The Celebrity Footprint

[Spif Barwunkel]

I am sure that Celebrity is aware of the current global environment and the increasing fragility of certain ports and destinations worldwide. Continued disregard for those destinations would be of no benefit to anyone. 

 

For the next several years, would it be prudent for Celebrity to consider lessening its footprint with current ship modifications and smaller passenger counts (in some cases), rather than focusing on new builds? If so, do we stand a better chance of continuing the privilege of visiting these destinations when our ship better fits the evolving circumstances? Can Celebrity see the forest for the trees?   

[Laura Hodges Bethge]

Great question. For decades, we have been committed to designing increasingly more sustainable ships that reduce our emissions and bring us closer to net zero cruising. Our climate strategy is focused on smarter and more efficient technologies, a relentless focus on energy and fuel efficiency, and collaborative partnerships that advance ship design and the development of alternative fuels. This doesn’t necessarily show up in the sense of less new build, but more so in focusing on the technology in each ship we have or will add to the fleet. We are also at a pivotal moment on our journey to net zero cruising. We are shifting to interim fuels like LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), and pioneering solutions, like fuel cells and biofuels, that can be our future, carbon-free energy platforms. Celebrity Xcel, in fact, will be equipped with a tri-fuel engine capable of running three types of fuel allowing for ultimate fuel flexibility as greener fuels become viable and scalable for our industry.

[Spif Barwunkel]

On 7/18/2024 at 10:33 AM, Laura Hodges Bethge said:

Great question. For decades, we have been committed to designing increasingly more sustainable ships that reduce our emissions and bring us closer to net zero cruising. Our climate strategy is focused on smarter and more efficient technologies, a relentless focus on energy and fuel efficiency, and collaborative partnerships that advance ship design and the development of alternative fuels. This doesn’t necessarily show up in the sense of less new build, but more so in focusing on the technology in each ship we have or will add to the fleet. We are also at a pivotal moment on our journey to net zero cruising. We are shifting to interim fuels like LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), and pioneering solutions, like fuel cells and biofuels, that can be our future, carbon-free energy platforms. Celebrity Xcel, in fact, will be equipped with a tri-fuel engine capable of running three types of fuel allowing for ultimate fuel flexibility as greener fuels become viable and scalable for our industry.

Thank you, Laura. In addition to the more efficient technologies, depending on the particular port, would limiting passenger count on a particular ship decrease the overwhelming onslaught of cruise passengers to that destination? Obviously, all cruise lines must be willing to comply with any modifications in order to lessen the impacts.