Cruise ships are not the most planet-friendly methods of transportation, tending to chew a larger hole through the atmosphere than most, but cruisers love them and have long added fuel to the fire demanding (and patronizing) bigger, better, more opulent ships that have become the size of cities. The largest yet is the Oasis of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. Now don’t get me wrong, new technology on newer ships is always a fresh and more efficient set of machinery, so pollution and environmental impact of a ship this size compared to the other biggies out there is bound to be less than imagined…but it does leave a gigantic carbon footprint.
Oasis of the Seas onboard "Central Park"
In addition to the industry looking at ways to lessen the environmental harm done by operating the giants, I truly appreciate efforts the cruise companies put into also giving something back to society. The Oasis of the Seas has partnered with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children facing life threatening medical conditions, to help that organization’s good work. 100% of the sales of 1,000 cabins on the inaugural voyage will be donated to Make-a-Wish, and wish kids and their families will be invited to participate in on board festivities during the launch celebration.
Royal Caribbean has their hearts in the right place… “Since 2000, the cruise line has hosted more than 1,300 children who wished to go on a cruise to destinations around the world and has contributed more than $2.8 million in in-kind services and $372,000 in discount savings through its Wishes at Sea program. Through employee and guest fundraising efforts, Royal Caribbean has also raised more than $480,000 and 460,000 frequent flier miles, used to secure airline tickets for children’s wish travel and help the Make-A-Wish Foundation conserve critical financial resources.”
Change by Doing 