Cruise ship season is officially underway in British Columbia. The season kicked off with the arrival of Norwegian Bliss on 3 April — the first of 318 ships that are scheduled to dock in Victoria this year. Victoria saw a record 970,000 passengers arrive in 2023, with more expected in 2024.
Cruising has long been criticized for being Janus-faced: on the surface, cruises are convenient, exciting holidays with reputed economic benefits. But lurking underneath are its negative environmental and social impacts. Baby boomers represent less than 25% of cruise clientele. Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z have more interest than ever in cruising, with these younger markets being targeted as the future of cruise passengers.
In doing so, there is a move towards smaller vessels and luxury liners, river cruises and expedition cruising. Leveraging lesser-known ports that can only be accessed via compact luxury ships offers more mission-driven, catered experiences for the eco-minded traveller. Rough seas ahead or smooth sailing? Royal Caribbean said its Icon of the Seas is designed to operate 24% more efficiently than the international standard for new ships. International Maritime Organization regulations must be 30% more energy-efficient than those built in 2014.
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