalent of emissions from 50,000 flights between Paris and New York. A study from sustainable transport campaigner, The European Federation for Transport and Environment found that Carnival Corporation comes on top with the 63 ships under its control emitting 43% more sulphur oxides than all of Europe’s cars in 2022.
However, this has not diminished interest in the Icon of the Seas, as the $2-billion floating resort is largely booked until 2026. The Royal Caribbean’s 250,800-tonne ship is the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation to deliver the world’s best vacation experience. The 20-deck, 1,198-foot-long vessel is almost the size of a small city. There are eight ‘neighbourhoods’ packed with amenities that include a 55-foot waterfall, six water slides and more than 40 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.According to the Royal Caribbean, the ship sets a new standard for sustainability with the use of energy-efficient technology designed to minimise the ship’s carbon footprint to fulfil the
company’s goal of introducing a net-zero ship by 2035. It is also the first ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, a fossil fuel that is a cleaner alternative to the commonly used heavy fuel oil. The brand is committed to use the microwave-assisted pyrolysis technology, known as MAP, that turns food, biowaste and cardboard waste into small pellets.
These pellets get heated up to produce a gas that is converted into steam energy and would be used to power the ship’s water park.While the cruise’s focus has turned to environmental efforts with amenities like the largest water park at sea with multiple clean energy options designed to eliminate as much emissions and solid waste produced as possible, Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said, “Seven years ago we had an ambitious idea to create the first vacation truly made for every type of family and adventurer; now we’ll bring it all to life.” Across the cruise ship, there are over 40-plus ways to dine, drink and be entertained, with grownups in for several round-the-clock unique experiences. These include a jazz ‘n blues club, spots to grab a drink and mingle, coffee bars, entertainment shows, champagne bars, sports arcades, and more.