Eco-Friendly Cruises: Our Guide to Cruising Sustainably

For environmentally-conscious travelers, planning a vacation can feel like a balancing act. You want to explore the world, but not at its expense. The good news is that many popular cruises have taken steps to protect the environment and help you travel sustainably. 

Keep reading to discover our top sustainable cruise lines and learn what to look for when booking an eco-friendly cruise.

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The following AAA cruise partners offer money-saving benefits for AAA members and include unique features that help protect the environment as you travel.

Viking Cruises specializes in adult-only river and ocean cruises that take travelers to iconic destinations, from the rivers of Europe and Egypt to the remote reaches of Antarctica and the Arctic. 

On the sustainability front, every ship runs advanced sewage treatment systems, hybrid engines, optimized hulls and solar panels, and several vessels connect to shoreside power at port to cut emissions while docked. Viking is taking that commitment even further with the Viking Libra, arriving in November 2026 as the world's first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of sailing with zero emissions. A second hydrogen-powered liner, the Viking Astrea, follows in 2027.

Hurtigruten is a Norwegian cruise company with over 130 years of experience navigating some of the world's most remote coastlines. Itineraries reach destinations such as Antarctica, Greenland, the Arctic, and the Galápagos Islands. 

Excursions are built around hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, and Zodiac boat expeditions. Onboard naturalists and scientists lead lectures and guided landings, making every port of call a learning experience as much as an adventure.

Hurtigruten treats sustainability as a core part of its operations. After completing a major fleet upgrade in 2025, four vessels now run on hybrid-electric propulsion, all ships connect to shore power while docked, and single-use plastics have been removed fleet-wide. The cruise line also runs a closed-loop composting program in which food waste is converted into fertilizer at a facility in Stamsund, fed to a local Norwegian farm, and returned to the ships as fresh produce.

Silversea is one of the most intimate luxury cruise experiences at sea. Every stateroom is suite-style with a private balcony and dedicated butler service, and all-inclusive pricing covers fine dining, premium drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities from the moment you board. Itineraries reach over 900 ports worldwide, taking you to some of the most beautiful destinations on Earth, from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands. 

Silversea's two newest ships, Silver Nova (2023) and Silver Ray (2024), run on a hybrid system combining liquefied natural gas, fuel cells and battery technology, allowing them to operate with zero emissions while docked. 

Each ship also features a hydrodynamic hull to reduce fuel consumption, a micro auto gasification system that cuts incineration emissions by reducing onboard waste volume and full shore power connectivity at port.

Uniworld operates a fleet of luxury river ships along some of the world’s most storied waterways, including the Danube, Nile, Mekong and the rivers of Europe, Egypt and the Brazilian Amazon. No two ships share the same design, with interiors inspired by the regions they sail and filled with original art and handcrafted furnishings. All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, unlimited beverages, gratuities, shore excursions and Wi-Fi, and a high crew-to-guest ratio means service that’s genuinely personal.

Uniworld’s sustainability strategy sets out 11 measurable goals toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The cruise line achieved 100% renewable electricity in 2024, and suites and staterooms have been single-plastic-free since 2023. 

Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 17 ships sailing to destinations across every continent, from Alaska and the Caribbean to Europe, Asia and Antarctica. The line caters to a wide range of travelers and is known for its MedallionClass technology, which personalizes the onboard experience from embarkation through every port of call. Dining, entertainment and shore excursions are plentiful, with something genuinely suited for every travel interest. 

Princess has been an environmental pioneer in the cruise industry, becoming the first cruise line to use shore power in 2001, allowing ships to plug into the local electrical grid at port and cut engine emissions entirely. Its environmental management program, Planet Princess, has held ISO 14001 certification since 2006. 

The line's two newest ships, Sun Princess (2024) and Star Princess (2025), are the first in the fleet powered by liquefied natural gas, which cuts sulfur oxide emissions by 99% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 85% compared to traditional marine fuels. Princess has also committed to a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and net-zero ship emissions by 2050.

Royal Caribbean is one of the most recognizable names in cruising. From the first surf simulator and ice-skating rink on a ship to its Icon-class vessels, Royal Caribbean currently offers the largest cruise ships ever built. Whether guests want rock climbing, waterslides, world-class dining, or a quiet balcony at sea, Royal Caribbean delivers the full range for every type of traveler.

Royal Caribbean Group’s Destination Net Zero strategy targets a net-zero cruise ship by 2035 and net-zero emissions across the fleet by 2050. The Icon-class ships run on LNG combined with fuel cell technology, cutting sulfur oxide emissions by 98% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 85% compared to conventional fuels. 

Carnival offers voyages from ports across North America, Europe and Australia to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean and beyond. The line packs its ships with activities for every age, from waterslides and the first roller coaster at sea to live entertainment, fine dining and full-service spas. With flexible cruise lengths starting at just a few days, it's a natural fit for first-time cruisers and families looking for strong value.

As part of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company, Carnival Cruise Line benefits from one of the industry's most aggressive sustainability programs. Carnival Corporation pioneered LNG use in the cruise industry, and its LNG-capable ships produce up to 20% less carbon emissions than conventionally fueled ships, while nearly eliminating sulfur oxides and reducing nitrogen oxides by 85%. 

The corporation has reduced total greenhouse gas emissions to more than 10% below its 2011 peak despite significant fleet growth, and targets net-zero ship operations by 2050. Onboard, single-use plastics have been cut by more than 50% across the fleet, with over 500 million single-use items removed since 2018.

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When comparing cruises, look for the options that use the following eco-friendly features. 

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the most widely adopted alternative fuel in the cruise industry today, and a 2026 peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment by the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel found it produces up to 29% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional marine fuel. 

Some lines are also testing biofuels and hydrogen as next-generation options. Look for cruise lines that have already transitioned part of their fleet, not just announced future plans.

Hybrid propulsion combines traditional engines with large battery packs, allowing ships to reduce fuel consumption during lower-demand periods like port arrivals and slow-speed sailing. The result is fewer emissions without sacrificing performance. Ships equipped with hybrid systems tend to run quieter and cleaner, especially in sensitive coastal environments.

Shore power allows a docked ship to plug into the local electrical grid and shut off its diesel engines entirely, eliminating port emissions that would otherwise affect nearby communities. It's one of the most impactful and immediate emissions-reduction tools available. Look for cruise lines that have outfitted a significant portion of their fleet with shore power capability.

Cruise ships generate three types of wastewater, all of which require careful treatment before discharge to protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities:

Look for cruise lines that use advanced membrane filtration and ultraviolet treatment systems, which clean wastewater well beyond what international regulations require.

Leading cruise lines have eliminated plastic straws, bottles and packaging fleet-wide, replacing them with biodegradable or reusable alternatives. It's an easy thing to verify before you book. Check whether the line publishes specific reduction targets or milestones.

Responsible cruise lines source ingredients locally where possible, support regional farmers and economies and actively work to reduce food waste onboard. Some use tracking technology to measure and cut waste, while others run composting programs that return nutrients to local agriculture.

Viking, Hurtigruten, Silversea and Uniworld consistently rank among the most eco-conscious options, with serious investments in cleaner fuels, waste reduction and responsible shore excursions. Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival have also made significant strides through their parent company sustainability programs.

To contribute to sustainability as a passenger, make small choices like reusing your towels and linens, carrying a refillable water bottle and skipping single-use plastics at the bar. Choosing shore excursions that support local communities rather than large commercial operators makes a difference too. 

Booking through AAA can also help you identify the cruise lines and itineraries that best align with your values.

Royal Caribbean's Icon-class ships and Carnival Corporation's LNG-powered vessels prove that large-scale cruising and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Both lines have invested heavily in cleaner fuel technology, advanced emissions systems and fleet-wide waste reduction programs.

Hybrid ships combine traditional fuel-powered engines with large battery packs, allowing the vessel to draw on stored electrical energy during lower-demand periods like port arrivals and slow-speed sailing. The result is reduced fuel consumption and fewer emissions, particularly in the sensitive coastal and port environments where ships spend significant time.

LNG is currently the most widely used alternative fuel in the cruise industry. It nearly eliminates sulfur oxide emissions and significantly cuts nitrogen oxides, making it a meaningful step forward while the industry works toward zero-carbon solutions like hydrogen and biofuels.

Eco-friendly cruises offer a genuine way to see the world without leaving it worse off. The cruise lines in this guide are leading the charge, and with the right planning tools, finding one that fits your travel style is easier than you think.

Ready to start planning? AAA TripCanvas makes it easy to browse curated cruise options, get expert travel advice and plan your entire trip in one place.