Cruising with a Conscience

As cruisers we love the ocean and need to take whatever steps to protect them. One thing we can do is to ensure the cruise line we choose has sustainability at its heart.

I’m the first to admit that I’m not an eco-warrior, but I do try to do my bit at home by recycling plastic and paper, using bags for life, (even going cold turkey with no-bags at all). I drive a low-emission car, take showers instead of baths and turn lights off when not needed. I do this in the belief that (to quote a well-known UK supermarket chain) ‘every little helps’.

So when I go on holiday I like at least to maintain these habits. When I take a flight I take steps to offset my carbon footprint by paying a supplement to plant a tree or two, and even though I am aware that seafaring doesn’t necessarily have the greatest green reputation, I do consider sustainability credentials when selecting my next cruise.

Meet the Eco-Friendly Virgin

It is reassuring, therefore, that Virgin Voyages have their own sustainability mission.
Firstly there are their partnerships with Intelligentsia Coffee and Emerald Brand adding sustainable coffee to the list of complimentary beverages served onboard, specifically in their Uber-stylish coffee venue, Grounds Club; plus introducing a new line of plastic-free Tree-Free™, disposable products.

Virgin Voyages currently have three more ships on order. Their first ‘Lady Ship”, Scarlet Lady, debuted in early 2020 (prior to Lockdown), for selected visitors, which I was fortunate enough to be amongst. She had hoped to begin her inaugural season in April 2020, sailing from Miami to the Caribbean. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has meant such plans have had to be put on hold until the has pandemic subsided.

However, from what we have seen so far, this looks set to be a voyage like no other and the on board facilities look really exciting and unique - so we know we can expect ‘luxe’, but can we also expect ‘green’? Well the indications are good!

Two New Eco Partnerships

Virgin Voyages and Emerald Brand - Plastic & Tree free

Virgin Voyages have partnered with Emerald Brand bringing sustainability to the seas with the creation of a new line of plastic-free Tree-Free™, disposable products including toilet tissue, facial tissue, hot cups, paper towels, and napkins made from 60% to 100% Tree-Free™ material. These products are made with unique technology that uses the by-product of agricultural crops that are typically burned or wasted, in place of trees. These products will be used onboard Virgin Voyages ships, as a replacement for the single-use plastic the brand refuses to use. The product line will first be made available during the Scarlet Lady’s maiden voyage. Additionally Emerald’s ‘Eco-Squad’ will be monitoring changes to the environmental footprint resulting from their use.

Virgin Voyages and Intelligentsia Coffee

Virgin Voyages - Responsibly Sourced Coffee

We will also be able to enjoy our onboard coffee safe in the knowledge that it is responsibly sourced, as Virgin Voyages have also forged a partnership with Intelligentsia Coffee. Intelligentsia Coffee is best known for being the first to adopt the direct trade model - a progressive sourcing method where their buying team travels directly to coffee-producing countries to source and collaborate with partners, paying well above fair trade prices. For us coffee-lovers that means we can enjoy a guilt-free cuppa with a custom Virgin Voyages blend and expert baristas crafting beverages at Grounds Club, the Scarlet Lady’s rather cool coffee bar.

Ministry of Ground, courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The Virgin Voyages’ Sustainability Mission

These measures reinforce the sustainability mission of the brand. From the outset, Virgin Voyages have set out their eco-stall with a very clear sustainability message. To quote Richard Branson: “There is nothing more important in this world than our oceans, and we're on a mission to protect them and set an example. Success needn't compromise sustainability.” They have a clear intention to become one of the greenest fleets at sea. This is backed up by their strap line proposing an “Epic Sea Change For All” which promises that they will:

Sail responsibly
Leave the ocean and its communities better off
Minimise environmental impacts
Establish responsible supply chains
Promote thriving local economies
Play a leading role in protecting and restoring the ocean’s health.

Virgin Voyages - Enabling Sustainable Tourism

From conception, the brand has ensured it has used state of the art technologies on its ship. It has vowed to incorporate smart technologies across the fleet that help limit the environmental impact. It has already partnered with Climeon, a Sweden-based technology company, with a goal to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by converting engine waste heat into clean electricity. Additionally, Virgin Voyages have signed an agreement with Scanship, providers of advanced waste management systems, and are together exploring the development of potentially game-changing technology that could one day significantly reduce ocean discharge by turning waste into energy.

Whilst on board, passengers (or sailors as Virgin Voyages prefer to call them) will be provided with complimentary filtered still and sparkling water, rather than the bottled variety, being one of the first cruise lines to ban single-use plastic from on board. This includes straws, bottled water, other beverage bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers, and take-away coffee and tea cups, being replaced (as announced today) by Emerald Brand’s plastic-free Tree-Free™, disposable products. The emphasis is very much on the use of recyclable/reusable materials across the ship.

Scarlet Lady is a fabulously contemporary ship, so it is reassuring that Virgin Voyages appear committed to maintaining their green credentials with environmental sustainability and social impact at the core of their values, and that means that we can enjoy our time onboard with a clear conscience.

Take a photo tour of Scarlet Lady Deck by Deck

Read our first impressions of cabins onboard Scarlet Lady and my Letter to Scarlet - It’s not you - it’s me

Virgin Voyages Embracing Sustainability at Sea