Posted: August 14th, 2022

What are the key environmental and social impacts of cruise ship tourism

What are the key environmental and social impacts of cruise ship tourism, and how can these impacts be mitigated through better regulations and management practices?
Cruise tourism has grown tremendously in recent decades into a multi-billion dollar global industry. The appeal of experiencing multiple destinations from the comfort of a floating resort is undeniable for many travelers. However, as passenger volumes and ship sizes increase, so too do the environmental and social pressures that cruise operations bring to port communities and surrounding ecosystems. This paper examines the most consequential impacts of cruise tourism and discusses approaches for mitigating these effects through progressive policies and best management practices.
Environmental Impacts of Cruise Ships
Air Emissions
Cruise ships rely primarily on diesel fuel to power their engines, generators, and other onboard systems. The combustion of diesel produces a variety of air pollutants including particulate matter, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and greenhouse gases. Particulate matter and sulfur oxides are especially harmful as they can cause respiratory illnesses when inhaled by humans or deposited into sensitive coastal and marine environments (Klein, 2021).
A study by Dalsøren et al. (2018) found that a single large cruise ship emits as much particulate matter annually as over 1 million cars. When docked, ships often run diesel generators rather than connecting to shore power, adding to localized air pollution problems in busy ports. The International Maritime Organization estimates that international shipping accounts for 2.2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a proportion that is growing as the cruise industry expands (IMO, 2021).
Wastewater Discharges
Cruise ships carry thousands of passengers and crew who generate massive volumes of sewage, graywater from showers/sinks, and other waste streams daily. Untreated or partially treated, these discharges introduce nutrients and pathogens into surrounding marine ecosystems. Nutrient loading from cruise ship wastewater promotes algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels in coastal waters when algae die off and decompose (Klein, 2021).
Pathogens from fecal coliform bacteria sicken and kill marine life. Studies have linked cruise ship wastewater to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses and respiratory diseases in communities near major ports (Klein, 2021). Under international regulations, ships are only required to treat sewage through mechanical processes before discharging it within 12 nautical miles from shore, leaving many pollutants intact.
Anti-fouling Coatings and Noise Pollution
To prevent marine organisms from attaching to hull surfaces, most cruise ships are coated with biocides like tributyltin which leach toxins into surrounding waters as coatings wear off over time. These chemicals accumulate in sediments and disrupt reproduction and development in marine species (Klein, 2021). Noise pollution from ship engines and activities also disturbs cetaceans that use sound for navigation and communication. Studies show increased stress levels and temporary/permanent hearing loss in whales near busy shipping lanes (Simard et al., 2019).
Social and Economic Impacts
Local Economic Effects
While cruise tourism brings outside revenue into port communities, a significant portion leaks out as ships provision food/supplies abroad and employ mostly foreign low-wage workers. A study in the Mediterranean found only 30% of passenger spending remained in local economies (Klein, 2021). Overreliance on cruise tourism also makes destinations vulnerable to economic losses during downturns when fewer ships visit. Infrastructure like docks, roads and utilities built primarily for cruise traffic offer limited long-term benefits to residents.
Gentrification and Loss of Culture
Redevelopment of waterfronts into cruise terminals and tourist-oriented shops displaces local businesses and changes community characters. Rising property values force out long-time residents unable to afford higher rents/taxes. Cultural authenticity diminishes as destinations cater more to transient cruise clientele versus year-round residents (Diedrich & García-Buades, 2009). Overcrowding from large passenger volumes strains public services and natural areas in popular ports.
Mitigation Strategies
Regulations on Ship Operations
Stronger emissions standards from the IMO have reduced but not solved air pollution issues from cruise ships. Requiring shore power connections when docked would eliminate unnecessary diesel generator use. Tougher wastewater treatment regulations could mandate advanced systems proven to remove 95-100% of pollutants before any discharge (Klein, 2021). Noise from ship operations also deserves limits to protect marine life. Enforcement remains a challenge but use of remote monitoring technologies may help.
Sustainable Tourism Planning
Collaboration between cruise lines, local governments, and communities on sustainable tourism development plans helps address social and economic issues. Strategies could include investing passenger fees into local infrastructure and cultural programs, prioritizing hiring local residents, and partnering with small businesses and artisans. Limits on passenger volumes prevent overtourism while low-emission shore excursions spread benefits more broadly. Some destinations have designated cruise-only areas to concentrate impacts.
Green Ship Technologies
New ship designs powered by liquefied natural gas or fuel cells produce fewer emissions than diesel. Hybrid systems combine diesel generators with battery banks to reduce fuel use. Advanced wastewater treatment plants on the latest ships achieve reclaimed water quality, while some recycle graywater for non-potable onboard needs. Quieter propulsion and hull coatings with less toxic alternatives also benefit the environment. With a clean technology mandate, the cruise industry could become a leader in sustainable maritime operations.
Conclusion
As the cruise sector continues growing, proactive management of its impacts will be crucial to ensure both environmental protection and equitable, long-lasting economic development in port communities. A balanced, multi-stakeholder approach considers impacts on natural surroundings and cultural heritage as much as profits. Progressive regulations combined with industry best practices set the course for mitigating cruise tourism pressures. With cooperation between regulators, cruise lines, and local voices, negative effects can be managed sustainably into the future.
References
Dalsøren, S. B., Eide, M. S., Endresen, Ø., Mjelde, A., Gravir, G., & Isaksen, I. S. A. (2018). Update on emissions and environmental impacts from the international fleet of ships: The contribution from major ship types and ports. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 18(6), 2171–2194. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-2171-2018
Diedrich, A., & García-Buades, write my masters thesis E. (2009). Local perceptions of tourism as indicators of destination decline. Tourism Management, 30(4), 512–521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2008.08.003
IMO. (2021). Third IMO Greenhouse Gas Study 2020. International Maritime Organization. https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Third-IMO-Greenhouse-Gas-Study-2020.aspx
Klein, N. J. (2021). Cruise ship pollution: A review of impacts, waste management practices and policies. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 167, 112289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112289
Simard, Y., Leroy, E. C., Franek, S., & Roy, N. (2019). Noise pollution in the ocean and its impacts on marine organisms. Ocean Yearbook, 33(1), 331–360. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004395541_013

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