Cruisezilla Conundrum: The Environmental Impact of Gigantic Passenger Ships

Cruise ships have doubled in size over the past two decades, a precedent that could lead to even bigger vessels plying our oceans in the future and bringing potential problems, a new report has warned. The largest passenger vessels today are twice as large as they were in 2000, says a study conducted by European clean energy lobby group Transport and Environment (T&E), which warns of the environmental impact of the “rapidly” growing global cruise industry. The report suggests that the biggest cruise ships setting sail in 2050 could be nearly eight times larger than the Titanic, the largest passenger ship in service when it set sail in 1912 (measuring 269 meters or about 883 feet), if the growth rate continues as it is. However, critics are raising concerns about the environmental impact of these massive vessels. Inesa Ulichina, sustainable shipping officer at T&E, stated that “today’s cruisezillas make the Titanic look like a small fishing boat” and warned of the growing emissions from the industry. She noted that if the growth rate continues, the cruise business will be “getting out of control” when it comes to emissions.

On the other hand, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) disputes the report's findings, citing “verified data” that shows cruise lines have reduced emissions by 16% on average per ship over the past five years. CLIA also points out that the majority (60%) of all cruise ships sailing today – and scheduled to be in service well into the next decade – are small- to- mid-size ships. Despite the industries' commitment to reducing emissions by 2050, critics argue that the growth rate of the cruise industry is unsustainable. The report suggests that the industry could potentially bring in 1.6 billion euros (around $1.75 billion) globally if a 50 euros (about $54) tax on a “typical cruise journey ticket” is implemented.

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