How Might Climate Change Influence Cruising? Insights from Travel Experts and Scientists

Picture yourself lounging by the pool on an Alaskan cruise in April, enjoying summer-like weather, or playing shuffleboard in shorts during a November Mediterranean voyage. With the far-reaching effects of climate change, these scenarios might soon be the standard for cruising.

I just got back from another scorching Mediterranean cruise — my fourth in recent months — where numerous passengers chose to skip shore excursions to stay in the ship’s air-conditioning. On two of my last four trips, wildfires were alarmingly close.

How are cruise lines adapting to the effects of global warming on their traditional routes? I inquired whether they have employed, or are planning to employ, climate scientists for long-term itinerary planning. All responded by highlighting their dedication to minimizing environmental impact.

One cruise line noted that if travelers are now opting out of summer Mediterranean sailings, it’s often due to the influx of tourists or the better pricing available during shoulder seasons. While avoiding crowded ports and saving money play a significant role in decision-making, extreme heat also impacts the enjoyment of time spent both onshore and aboard. Activities like lounging outdoors, taking refreshing dips in the pool, enjoying outdoor dining, and jogging on the deck become daunting in excessive heat.

Cruise lines are already lengthening specific sailing seasons. Some companies, such as Seabourn and Celebrity, now provide Mediterranean itineraries from April through late November instead of the usual May to October. Windstar Cruises is entering its second year of year-round voyages in the region, and MSC Cruises has recently announced an extended season into December.

Alaskan cruises are evolving as well. Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off its season in April, while other lines begin in early May and wrap up in October, moving away from the traditional late May to early September schedule.

With Dinogo A-List travel advisors closely monitoring cruise trends, they might be noticing a shift in their clients' preferences regarding voyage timing and destinations. However, not everyone sees climate change as a factor influencing bookings.

Mary Ann Ramsey from Betty Maclean Travel highlights that the agency’s luxury cruise clientele continues to book voyages as usual. "My multi-generational families prefer summer cruises; their schedules are fixed due to school vacations for the grandkids," Ramsey explains. "Cooler weather luxury cruises to Iceland, Antarctica, Alaska, Patagonia, and Greenland have enjoyed popularity for many years. Clients don’t seem rushed due to glacier melt," she adds.

Another T+L A-Lister has a different perspective. "Climate change is already influencing how cruisers select their trips, even if they don’t explicitly say so," remarks Adventure Life’s Mary Curry. "They are noting the impacts and opting for cooler destinations in the summer or trying to explore polar regions that may change drastically in the next decade. There’s genuine concern that this time may be fleeting and their children’s experiences in these areas will be vastly different."

Mary Curry notes that her clients are now primarily opting for spring or fall departures in the Mediterranean, with these dates often selling out one to two years in advance as cruisers seek the best value. "I frequently see suppliers offering discounts on midsummer trips, as they are much less favored than in previous years," Curry adds.

What insights do climate scientists have regarding the impact of global warming on travel? I reached out to a few experts. "Climate change is undeniably a global issue," states Daniel Horton, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University. Dr. Horton is at the helm of the university’s Climate Change Research Group.

He explains that the effects of human-driven climate change are already observable and predicts that certain regions will transition from their historical climates to new conditions sooner than others. "This includes both very low and very high latitude areas, such as the tropics and polar regions," notes Dr. Horton.

Jennifer Francis, Ph.D., a senior scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Massachusetts, examines the Arctic and how its accelerated warming impacts Earth’s temperate zones. "The Arctic is warming at a rate three to four times faster than the global average, and sea ice is vanishing swiftly. It now covers only about half the area it did 40 years ago," Dr. Francis explains. "These significant changes are already influencing Arctic tourism," she adds.

"While the reduction in sea ice makes the region more accessible, it also has detrimental effects on marine life, the traditional hunting and fishing practices of coastal communities, and local infrastructure," she explains. "Some communities find themselves relocating from their ancestral homes, and species typically found in warmer climates are appearing for the first time. Arctic cruises offer a unique chance to educate travelers about the significant changes currently unfolding in the climate system, particularly in vulnerable environments."

Curry identifies a unique opportunity for cruises in response to climate change: Ships can now navigate through the Northwest Passage, which was unimaginable just a decade ago. "In my 23 years of selling trips to this area, I've witnessed substantial shifts in itineraries," Curry states. "Cruise lines are crafting innovative routes to explore regions that were once unreachable."

Ashton Palmer, president of Expedition Trips, concurs that travelers are becoming increasingly aware of climate change's effects on polar regions and delicate ecosystems. "Informed travelers are conscious of the retreating glaciers, like those in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, and recognize that visiting these polar areas to witness ice and wildlife should be a priority sooner rather than later," Palmer remarks.

Could river and ocean cruising become unfeasible in developing nations?

Dr. Francis affirms this possibility. "Certain regions may become uncomfortably hot, and escalating heat waves and drought will destabilize communities and countries that are already struggling to survive," she explains. "As populations are compelled to leave their homes, more nations will become unsafe for tourism."

A grim outlook doesn’t have to be our future. Many scientists believe we can halt the progression of climate change. As cruise enthusiasts, how can we proceed as responsible environmental stewards?

We can adopt environmentally conscious practices in both small and large ways. We should urge our preferred cruise lines to highlight their initiatives, show our support, and promote further advancements. Choosing cruise lines that prioritize reducing their environmental footprint is essential.

There is promising news: Cruise companies are pouring billions into new ships aimed at enhancing their environmental efficiency, particularly concerning cleaner alternative fuels and zero-emission docking at ports. Members of the Cruise Lines International Association, the largest trade group in the cruise industry, have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduce carbon intensity by 40 percent by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.

CLIA has revealed that over 15 percent of cruise ships launching in the next five years will be fitted to utilize hydrogen fuel cells or electric batteries. Additionally, CLIA indicates that 85 percent of vessels being constructed in the coming six years will have the capability to connect to shore power and use electricity while docked, instead of relying on fuel-burning engines in port.

Hurtigruten plans to introduce its fully electric, zero-emission vessel by 2030. Future ships in the Hurtigruten fleet will follow this design; two existing ships already operate as hybrids (using LNG, or lower-carbon liquefied natural gas), with a third set for an upgrade in early 2025. The remaining five ships are equipped with various technologies aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent and nitrogen oxides by 80 percent.

Royal Caribbean Group is employing artificial intelligence to optimize ships' routes for maximum energy efficiency and is investigating further applications of AI within its operations to promote sustainability.

Certain cruises, particularly expedition voyages, provide shore excursions that encourage travelers to actively engage with residents in environmentally sensitive areas. By forming stronger connections, we can appreciate their lifestyles, understand their challenges, and become advocates for preserving their environments.

The more we educate ourselves, share insights, and support cruise lines committed to sustainability, the more we enhance a positive future for cruising and the communities we explore. This mindset benefits not just us but also future generations who deserve to enjoy cruising as we do today.