How Virgin Voyages is Making Eco-Friendly Waves in the Cruise Industry

Have you heard of Richard Branson’s new cruise line, Virgin Voyages?  You are going to want to read more about this innovative line.  They are making eco-friendly waves in the cruise industry, and this travel advisor is extremely impressed.

They call it an “EPIC SEA CHANGE FOR ALL”.   The goal is cleaner oceans for the world, and wait until you see what these totally cool ships do (and perhaps more importantly, what they don’t do!).

Sustainability, carbon offset, waste water treatment, energy efficient practices and technology all combine to make a difference.  “Our ambition is to secure a healthy future for our ocean. Not only do we seek continuous improvements to minimize our carbon, energy, waste and water footprints onboard, but we partner with not-for-profit organizations to advance ocean education and protection so it thrives for generations to come.”

Here are a few examples of “Sea Change”.  (Credit:  www.virginvoyages.com)

1. Our ambition is to secure a healthy future for our ocean. Not only do we seek continuous improvements to minimize our carbon, energy, waste and water footprints onboard, but we partner with not-for-profit organizations to advance ocean education and protection so it thrives for generations to come.

2.  We’re pioneering innovative technologies that transform heat from the ship’s engines into clean energy, and purify wastewater so that it’s even clean enough to drink.

3.  Tinted windows, LED lighting, and room sensors are just a few of the design choices that help our ship to use less energy and minimize our carbon footprint.

4.  From hammocks that empower women to up-cycled ocean plastic sunglasses to providing reef-safe sunscreen, we are making a positive impact for people and the planet.

5.  Unnecessary single use plastics, including straws, water bottles, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers and takeaway cups are banned from the sailor experience.

6.  From eliminating buffets to serving sustainable seafood and direct trade coffee, we’re using some clever techniques to reduce waste and source responsibly.

7.  “There is nothing more important than our oceans,” says Richard Branson who regularly emphasizes the importance of doing business for good, and working for positive change, “and we’re on a mission to protect them.”

8. “While we’re the first cruise line to offset our direct emissions from the very first day of commercial operation, we recognize what an important step this is and hope everyone will join us. When it comes to addressing climate change, we’re all in it together.”

“What exactly is a carbon offset? A carbon offset ensures one metric ton of carbon dioxide is destroyed, removed, or prevented from entering the atmosphere. They are generated by initiatives, like renewable energy projects, that reduce emissions contributing to climate change.”

In addition to this wonderful technology and energy efficient way of sailing, you will love that Virgin Voyages ships are adult only and designed like floating boutique hotels.  Beginning October 6, 2021, sailors will be able to board from Miami to cruise to Caribbean ports of call, take “Shore Trips” with thoughtful itineraries that support local tourism with late and overnight stays and “keeping it local”.