Emerging Trends in Cruise Tourism: Sustainable Cruise Practices in Africa, Arabia, and the Path to Sustainability
- André Snyman
- Aug 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 27
The cruise industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a growing demand for voyages that blend classic destinations with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Africa and Arabia are emerging as frontier markets in this shift, with cruise lines introducing innovative itineraries that emphasise cultural immersion and wildlife encounters. However, this growth brings increased scrutiny regarding environmental sustainability, pushing the industry toward more responsible practices. This article explores the latest developments in cruise tourism, focusing on these dynamic regions and the balance between expansion and ecological stewardship.
The Rise of African and Arabian Cruise Tourism
Africa’s Cruise Potential Unleashed
Africa is poised for a tourism renaissance, with its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity, and expansive coastline positioning it as one of the world’s most exciting cruise destinations. International operators like MSC Cruises are leading this charge, with Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, emphasising the continent’s readiness to convert its long-recognised potential into real economic impact. For the 2025/26 season, MSC Opera will sail roundtrip from the new Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban to destinations like Port Louis in Mauritius and Mamoudzou in the Comorian Archipelago. This expansion is not just about new routes; it reflects a strategic effort to offer travelers immersive experiences, from guided township tours in Gqeberha to sunset dhow cruises in Maputo
Arabia’s Strategic Growth
Similarly, Saudi Arabia is making bold moves to establish itself as a premier cruise hub. The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has introduced the kingdom’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for cruise ship operations, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and promote sustainable tourism. Key initiatives include strict licensing requirements for operators, stringent environmental protocols, and investments in port infrastructure in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Neom. These efforts aim to enhance passenger experiences with multilingual services, cultural programming, and world-class facilities while protecting the Red Sea’s delicate ecosystem. With Cruise Saudi targeting 10 destinations by 2030 and 1.33 million passengers by 2037, the region is set to become a major player in the global cruise market.
New Itineraries and Immersive Experiences
Mauritius as a Hub
Mauritius is gaining prominence as a key cruise destination, with Port Louis serving as a vibrant gateway to the Indian Ocean. The city offers a blend of colonial history, diverse communities, and bustling street life, with attractions like the Central Market, Aapravasi Ghat (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the Blue Penny Museum. Cruise lines are capitalising on this appeal, with over 17 unique itineraries to Mauritius departing from cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Singapore. For example, Princess Cruises offers a 23-day World Cruise Segment from Sydney to Cape Town, visiting Mauritius along the way, while Silversea Cruises features voyages from Cape Town to Mahe, including stops in Réunion and Mauritius. These itineraries cater to travellers seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment.
Wildlife and Cultural Encounters
The focus on immersive experiences is evident in itineraries that highlight wildlife and cultural encounters. For instance, cruises like "Madagascar and the Seychelles: Natural Treasures of the Indian Ocean" offer travellers opportunities to explore unique ecosystems and historical sites. In Arabia, Cruise Saudi is developing AlWajh as a cruise port gateway to AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s most culturally and historically significant sites. These experiences align with the trend toward "slow travel", where passengers seek deeper connections with destinations rather than superficial visits.
The Sustainability Challenge
Environmental Concerns
The cruise industry’s growth comes with significant environmental challenges. Cruise ships are known for their substantial environmental footprint, generating about 1 ton of waste daily and emitting greenhouse gases equivalent to 12,000 cars. Key issues include:
Water Pollution: A 3,000-person cruise ship generates 176,400 gallons of sewage per week, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in marine environments if not properly treated. Greywater from sinks and showers, along with bilge water and ballast water, adds to this pollution.
Air Pollution: In 2022, 214 cruise ships emitted 509 tonnes of sulfur oxide, 19,125 tonnes of nitrogen oxide, and 448 tonnes of PM2.5 around European ports. These emissions contribute to acid rain, regional haze, and health problems.
Noise Pollution: Underwater noise from cruise ships disrupts marine life, affecting communication, feeding, and navigation for species like whales and dolphins.
Solid Waste: Cruise ships generate about 50 tons of solid waste during a one-week voyage, including plastic, paper, and food waste, which can harm marine ecosystems.
Innovative Solutions
The industry is responding with innovative technologies and practices to address these concerns. Royal Caribbean Group, for example, is pioneering waste-to-energy systems on its new ships, Icon of the Seas and Silver Nova, which convert solid waste into synthesis gas for energy. The company is also targeting a 50% reduction in food waste by 2025 through AI-driven monitoring and partnerships with World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Other initiatives include:
Advanced Wastewater Treatment: Many ships now employ advanced wastewater treatment systems that exceed international standards.
Sustainable Fuels: Cruise lines are investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transition fuel and exploring green hydrogen-based alternatives.
Shore Power: 61% of the global cruise capacity is fitted to operate on shore power, reducing emissions while at berth.
Eco-Friendly Procurement: Companies are switching to refillable toiletries, plant-based cleaning products, and sustainably sourced food to minimise their environmental impact.
Table: Key Environmental Initiatives in the Cruise Industry
Initiative | Description | Example Cruise Line |
Waste-to-Energy Systems | Converts solid waste into energy using pyrolysis and gasification | Royal Caribbean Group 5 |
Advanced Wastewater Treatment | Treats sewage and greywater to meet stringent standards before discharge | Multiple CLIA members 9 |
Food Waste Reduction | AI-driven monitoring and partnerships to cut food waste by 50% by 2025 | Royal Caribbean Group 5 |
Shore Power Capability | Allows ships to switch off engines at berth, reducing emissions | 61% of global capacity 9 |
Sustainable Procurement | Using eco-friendly products like refillable toiletries and plant-based cleaners | Industry-wide 13 |
Balancing Growth and Sustainability
The Role of Regulations and Partnerships
Effective regulation and public-private partnerships are crucial for balancing growth with sustainability. Saudi Arabia’s new cruise regulations mandate strict environmental protocols, including waste management systems and emission limits, to protect the Red Sea’s ecosystem. Similarly, Ross Volk of MSC Cruises emphasises the need for aligned policies, smart investment, and a shared commitment to inclusive development to unlock Africa’s cruise potential. Initiatives like MSC’s Green Hubs programme, which diverts waste from landfills, highlight the importance of collaboration between cruise lines and local communities.
Passenger Awareness and Industry Transparency
Passengers are increasingly prioritising sustainability, with 83% of travellers stating that sustainable travel is important to them. This demand is pushing cruise lines to adopt transparent practices and obtain certifications from organisations like the World Sustainability Organisation. However, challenges remain, as seen in the Dutch Advertising Board’s ruling against MSC Cruises for misleading claims about LNG’s sustainability. To build trust, companies must prioritise genuine environmental leadership over greenwashing.
Conclusion: The Future of Cruise Tourism
The cruise industry is at a crossroads, with Africa and Arabia offering exciting growth opportunities while sustainability concerns demand urgent action. By embracing innovative technologies, fostering partnerships, and prioritising authentic experiences, cruise lines can navigate this complex landscape. The future of cruise tourism lies in meaningful journeys that not only explore the world’s most beautiful destinations but also protect them for generations to come. As travellers, we can support this shift by choosing operators committed to responsible practices and advocating for a greener cruise industry.
Comments