Royal Caribbean has reduced its carbon intensity by 6.8% – more than half of its double-digit reduction target – and said it remains firmly on course to become net zero by 2050. 

In launching its annual sustainability report – punningly titled ‘Seastainability Report’ – Royal Caribbean said it remains “laser-focused” on improving its energy efficiency, treating the water it uses and diverting waste from landfill.

The cruise giant said it is moving closer to its Destination Net Zero ambition, its target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.  

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, Jason Liberty, said: “I am proud to share the encouraging results from our SEA the Future efforts in our annual Seastainability Report and our first Community Impact Report, which underscore the strength of our commitment to the environment, the communities we visit, and our people.”

“Marking the halfway point to our carbon intensity target is a key milestone that builds on our history of innovation and collaboration as we continue driving forward solutions that advance the industry’s net zero future.”  

Highlights from Royal Caribbean’s latest annual Seastainability Report:

Sustaining the Planet  

• 6.8% reduction in carbon intensity, reaching more than half of its double-digit carbon intensity reduction target 
• An expanded energy portfolio following successful biofuel trials which confirmed that “drop in” percentages of the alternative fuel can be used without needing to modify engines or impact onboard technical systems 
• Increased local sourcing globally, reducing miles travelled by 37% — supporting not only the communities it visits, but also reducing its Scope 3 emissions in certain regions 
• Helped protect marine species through Shellbank, an innovative genetic technology program, that matches DNA for critically endangered sea turtles to known locations in order to determine priority conservation sites and prevent illegal harvesting 

Energising Communities  

• Launched Royal Caribbean International’s Artist Discovery Program, prominently showcasing up-and-coming local Caribbean artists on board the company’s newest ship Icon of the Seas 
• Designed unique trainings for Bahamian entrepreneurs participating in the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) Royal Caribbean Kickstarter

Programme, created to empower local tourism-related businesses 

• Introduced our first accessible Star Class suite on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas 

Accelerating Innovation 

• Introduced the first at-sea waste-to-energy systems which debuted on Silver Nova and Icon of the Seas 
• Began construction on first tri-fuel methanol capable ship, Celebrity Xcel  
• Renewed partnership with University of Miami’s OceanScope committing additional funds, building on two decades of ocean conservation and research aboard Royal Caribbean Group ships