Environmental group grades cruise lines: Disney gets an A-; most others get F's

disney cruise line sustainability report

An environmental organization has released its grades of cruise lines and ships ⁠— giving most of the lines D’s and F’s ⁠— but the cruise industry is hitting back on the poor evaluations, citing tight regulations of the industry and calling into question the report card’s methodology.

The 2019 Cruise Ship Report Card was released June 27 by Friends of the Earth  (FOE), an international network of environmental organizations in 74 countries.

Friends of the Earth said in its report card summary that taking a cruise can be more harmful to the environment and human health than other forms of travel.

"It is regrettable that Friends of the Earth and other groups continue to issue misleading and inaccurate information about the cruise industry," Megan King, spokeswoman for Cruise Lines International Association, a cruise industry trade association, told USA TODAY in an email. "The measures used by the FOE are very narrow and do not tell the true story of the leadership position that the industry has taken in these areas."

King said the cruise industry is highly regulated and uses a wide variety of emissions control measures along with advanced wastewater treatment systems.

Friends of the Earth evaluated 16 major cruise lines and 185 cruise ships for the report card on four environmental factors in 2017 and 2018: sewage treatment, air pollution reduction, water quality compliance and transparency. 

The grades for each of the four criteria were then averaged to calculate the "final grade" for each cruise line.

Disney achieved the highest overall grade of any line with an A- grade; Norwegian received a C- grade; and the other 14 cruises had final D and F grades.

Sewage:  "Based on the technology they had installed on the ship, we measured sewage treatment by if the 16 cruise lines had installed the most advanced sewage treatment on their ships or if they were using old technology," Marcie Keever, FOE oceans and vessels program director, told USA TODAY.

Air pollution reduction:  "We evaluated wastewater compliance by if the cruise line was using shore power and cleaner fuel, thereby cleaning up emissions at the dock," said Keever. "They got a higher grade if they were using these new technologies."

Water quality compliance:  Alaska has stronger standards for water quality compliance than other areas of the country, which is how FOE measured the category. Some ships were not graded in this area if they were not discharging into Alaska's protected waters or did not travel there. "Alaska is the only state with a formal program that monitors and measures what comes out of wastewater pipes," Keever told USA TODAY. "We access these violations through public records."

Transparency:  Keever said Disney Cruise Line was the only line to respond to the organization's request for environmental information from 2017 and 2018, which went into the evaluation of transparency.

More: Holland America cruise ship's close contact with humpback whales under investigation

Criminal violations:  The report card also had a category for criminal violations. "This category entailed federal criminal violations for environmental factors like dumping plastic, oily waste, sewage and waste water and poor air emissions," said Keever.

Related: Carnival reaches $20M settlement over allegations cruise ships continuing to pollute oceans

FOE's report card grades

Here is the full list of overall grades for the 16 lines. Each of the lines was also graded on the four individual environmental factors as were 185 ships; the full report card can be found here .:

  • Disney Cruise Line: A-
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: C-
  • Celebrity Cruises: D+
  • Silversea Crucunises: D
  • Royal Caribbean International: D
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises: D
  • Oceania Cruises: D-
  • MSC Cruises: F
  • Seabourn Cruise Line: F
  • P&O Cruises: F
  • Costa Cruises: F
  • Princess Cruises: F
  • Holland America Line: F
  • Cunard Line: F
  • Crystal Cruises: F
  • Carnival Cruise Lines: F

USA TODAY has reached out for comment to all 16 cruise lines that were included in the FOE report card, and here are the responses so far: 

  • Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Costa, Cunard, P&O): "This is simply a fundraising tool, not a valid research study, since the report card lacks the appropriate level of research or scientific rigor and the categories are completely random on purpose to skew the results negatively," Roger Frizzell, senior vice president & chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation, told USA TODAY in an email. "Our fleet includes advanced air quality systems on more than 70 more of our ships, and we have shore power capability on just under 50% of our fleet."
  • MSC Cruises: "We are proud of our environmental record. MSC Cruises always complies with, and often even exceeds, all regulatory requirements related to the protection of the environment wherever its ships operate, in terms of air emissions reduction, wastewater treatment and many other areas," said MSC spokesperson Paige Rosenthal. 

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Friends of the Earth 2021 Cruise Report Card – Disney Cruise Line Receives an A- Before Adjustment Due to Lighthouse Point Development

On July 27, 2021, Friends of the Earth released 2021 edition of their Cruise Ship Report Card documenting the environmental footprint of the cruise industry by grading 18 major cruise lines and 202 ships. Once again, Disney Cruise Line earned the highest overall grade, earning an A- for the fourth consecutive year. However, for the second year in a row, Friends of the Earth downgraded Disney a full letter grade to a B- (more on Disney’s final grade further below) while the other 17 cruise lines scored a C or below. The 2021 edition of the  Cruise Ship Report Card , documents the environmental footprint of the cruise industry.

FOE Cruise Ship Report Card 2021

One of the report card’s key measurements for the environmental impact of cruise ships is exhaust gas scrubber wastewater discharge, a massive form of ocean pollution according to the Friends of the Earth press release . Scrubbers generate a toxic cocktail of petroleum byproducts that is largely untreated. This wastewater discharge is the result of the cruise industry’s refusal to purchase cleaner, more expensive fuel. Instead, the cruise industry chose to install smokestack scrubbers to comply with global cleaner fuel requirements. The ICCT estimates that in one year ships worldwide will emit at least 10 gigatons of scrubber wastewater and the cruise industry contributes approximately 15% of those emissions.

Over the past year the cruise industry has done next to nothing to curb its environmental pollution, and is restarting operations without sufficient human health and environmental protections in place. This is unsurprising coming from an industry that consistently chooses the cheapest path to profits at the expense of human, ocean and community health. What we are seeing from the cruise industry today is the result of decades of inaction by our elected officials and government agencies. Until the Biden administration provides strict oversight this industry will continue to violate human health and environmental standards, polluting our oceans and our communities. Marcie Keever, Oceans and Vessels Program Director with Friends of the Earth

The Grading Scale

According to the Friends of the Earth, the Cruise Ship Report Card ranks the cruise lines and each ship in the respective fleet according to four criteria: Sewage Treatment, Air Pollution Reduction, Water Quality Compliance, and Transparency.

  • Sewage Treatment To determine a cruise line’s Sewage Treatment grade, we compared the number of cruise ships in the cruise line that have installed advanced sewage treatment systems (AWTS) against the total number of ships in the cruise line. Ships with AWTS were downgraded in 2021 because no companies publicly report on the performance of those advanced systems.
  • Air Pollution Reduction To determine the Air Pollution Reduction grade for each ship in a cruise line, ships that dock at a port and plug in to available shoreside power hookups were graded. In addition, ships were given credit if they utilize low sulfur fuels continuously worldwide at levels lower than required by international law. Use of scrubbers is not considered since the significant majority of scrubbers in use by the cruise industry simply convert air pollution emissions into water pollution through their scrubber wastewater discharges.
  • Water Quality Compliance To determine the Water Quality Compliance grade for ships operating in Alaska, we used notices of violation issued for individual cruise ships to each cruise line by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation from 2010 to 2019. We also failed ships for their scrubber use since scrubbers convert air pollution emissions into water pollution.
  • Transparency To determine the Transparency grade for each cruise line we graded each cruise line based on whether it responded to our 2021 requests for information regarding their environmental practices.
  • Criminal Violations All Carnival Corporation companies committed criminal environmental violations between 2017 and 2021.

Disney Cruise Line’s 2021 Friends of the Earth Final Grade Report

Friends of the Earth final 2021 grade for Disney Cruise Line ( archived ) looked at the current cruise ship fleet consisting of four large ships built in 1998, 1999, 2010 and 2011. The original two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have carrying capacities of approximately 3,400 passengers and crew. The two newer ships have much larger carrying capacities of approximately 5,500 passengers and crew. In 2022, the LNG powered Disney Wish will enter service.

Disney’s four ships have installed advanced sewage treatment systems, resulting in a grade of C for the company’s 60 percent sewage treatment score. In total, 50 percent of Disney’s ships that dock at a port with shoreside power are plug-in capable. Three Disney ships are equipped with shoreside power hookups—the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are currently not being sent to ports where shoreside power is offered. However, all of Disney’s ships burn fuel with a 0.1% sulfur content worldwide which is lower than what is required internationally, earning the company an A- in the air pollution reduction category. The Disney Wonder traveled to Alaska annually from 2011 to 2019 and received no violations of state water pollution standards. In addition, Disney does not utilize scrubbers on its fleet, giving Disney an A for water quality compliance.

Disney was also one of the cruise lines that responded to Friends of the Earth inquiries about its environmental practices with specifics, awarding them an A for transparency.

Despite being at the top of the Friends of the Earth report card, Disney was downgraded a letter grade again this year for its push to build a massive cruise ship port at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas, which is opposed by community groups in the Bahamas for the destruction it would cause to this ecologically rich area that has been proposed for Marine Protected Area status.

Disney Cruise Line | Friends of the Earth Annual Grades

The following are the grades for each of the Disney Cruise Line ships. The overall grades for 2021 were identical for each ship as the 2020 grades.

FOE 2021 Disney Cruise Ship Grades

Disney Cruise Line | Friends of the Earth Annual Grades by Ship

To read more about how the other cruise lines measured up and your other favorite cruise ships, click over to the full 2021 Friends of the Earth Cruise Ship report card .

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8 Replies to “Friends of the Earth 2021 Cruise Report Card – Disney Cruise Line Receives an A- Before Adjustment Due to Lighthouse Point Development”

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Was the standard for sewage treatment changed in 2020? DCL had an A in 2019 fleet wide.

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Interesting that DCL was downgraded due to what MAY HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE. Is speculation now a valid point of measure?

' src=

Why do you even share this nonsense? No Cunard ships committed any “environmental crimes” — this is some sort of ‘guilt by association’. Makes me question everything they say.

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It has been an annual update that I’ve tried to keep up with each year. While the downgrade may seem out of order given the project is in the future, Disney boasts its environmental stewardship. If anything, this report from an environmental group offers a bit of validation to Disney’s claims. As for Cunard, this is guilt by association since they are a Carnival Corporation brand .

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This is an absolute crock of nonsense, the info is clearly not accurate and assumptions made wrong. Listing all carnival Corp companies as having a legal Violation is inaccurate as they have been blanketed as one company, when the operate separately. They also don’t use scrubbers in Alaska waters.

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Here is an article with some context on that. Most of the articles point back to the Miami Hearld, all of which are behind a paywall. https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2020/10/articles/pollution/federal-court-lets-carnival-corporation-off-the-hook-again/

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Yes, but why guilt by association? Every other category is ranked independently, based on the brand. Doesn’t make any sense. They are being inconsistent.

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Disney overall received a “C” in 2022. Here is the link for the report card. You can click each cruise line to see individual ship scores. A “C” is the best grade, which is very sad from an environmental standpoint. No matter how much you argue, all cruise lines must do far better on sewage treatment, and most score even worse on water quality and air pollution.

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disney cruise line sustainability report

Environmental Overview

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At Disney Cruise Line, we are dedicated to minimizing our impact on the environment through efforts focused on utilizing new technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, minimizing waste and promoting conservation worldwide.

We strive to instill positive environmental stewardship in our cast and crew members and seek to inspire others through programs that engage our guests and the communities in our ports of call.

Our DCL Environmental Fact Sheet outlines the many ways Disney Cruise Line embeds environmental stewardship in the daily decisions and actions of our cast, crew and guests.

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Disney Cruise Line Earns Award Recognition for Environmental Stewardship

by Morgan Flaherty | Jun 9, 2023 | Disney Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line News , The Walt Disney Company

Discover how Disney Cruise Line’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability has led to a tenth consecutive Blue Circle Award.

Over the years, the Walt Disney Company has committed to taking measurable action for environmental sustainability. This has included goals such as conserving water at the parks and reducing emissions at the parks and on Disney Cruise Line. And in recognition of their environmental practices, Disney Cruise Line has just been recognized with an award of environmental sustainability for the tenth consecutive year.

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Disney Cruise Line Wins Blue Circle Award

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

For the tenth year in a row, Disney Cruise Line has received the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Blue Circle Award, which recognized the cruise line’s participation in the port’s voluntary EcoAction Program and Energy Action Initiative.

One of the primary ways that Disney Cruise Line reduces its environmental impact in sailings around Alaska and Canada is by turning off the ship engines and relying on the port’s shoreside electricity grid when available. When the ship is plugged into shore power, the onboard lighting, air conditioning, and other systems are able to run nearly emission-free. In Vancouver, where the port’s electric grid is supplied by hydro power and wind power, the Disney Wonder was able to eliminate 99% of emissions by using shore power last year.

In a statement, Barry Compagnoni, DCL’s Vice President for Safety, Security and Environmental Policy and Compliance, said, “This award demonstrates our long-standing commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably, especially while sailing in the Pacific Northwest. By doing our part to reduce emissions, conserve energy and protect the rich biodiversity of the region, we are proud to continue our legacy of taking actions that support a healthier environment.”

Disney Cruise Line Environmental Goals

The Walt Disney Company has previously stated a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. One of the ways they hope to do this through the Disney Cruise Line is investing in low-emission fuels, including ultra-low sulfur fuel on the Disney Magic and Disney Dream. They also hope to use liquefies natural gas on newer vessels, including using green methanol on the new ship that will have its port in Singapore in 2025.

Disney Cruise Line has also nearly eliminated all single-use plastics on its fleets, which have switched to refillable bath product dispensers, removed plastic bags from merchandise locations, and replaced plastic water bottles with recyclable ones.

You can learn more about the Walt Disney Company’s overall sustainability and environmental goals by clicking here.

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Sustainability innovation leadership at Disney Cruise Line

Words:  Rachel Read

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Reverse osmosis , LNG, green methanol, shore power , recycling, water treatment, energy management systems , hydrodynamically designed hulls and more …

As floating, self-contained, mini cities, cruise ships operate in unique environments, where sustainability concerns are front and centre. Greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and sewage treatment are key areas that the industry is actively addressing.

Disney is leading the way in tackling these challenges with a programme of innovation and research. It also has a company-wide commitment to reach near net zero by 2030.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line ( DCL ) launched in 1998. It currently has a fleet of five ships — the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish . There are also three more ships planned.

DCL’s fleet’s destinations include The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii, as well as the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. Disney has also developed its own island destinations in the Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay and, opening in summer 2024, a destination in Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point.

Working to make a more sustainable Disney cruise

Blooloop speaks to Barry Compagnoni , Disney Cruise Line’s vice president for safety, security and environmental policy and compliance. He explains more about the work award winning DCL is doing to minimize its impact on the environment, while promoting conservation and sustainability.

Compagnoni spent 27 years with the US Coastguard, including postings in Beijing and Hawaii. Reflecting on his experience he says:

“One of the core missions that’s related to this work is environmental stewardship and enforcing environmental regulations throughout the shipping industry . That has really helped me not only shape and understand what we’re doing at Disney Cruise Line but also inform some of the strategies of where we need to go for the future.”

Disney’s environmental goals

In December 2022 The Walt Disney Company released its 2030 Environmental Goals White Paper. This set out the first estimate of the group’s Scope 1, 2 AND 3 emissions.

Disney has committed to achieving net zero emissions for direct operations by 2030. It will also reduce Scope 3 emissions in line with a ‘well below 2°C’ scenario by 2030. These ambitious reduction targets will require Disney sustainability teams to work together across the company.

Working together

Regarding the cruise line’s efforts, Compagnoni says:

“On the Scope 3 emissions , we’re early in the process as we put together the strategy to achieve the 2030 environmental goals for the company. We’re working out the details at this point. We don’t necessarily have all of the details. But Scope 3 is definitely part of our overall emissions reduction strategy and it’s aligned with supporting the Company’s goals.

“What we do from an organisational perspective is very closely tied with other environmental sustainability teams, both locally here in Florida, and across the company domestically and globally.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to collaborate with others because we have a tremendous amount to learn.”

The scale of the challenge for shipping means that DCL is even willing to look beyond the cruise industry for solutions in terms of the “really important work that needs to be done. And so, what we’ll do is look at opportunities not only within the cruise industry, but outside of the shipping industry to include the entire environmental sustainability landscape.”

LNG, green methanol and beyond

One of the biggest environmental opportunities for the cruise industry is in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The development of cleaner burning fuels is happening at a pace which makes the choice of fuel difficult for a long-term investment like a cruise ship.

In the near term, low sulphur fossil fuels can help to achieve significant reductions. But ultimately, emission free power is likely to come from solutions like hydrogen fuel cells.

The Disney Wish runs on low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG). This eliminates nearly all harmful sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter emissions. It also reduces the emission of nitrogen oxide (NOx) by around 37 percent. It reduces onboard carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 20 percent, compared to traditional diesel or marine fuel.

In 2020 the Magic and Dream classes of ships were retrofitted the fleet to run on ultra-low-sulphur fuel, exceeding international maritime regulations. Disney’s newly acquired ship that will homeport from Singapore is planned to run on green methanol. Looking to the future, Disney is also exploring plans for a prototype fuel cell.

Fuel strategy

We asked Compagnoni about the challenges in developing a fuel strategy:

“Similar to the shipping industry, there’s a lot of alternatives out there with respect to fuels. So like others in the cruise industry, we are trying to be flexible in our approach so we can determine exactly what’s the right investment in the right fuel at the right time.

“That aligns with both the advancement of technology as well as the availability from the supply chain.”

Energy efficiency

GHG emissions can be reduced by not only fuel choice but also by consuming less energy. The Disney Wish includes a number of environmental technologies making it 30 percent more fuel efficient:

  • Excess heat from the engines warms the super-cooled LNG. It then recycles the cold energy to chill water for the ship’s air conditioning units
  • The ship features a hydrodynamically designed hull and this also has a special coating. Both of these reduce drag through the water. This results in a fuel saving of 1,800 tons and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent of fuel a year.
  • Energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems can adapt in real time to save energy
  • The ship has an advanced energy saving wastewater treatment system
  • 90 percent of all lighting onboard is LED. This reduces direct energy used by about 30 percent. It also lessens the need for cooling compared to traditional bulbs.
  • A state-of-the-art energy management system tracks the ship’s systems to ensure peak efficiency.

A “floating lab” to help develop more sustainable Disney cruise s

In a statement in 2022 announcing the launch of Disney Wish, Sharon Siskie , senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line, said:

“All of our Disney Cruise Line ships were built with some of the most advanced systems available at the time, and we continue to invest in our fleet by incorporating the latest technology that helps us minimize our impact on the environment. The Disney Wish serves as a floating lab that will help us discover how new innovations can be used throughout the rest of our fleet to help us meet our environmental goals.”

Reverse osmosis water production

Compagnoni says that the innovation lab characterisation is accurate, “especially for the Disney Wish with such a lot of new technology. LNG is the new fuel technology being used on the ship. But a lot of other systems as well.

“One of the areas that we’re pleased to learn about is the reverse osmosis water production systems on the ship. It really exceeded our expectations. So that’s one of the things we think about with the 2030 water goals for the company. What we want to do is eliminate the need to draw on municipal water sources as much as we can.

“Bringing in that new technology gives us an opportunity to improve the systems that we’ve got throughout the fleet, and what’s the right technology to use as we move forward.”

Lighthouse Point

In April, greenloop attendees heard from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Emily Dow and Caitlin Krasovic how Disney’s second island destination in The Bahamas, located at Lighthouse Point, is being developed with sustainability embedded in the project.

90% of the resort’s energy will be from solar. This, together with the battery storage strategy, will mean, says Dow, that Lighthouse Point “will definitely be on track for the near net zero goal”.

Watch greenloop 23 on demand

Other sustainable development initiatives include restricting the resort to less than 16% of the site, leaving the rest for preservation and for the community. In addition, the pier’s design avoids the need for dredging. Elevated walkways help limit the impact on the landscape.

On rolling out initiatives across the Disney Cruise Line, Compagnoni says:

“What we want to do is take some of the sustainability lessons that we have throughout the fleet and bring those to shore. And we also have great partners throughout the rest of The Walt Disney Company. They have a lot of sustainability initiatives, so we’re able to learn and bring in some of those experiences as well.

“So, there’s a lot to do as we cross over technology and lessons from both the ships to the islands as well as leveraging our relationship with the rest of the company.”

Shore power and water treatment

DCL tries to reduce the environmental impact on destination ports, including turning off its ships’ engines to rely on a port’s shoreside electric grid when available. The cruise line was recently awarded with the Port of Vancouver’s Blue Circle award for excelling in the port’s voluntary environmental initiatives.

“Wherever we’re visiting, we always have some high standards with respect to sustainability and the local communities.”

Compagnoni gives an example of water treatment technologies:

“As we look at wastewater, we’ve invested in some advanced treatment systems that are not only extremely energy efficient but also high performing at well above standards that are required for ships. And there are similar types of technology that we’ve invested in over the years with respect to water generation on board the ship so that the ships are self-sustaining.

“All of those types of investment and technology have paid off over the years.”

Plastic free by 2025

Disney Cruise Lines has committed to becoming plastic free by 2025, both onboard and at Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.

Significant progress has already been made. In 2018, Disney Cruise Line eliminated the use of plastic straws – an annual volume of more than 14.7 million. Additionally, by changing to refillable bath product dispensers in all guest staterooms in 2019, Disney Cruise Line has removed an annual distribution of more than 2.2 million plastic amenity containers across its fleet – a total of 18 tons of plastic waste. Disney Cruise Line has also gone from distributing nearly 1 million plastic merchandise bags fleetwide annually, to nearly zero.

Other measures include the removal of plastic cutlery, stirrers and condiment packets. Disposable polystyrene cups have been replaced with insulated paper cups. Plastic bottles were taken out and replaced with recyclable aluminum ones. Refillable water stations have been placed in both guest and crew member areas.

Plastic waste projects extend to live performances. More than 60 percent of all fabric used in “Disney The Little Mermaid” on the Disney Wish is made from recycled plastic fibre. The design team partnered with fabric technology experts and suppliers to produce custom made ocean-recycled textiles.

In addition, crew member costumes across the Disney Cruise Line fleet have already been replaced with fabrics made from recycled water bottles.

A consistent approach on plastics

Compagnoni says:

“We’re really excited about this program because we think that this is really important. As a first step as we think about waste minimization, plastics is a perfect place to start. Especially in a maritime environment.

“As we think about what we’ve already been able to achieve with respect to eliminating plastic straws and single use plastics , targeting and replacing them with sustainable alternatives, we still want to continue to push what we’ve done on the ships to the island to have a consistent approach.

“We’re really proud of this. And we’ll continue to go ahead and look for opportunities to even get better at it.”

Less waste for a more sustainable Disney Cruise

Another recycling initiative is DCL’s partnership with port communities across the globe. Used cooking oil is offloaded which is then repurposed into various other products and fuel sources.

In addition, water conservation projects include taking naturally occurring condensation from the air-conditioning units, and recycling to supply fresh water for onboard laundry and to clean the outer decks. This project saves around 7.5 million gallons of water each year.

Dedicated environmental officers

Teamwork, communication and leadership are vital to delivering a successful environmental strategy.

To ensure that sustainable strategies are at the core of the operation, Disney has appointed dedicated Environmental Officers to the cruise ships’ senior leadership teams onboard. These officers are responsible for monitoring the ship’s water quality and supply and energy management systems. They also train fellow officers and crew and oversee environmental initiatives.

Compagnoni says: “We have a great team, and it is a tremendous team effort, not only the environmental officers and the ship team, but all the way from the captains throughout. They have a great influence on the rest of the organisation.

“But we also have a really strong tie to the shoreside management of the program so that we ensure that not only are we complying with the environmental regulations, but we’re also bringing in the sustainability aspect of how we can go above what those requirements are. And then, as we think about crew engagement, we strive to get all of our crew aligned on what our environmental initiatives are.

Teamwork is key

“The other part is this collaboration, both internally with such a strong team at all levels of the company, and then externally with a lot of the specific subject matter experts. So it’s a big effort, and at the same time, everybody’s got their own unique kind of perspective on it. But it’s been really great to focus them, focus the message and develop the strategy.”

In terms of job satisfaction and recruitment Compagnoni adds: “I know that for my team I think that it’s not only energizing, but it’s affirming that people want to work for a company that has these high standards and goals. And I think it also helps us from the sense of recruiting top talent.”

Guest attitudes to sustainable Disney cruise initiatives

There is an opportunity for DCL to communicate to guests about the sustainability projects that the Company is working on. But how does DCL engage rather than lecture? And how much do guests want to know? 

Whilst onboard, interested guests are able to watch a series of videos that highlight DCL’s initiatives to conserve water, minimize waste and increase fuel efficiency. Iconic Disney characters Timon and Pumbaa from “The Lion King” feature in the footage to inspire responsible environmental actions. They showcase small steps everyone can take to make a difference for the environment in their everyday lives.

Guests can also enjoy behind-the-scenes videos to show how DCL ships save energy, reduce emissions, conserve water and more.

Compagnoni says that these videos “give you a sense of how the environmental program works in practice on the ships.

“The feedback that we get from guests is supportive of the sustainability work. We get a lot of guest participation in the programs that have been active for many years on the ships. What we want to do is provide them with an opportunity to participate in the sustainability efforts of the company.”

Sustainability participation for guests

“We give guests the opportunity to conserve water by reusing bath towels, similar to other programs in the industry. Because if we eliminate the laundry burden, that just eliminates the need for energy, reduces emissions and reduces waste water.”

On Disney’s private island, guests have the chance to take part in in fun learning activities. At Castaway Cay, the Stingray Encounter is a 60 minute, hands on training experience with live stingrays. This instructor-led educational program has been created through partnerships with animal care experts from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Team. It is one of the most popular Port Adventures.

The idea, Compagnoni says, is to allow guests to engage in a variety of different ways, “whether it’s individual contribution [to the Disney Conservation Fund] or active participation in one of our biodiversity wildlife programs on the island.”

Communicating about sustainability

We know that visitors are becoming more engaged with sustainability issues. More than ever, guests expect attractions to be taking climate action , including having a net zero plan. But how do you balance sustainability communications with delivering a care free holiday?

“That’s a good question, right? I think what we do is a really good job of informing and providing information. I think as time goes on, what we’re going to see is people being more engaged all the time. And we’ll have a consistent opportunity to continue to re-engage and inform at a greater cadence in the future. Because we’ve got a good strategy as we move forward.”

And in terms of the perception of guests of Disney’s environmental initiatives, Compagnoni thinks that: “in general the sustainability goals from the company, and then our initiatives that roll up under that, have been well received.

“We want, from a cruise line perspective, to be a leader as we move with the industry. So that’s a significant area of focus for us. We’re good with being a leader.”

Images and video: Disney

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Disney Wish cruises towards net-zero through fuel efficiency and emission control 

Disney Cruise Line’s VP for safety, security, and environmental policy, talks about the environmental impact of the operator's newest vessel.

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disney cruise line sustainability report

The Walt Disney Company, of which Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary, is aiming to achieve net zero by 2030.  

To support this goal, the 341-metre Disney Wish, the fleet’s newest and fifth ship , has been equipped with technologies and systems that improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and cut energy consumption.  

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Barry Compagnoni, Disney Cruise Line’s VP for safety, security, and environmental policy and compliance, speaks to Ship Technology to explain more. 

disney cruise line sustainability report

Frances Marcellin: Disney Cruise Line has announced that Disney Wish will be “almost 30% more fuel efficient and emit approximately 20% less greenhouse gases”. Can you confirm what that comparison is related to and how it achieves this?  

Barry Compagnoni : Disney Wish is estimated to be nearly 30% more fuel efficient and emit approximately 20% fewer greenhouse gases – these savings are compared to a ship of the same size if it were to use traditional marine fuel and lack the numerous environmental technologies installed throughout. 

It achieves these savings through a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and numerous advances in cruise ship design and technology, including next-generation heating and cooling systems, expansive use of LED lighting, a best-in-class wastewater purification system and hydrodynamic hull and propulsion designs. 

FM: Disney Cruise Line is aiming to be net-zero by 2030, in line with the Walt Disney Company’s goal, which means all carbon emissions will be counterbalanced by carbon removal from operations. What strategies and procedures have been implemented in support of this target? 

BC : In support of The Walt Disney Company’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2030, Disney Cruise Line is dedicated to minimising our impact on the environment through efforts focused on utilising new technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, minimising waste, and promoting conservation worldwide.  

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Across our fleet, each ship has a dedicated environmental officer who is ranked among the most senior leaders onboard and is charged with monitoring the ship’s water quality and supply, training all officers and crew members, and overseeing multiple environmental initiatives.  

Specific to the Disney Wish, the ship was designed to be among the most fuel and energy-efficient cruise ships on the water through a combination of LNG and numerous advances in ship design.  

We are also increasing the use of solar power at our destinations in The Bahamas . A solar array at Disney’s Castaway Cay, located in the Abaco chain of islands, is designed to produce up to 70% of the island’s electricity needs. At our new second island destination, underway in Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point, 90% of the electricity needs will be met by an on-site solar array. 

disney cruise line sustainability report

FM: How does the ultra-low sulphur fuel on four of Disney’s fleet compare to LNG, and why did you decide to use LNG on Disney Wish? What benefits does it bring? 

BC : In 2020, we started using ultra-low-sulphur fuel onboard the Magic and Dream classes of ships to reduce our overall greenhouse gas emissions to levels beyond international regulations that were in place at the time.  

For Disney Wish, we purposefully selected a fuel source that is the cleanest burning marine fuel available at scale today. Compared to traditional diesel or marine fuel, Disney Wish’s use of LNG eliminates nearly all harmful sulphur oxides and particulate matter emissions, reduces the emission of nitrogen oxide by 37%, and reduces onboard carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 20%.  

We’ve also announced that our newly acquired ship [previously known as Global Dream] will be green methanol ready and an early user of one of the most promising low-emission fuels being developed for the maritime industry. 

FM: You have “next-generation heating and cooling systems” on board, please can you describe them? 

BC : Heating and cooling systems aboard any cruise ship are among the main draws on the ship’s electricity, so we looked at these systems with intense scrutiny. For example, we installed variable-control fans that respond in real-time to the heating and cooling needs across the ship, delivering the right amount of air to the right places at the right time.  

Even the fans in the ship’s engine room and galleys are speed-controlled to ensure a comfortable temperature for our crew while saving energy. Added up, using these responsive fans across the ship saves approximately 1,500 tonnes of fuel each year compared to using traditional systems that don’t adjust their speeds or respond to room conditions. 

Another innovation that I especially like to share is how we turn hot into cold aboard the ship. Briefly, the LNG fuel is supercooled when it is brought onboard and must be warmed before it can power the ship. We use excess heat from the engine to warm the LNG, which then provides us with leftover cold energy that was pulled out of the fuel tanks. We recycle that cold energy to chill the water that feeds our air conditioning units.  

This interconnected system saves Disney Wish another 200 tonnes of fuel per year. 

disney cruise line sustainability report

FM: LED lighting powers 90% of lighting on board, what benefits does it bring?  

BC : Using LED lighting for approximately 90% of all lighting needs on the Disney Wish reduces energy consumption from lighting by nearly 30%. Additionally, LED bulbs give off less heat than traditional incandescent ones, so we see even more energy savings as the ship’s air conditioning systems can run a bit less.  

Looking across the fleet, we continue to install more LED bulbs onboard our Magic and Dream classes of ship. In fact, we just converted all guest stateroom lighting to LED bulbs aboard the Disney Magic during her recent drydock.  

FM: What water purification systems are you using? 

BC : All Disney Cruise Line ships feature Advanced Wastewater Purification (AWP) systems that utilise natural processes to treat and purify onboard wastewater to levels far exceeding international shipping standards and in some cases shoreside potable water standards.  

The AWP onboard the Disney Wish is best-in-class from an energy consumption perspective, it saves more than 500 tonnes of fuel each year compared to a more traditional AWP. 

FM: A press release states that “Disney Wish will save approximately 7.5 million gallons of fresh water each year by recycling naturally occurring condensation and using it for onboard laundry facilities and cleaning” – can you describe the process that makes this possible? 

BC : Just like water droplets form on the outside of a cold cup, condensation accumulates on our ship’s air conditioning units.  

Across our fleet, we capture that naturally occurring fresh, clean water and re-purpose it to clean the outer decks of our ships and in our onboard laundry facilities.  

Disney Wish also makes freshwater at sea exclusively through reverse osmosis, which uses a series of filters and membranes to convert seawater into potable water. Doing so minimises our need to have any fresh water delivered to the ship. 

disney cruise line sustainability report

FM: Can you describe how the hydrodynamic hull and propeller limit the ship’s water resistance and reduce the amount of engine power needed to propel the ship? 

BC : The hull and propulsion system were designed to help Disney Wish glide through the water with ease. To start, the overall shape of the ship – from bow to stern – was intentionally streamlined for the ship’s cruising speed to reduce its drag while at sea. The hull is also coated with a slick, silicone-based paint that further reduces friction against the water and even helps reduce marine life growth on the bottom of the ship.  

As for the propulsion system, the ship uses two Azipod units, which are hydrodynamically efficient and allow for the hull’s streamlined design. The ship’s Azipods can also adjust their angle in precise ways to respond to changing conditions underwater, further increasing their ability to efficiently propel the ship. Even the propellors attached to the Azipods were optimally designed for peak performance.  

Combined, this approach saves the Disney Wish 1,800 tonnes of fuel annually when compared to a similar-sized ship without these innovations. By using less fuel, the ship will reduce its annual emissions by 6%. 

The hulls of our Magic and Dream classes of ships are also coated with a special blend of materials that both reduce friction and limit the growth of marine life.  

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Sustainable cruises: 6 cruise lines making progress.

These cruise lines are taking steps toward eco-conscious cruising.

Sustainable Cruises

The Hon. Philip Edward Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, speaks at the ground-breaking of the Marine Conservation Center at Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas on November 18, 2021.

James McEntee | Courtesy of AP Images for MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises' conservation effort is just one of many sustainable choices cruise lines are adopting.

Cruising comes with a lot of positives – it's fun, relaxing, convenient and often relatively affordable. But when it comes to the environment, it isn't all smooth sailing. According to recent research, a large cruise ship can result in a carbon footprint greater than that of 12,000 cars. Another study found that an individual traveler's carbon footprint is roughly eight times greater than the carbon footprint of a person vacationing on land.

"When we measure sustainability, it's important to look at the whole picture, and overall, cruise ships are too big, too dirty and too invasive to pristine ecosystems to be considered sustainable or environmentally conscious," says Marcie Keever, director of oceans and vessels at environmentalist group Friends of the Earth. "Their   significant carbon footprint and ongoing use of polluting scrubber technology that continues to result in the dumping of toxic chemicals into the ocean are two major issues."

So, how does that translate for the average cruiser – and what can you do to make a difference? While some environmentally conscious travelers may choose to take a vacation on land, those who would like to stick with a cruise getaway should consider their options carefully. Not all cruise lines are created equal, and some are making more progress than others in implementing policies around more sustainable fuel types, hybrid-electric ships and their commitments to a cleaner future.

If your heart is set on taking a cruise vacation , consider these tips to leave less of an impact on the environment during your trip.

  • Opt for a shorter voyage (or a smaller ship):  One simple way to keep the environment in mind during your vacation at sea is by choosing a shorter itinerary and avoiding massive megaships built to carry thousands of people. "Some cruise lines are limiting the length of cruise runs which is a good start, and [they] are also commissioning smaller vessels to travel shorter distances for shorter periods of time," says Keever. Opting for a midsize ship or a  small ship  and a three- or four-night voyage over a cruise lasting seven to 10 days will keep the mileage to a minimum, which in turn will limit the carbon emissions and other damage inflicted upon the environment.
  • Choose a cruise line that values transparency:  In an effort to keep cruisegoers in the loop, many cruise lines have begun making public commitments to improve their operations. On top of that, some have also started including annual sustainability reports on their websites. Major lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line all earned an "A" for transparency on Friends of the Earth's 2022 Cruise Line Report Card, which the organization based on the cruise lines' willingness to provide detailed information about environmental practices when asked.

Below, you'll find six cruise lines around the world that are working toward a greener future on the high seas.

Hurtigruten Norway

The largest expedition cruise line in the world, Hurtigruten highlights four pillars on its journey toward sustainability: emissions, people, community and nature. To protect destinations from the effects of overtourism, the line avoids popular areas during peak seasons, restricts the number of guests on shore and limits the size of its vessels. Hurtigruten's ships also source about 80% of their food from local providers and work to minimize the amount of food waste on board.

Perhaps most impactful is Hurtigruten's current work to develop state-of-the-art, eco-conscious vessels. Between 2020 and 2021, the expedition line debuted three battery-powered hybrid-electric ships, and all 14 vessels can be connected to shore power while in port (if the option is available at that destination).

"Hurtigruten is looking to launch zero-emissions ships, which will reduce the amount of heavy fuel they use," notes Keever. The first of these ships is set to launch by 2030; the line is aiming for carbon neutral operations by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

The cruise provider also uses other eco-conscious equipment and transportation options on tours, including power through solar panels, electric snowmobiles and tour buses, hybrid sightseeing boats and battery-powered catamarans.

disney cruise line sustainability report

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Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

MSC Cruises

MSC Foundation on MSC Euribia.

Ivan Sarfatti | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

With the goal of achieving a 40% emissions reduction by 2030 and total net-zero cruising by 2050, MSC Cruises ' commitment to the environment spans each of its 20-plus ships. The line has been steadily working toward a more sustainable future for the past 15 years: Since 2008, it has reduced its carbon emissions by 35%. Much of the more recent success stems from MSC's use of liquid natural gas (LNG). The line currently operates two LNG-fueled vessels – MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia – and a third natural gas-powered ship is in the works. Euribia's inaugural sailing in June 2023 was the first net-zero greenhouse gas emissions voyage in history, saving 43 tons of fuel.

Additional environmental efforts include the use of shore energy when in port (as of 2022, 65% of MSC's ships were fitted or retrofitted to use shore power), water-saving technologies that allow ships to self-produce almost all of their water supply on board (to the tune of almost 800,000 gallons maximum per day) and smaller scale features like energy-efficient lighting and ventilation systems.

The eco-conscious initiatives continue on land, where travelers can opt for special shore excursions called "Protectours." These outings are centered on low-impact transportation – think: walking, kayaking, cycling and use of electric or hybrid shuttles. Select Caribbean itineraries may also visit the unspoiled beaches of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line's private island in the Bahamas . Formerly used as an industrial sand excavation site, Ocean Cay covers 64 square miles of marine reserve and is home to 400 restored coral reef colonies, as well as a variety of bird, fish and other marine species. The island runs on a mix of solar panels and energy-efficient power sources; and single-use plastics are prohibited.

Book an MSC Cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Aurora Expeditions

Exterior of the Aurora Expeditions Sylvia Earle ship in Antarctica.

Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Billed as 100% climate neutral and a member of two sustainability groups – the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators – Aurora Expeditions is committed to responsible cruising. The line carries small groups of adventurers on 10- to 26-day voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica and other less-traveled destinations, such as the Patagonia wilderness.

To offset its greenhouse gas emissions, Aurora Expeditions invests in two climate action initiatives: a renewable energy wind farm in Taiwan and a conservation program in Australia. Environmentally focused cruisers may feel most at home aboard the Sylvia Earle expedition ship, which has seven decks all named after well-known ocean preservationists. On day six of each itinerary on the Sylvia Earle, Aurora hosts a Sustainable Sea Day, when seafood is not served on board to help protect marine populations.

Additional environmental efforts include specialized water and waste management systems, efficient onboard energy sources, reduced single-use plastics, locally sourced food, eco-friendly products on board and more. On top of that, two of Aurora Expeditions' ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, feature a fuel-efficient bow design that can travel at higher speeds while reducing wave-load vibrations, which in turn produces fewer emissions.

Havila Voyages

Havila Voyages debuted in late 2021 and operates four small ships along the Norwegian coast. Hybrid vessels are equipped with the largest ship battery packs found among passenger ships, which power each ship for up to four hours with zero emissions. The ships utilize LNG for the remaining route; between the natural gas and battery power, carbon emissions are cut by 35%. Havila has the goal of reaching climate-neutral operations by 2028 and emission-free operations by 2030.

On board, Havila serves locally sourced meals and is committed to reducing food waste; as such, there are no buffets. In 2022, the line successfully limited the daily average food waste per passenger to 71 grams (about 2.5 ounces). Havila ships also minimize the amount of paper and plastic products on board, encouraging guests to bring and refill reusable water bottles instead.

Travelers looking to go the extra mile have the option of participating in Havila's Eco-Voyager Program, which challenges guests to make environmentally friendly choices while on board. Items on the checklist include reusing towels and opting for room service every other day, recycling any trash at the ship's dedicated stations, unplugging device chargers when not in use and more. The line also offers eco-excursions in port; tour groups are kept small and Havila partners with local providers that utilize eco-friendly transportation, like battery-powered buses.

Virgin Voyages

Noodle Around eatery in The Galley on Virgin Voyages ship.

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Like other lines on this list, Virgin Voyages aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Virgin's ships are all on the newer side (the line's first ship, Scarlet Lady , debuted in 2021), so they benefit from modern technology that optimizes energy and fuel usage. Additionally, the ships boast futuristic features like in-room energy-saving sensors to operate the lights, curtains and air conditioning, as well as smart wearable bands (used as room keys, for boarding and more) made of recycled ocean plastic.

Virgin's ships serve ethically sourced seafood and other local ingredients, and they do not have any buffets, which helps lower food waste on board. There is also an onboard recycling system, and single-use plastics are not on any ships. In fact, Virgin primarily offers sustainable products for all of its paper, plastic and other disposable items (using materials like wheat and sugar cane stalks). 

All three of Virgin Voyages' vessels utilize bipolar ionization (BPI) systems shipwide. "Dozens of cruise companies have made their ships more sustainable by adding BPI technology to their HVAC systems," says Steve Levine, president and CEO of sustainable indoor air technology company AtmosAir Solutions. "BPI devices make ships more energy efficient by lowering the amount of outside air that needs to be brought into a ship, essentially recycling and treating the air indoors and saving energy."

Book a Virgin Voyages cruise on GoToSea.

Silhouette of Le Ponant yacht against setting sun.

Courtesy of Ponant

Founded in 1988, PONANT is a French-owned luxury line of expedition yachts. The line is working toward six major environmental goals: minimizing nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions, reducing carbon emissions, banning single-use plastics, reusing and tracing all waste, investing in scientific research and supporting the development of protected marine areas.

In practice, PONANT utilizes high-quality wastewater treatment systems, navigation technology to help reduce fuel usage, and locally sourced food and drinks. On top of that, 60% of packaging on board is recycled, and PONANT regularly organizes beach cleanups. In 2018, PONANT founded the PONANT Foundation, which aims to support conservation efforts across the oceans and polar regions.

PONANT's Le Commandant Charcot expedition ship runs on a combination of battery power and LNG, and the line was the first to be awarded Green Marine certification for its commitments to improving its sustainability.

Why Trust U.S. News

Nicola Wood is a senior travel editor who manages the U.S. News Best Cruise Lines rankings. She is always reading up on the ways cruise lines are evolving and working toward a more sustainable future. Her passion for the environment extends beyond the cruising industry; in fact, she and some of her colleagues recently worked with EARTHDAY.ORG to pick up almost 750 pounds of trash along the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., in celebration of U.S. News & World Report's 90th anniversary . Wood used her researching skills and guidance from environmental experts to write this article.

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The Strategy Story

Environmental Sustainability| The Walt Disney Company |CSR Strategy – Part 2

Earlier, we navigated through Disney’s Inclusion Strategy and Content Strategy for Social Impact.

Ever-Evolving CSR Strategy | The Walt Disney Company | Part 1

Now, it is time to dive in and see how Disney is taking care of its environmental responsibilities and is creating an impact through the empowerment of the creators of tomorrow.

Environmental Responsibilities:

Disney’s environmental sustainability is a whole gamut of activities. Few of them have been in play for a while, and others are just getting started.

The environmental targets focus on:

  • Zero Emissions
  • Water and Oceans
  • Reducing Waste
  • Lower Impact Products
  • Building Sustainability

Zero Emissions:

To achieve this target, Disney is committed to produce or purchase 100% zero-carbon electricity for its direct operations globally by 2030. Disney is putting efforts globally to achieve this goal.

For example, Disneyland Paris uses geothermal energy to help power its onsite theme parks & resorts. The Disney Cruise line at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas uses solar power to heat water for its crew on the island.

Fuel innovation is the other step to achieve this goal. Disney Cruise Line uses innovative hull coating on its ships . This coating is 100 percent non-toxic to the marine environment, and it is effective in increasing fuel efficiency by reducing surface resistance in open water.

Water and Oceans:

Within this target area, Disney focuses on Water Stewardship and Responsible Seafood. As expected from a group like Walt Disney, Disney Conservation Fund has awarded more than $1.5 million to non-profit organizations supporting water stewardship efforts.

Responsible seafood indeed sounds like an exciting area to commit to. As per the statement on the company website – Beginning in 2022, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will serve 100% responsibly sourced seafood in our US parks and resorts . This initiative and its success could guide other cruise liners and the seafood industry as a whole.

Insert Video:

Reducing Waste:

One of Disney’s audacious goals is to achieve zero waste to landfill to its wholly-owned and operated parks and resorts by 2030. A commendable feat in this direction is eliminating single-use plastic straws and stirrers at all Disney-owned and operated locations across the globe.

This small change led to a reduction of more than a 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually. Disney is also reducing plastics in guest rooms of its hotels and cruises by almost 80%.

Lower Impact of Products:

The vast world of Walt Disney merchandise holds the potential of creating a severe environmental impact. Disney is aware of it. The company has set a target for all facilities to participate in the Higg index or maintain a sustainable manufacturing certification by 2030.

It is also focused on using 100% recycled content or the content from certified sustainable sources for its paper products, textiles, or plastics used in its branded products and packaging.

Building Sustainability:

With properties and buildings worldwide, it is natural that Disney is focusing on building sustainably. Disney Imagineers are no strangers to challenges, and the latest one involves establishing a rigorous set of design standards to guide the development of sustainable buildings. All Disney sets and attractions are now being designed to minimize waste, water, and energy.

A Sustainability Success Story: The Call of the Wild

Bringing stories to life is at the heart of everything that happens in the world of Disney. Needless to say, the examples of sustainability would also become more evident in these stories. Production of the movie The Call of the Wild is one such example.

Disney’s 20 th Century Studios wanted to produce the film in the most environmentally responsible way possible. From the earliest days of production, the cast and crew dedicated themselves to reducing waste, recycling used materials, prioritizing responsible food service, and embracing renewable energy. These efforts helped the project divert more than 82% of its waste from landfills and generate significant cost and carbon savings in the process.

The Call of the Wild worked with Earth’s Oceans Foundation, an organization that recycles and repurposes used plastic into products for commercial and personal use. The foundation recovered 4.75 tons of used plastic from the sets, including hard to recycle plastics.

The production of this film was planned with attention to detail. Every film production person knows the amount of paper consumed while producing a film. In this case, the production office purchase 100% recycled content paper for white copy and 30% recycled content paper for colored copy. It saved more than 1,044 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions*.

Some other achievements that made this film an environmentally sustainable production are:

  • The cast and crew were gifted refillable water bottles because single-use plastic bottles were banned on all six filming locations. It avoided the use of over 200,000 plastic bottles and saved about $33,000*.
  • A rigorous food service plan that included vegan options, local produce, and organic food was put in place. More than 30,000 pounds of food and cutlery were composted. It all resulted in avoiding the emissions of 22,111 pounds of greenhouse gas*.
  • Leftovers were collected and donated to the communities in need. The crew collectively donated 1,515 pounds of food, providing more than 1,250 meals*.
  • Shooting long term at one location, Sable Ranch, allowed the crew to install solar-powered generators, electric vehicle charging stations and solar-powered trailers. It became an example of energy efficiency.
  • Sable Ranch asked for The Call of the Wild  sets to remain on their land for future film projects permanently. This reuse of materials avoided tons of landfill waste*.
  • The foam vendor bought back 17 of the 21 tons of foam purchased by the Set Construction for reuse and recycling*.

Overall, The Call of the Wild is an inspirational example for any movie production company around the globe.

Way Forward:

Disney consistently shows its commitment to creating a better world around us through its stories and experiences. The goals are in place, the tactics are on a roll, and the achievements are measured. The next generation of creators is also getting the opportunity to bring change through initiatives like Disney Launchpad – Shorts Incubator.

The future seems promising. There will always be things that some would like and others would not, but commitment and results matter. Disney’s thought-through plans and measurable actions focused on sustainable development are showcasing both.

The next step is for consumers to play their part and make these efforts successful by contributing consciously.

* Reference for The Call of the Wild:

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Shilpika is a part of the colourful world of Content Creation and Brand Marketing. With 15 years of video content development and marketing experience in three continents of Asia, Europe and Canada, she currently plays a dual role in the Canadian Market: A Managing Partner with a film and video content production start-up Diaspora Creative Inc. and a Marketing Manager with a full-service Marketing Agency - Crew Marketing Partners.

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  • CDP,Climate Change – B
  • Sustainalytics, ESG Risk rating (Low Risk)

Market Capitalisation

190,000 (2021)

Content source

  • Contact Us – The Walt Disney Company
  • https://www.forbes.com/companies/walt-disney/?sh=6a1e8e157307
  • https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/DIS/disney/number-of-employees#:~:text=Interactive%20chart%20of%20Disney%20(DIS,a%208.97%25%20decline%20from%202019)
  • The Walt Disney Company Reports Third Quarter and Nine Months Earnings for Fiscal 2022
  • 168 Reviews: What Is It Like to Work At Disney Consumer Products? | Glassdoor

Evaluation of Disney

The Report describes very clearly the company’s initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion; support environmental sustainability by taking steps to safeguard the environment; and inspire, and uplift local communities via charity contributions. 

The report also emphasises Disney’s dedication to operating ethically and to putting its employees and cast members first. They take place in many listings and they have good index scores. 

Lastly, The Disney Conservation Fund has given more than $1.5 million to water conservation charities. Disney is also cutting the amount of plastic in its hotel rooms and on its cruise ships by over 80%. 

The goal of Disney’s 20th Century Studios was to make the movie as sustainably as possible and it plans to utilise exclusively power generated from renewable sources. In conclusion, it is clear from their development that they are making progress toward becoming a fully sustainable company, but based on current findings the company is rated a C with a Positive outlook.

Sustainability Scorecard

disney cruise line sustainability report

Disney Company Activity

The Walt Disney Co. is a media and family entertainment company with a global reach. Media Networks, Parks, Experiences and Products, Studio Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer and International are its operating segments (DTCI). Television production and distribution companies, domestic television stations, radio networks, and cable and broadcast television networks are all included in the Media Networks category. The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort in California, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, the Disney Vacation Club, the Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney are all owned and operated by the Parks, Experiences and Products sector. Live-action and animated feature movies, direct-to-video material, musical records, and live stage plays are all produced and acquired by the Studio Entertainment sector. Among the film distribution companies represented in this area are Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Touchstone. The DTCI division grants licenses to a variety of manufacturers, game developers, publishers, and retailers across the world for the use of the company’s trade names, characters, and visual and literary assets. Additionally, it creates and releases books, periodicals, and comic books in addition to games, particularly on mobile devices. Additionally, this category directly distributes branded goods through wholesale, internet, and retail companies. On October 16, 1923, Walter Elias Disney established The Walt Disney, which has its main office in Burbank, California.

Disney Sustainability Activity - As per company declarations

Disney has been operating with the long-term goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions since 2009. When it is feasible, they are reducing their emissions first through avoided emissions and then by other means, such as investing in the development of low-carbon fuels and running their activities on carbon-free electricity. Any emissions still left over will be offset by investments in high-quality, independently certified emissions reductions (carbon credits) from global initiatives that support better land management, reforestation, and the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. They are dedicated to lowering their Scope 3 emissions, or those generated during the manufacture and distribution of their goods and services in addition to their direct activities. By the end of 2022, they want to establish a reduction target for The Walt Disney Company’s Scope 3 emissions footprint that is based on research.

 Their efforts in people acquisition, retention, and development are focused on building a solid, varied, and vibrant staff. Disney uses a variety of strategies to find and attract talented people from different backgrounds, such as inclusive and accessible language in job descriptions, diverse candidate slates, interview panels, and marketing positions on platforms that cater to underserved demographics. They are dedicated to openness regarding their diversity, equality, and inclusion measures, including the presence of women and people of color at various levels in their workforce, and they are working to ensure that their staff matches their target consumers.

 They concentrate their philanthropic giving on initiatives that support attempts to build a world of hope, a world of balance, and a world of belonging. To that aim, they focus their charitable giving on expanding access and opportunities for the next generation of storytellers, safeguarding the earth for both humans and wildlife, and providing support and joy to communities in need as well as families with very sick children. Their goal is to allocate more than half of their yearly philanthropic donations to initiatives that aid underserved areas via all they do.

Certificate & Labels, Standards and Frameworks

  • Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) 
  • Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 
  • Task-force on Climate-related Disclosures (TFCD) 
  • Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
  • National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
  • National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
  • Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Disney in the news: Press Reviews and Social Media

Environmental Sustainability| The Walt Disney Company |CSR Strategy – Part 2

Disney is working to meet its goal of zero emissions. The most notable one is the use of geothermal energy to power the resorts and theme parks that are on-site. Solar energy is used by the Disney Cruise Line to heat water for its personnel on Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. The other stage to achieving this aim is fuel innovation. On its ships, Disney Cruise Line employs cutting-edge hull coating. The Disney Conservation Fund has given non-profit groups that promote water conservation initiatives more than $1.5 million. Disney is also cutting the amount of plastic in its hotel rooms and on its cruise ships by over 80%. For its paper goods, textiles, or plastics used in its branded products and packaging, it is also focused on utilizing only content that is 100% recycled or that comes from sources that are recognized as sustainable. The goal of Disney’s 20th Century Studios was to make the movie as sustainably as possible. The cast and crew made a commitment to cutting waste, recycling old materials, putting responsible food service first, and embracing renewable energy from the very beginning of production. Through these measures, the project was able to keep more than 82% of its trash out of landfills, saving both money and carbon.

10 Things Disney Does To Be Environmentally Sustainable – DVC Shop

The following are 10 actions taken by Disney at Walt Disney World Resort to promote environmental sustainability, as listed in the Walt Disney Company’s 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report:

  • Edison-style LED lights have been put in the parks to cut energy use in addition to the Mickey-shaped solar panel system that currently powers Walt Disney World Resort.
  • In parking lots of the Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, and Disney Springs, EV charging stations have been erected for visitors and workers of Walt Disney World.
  • To save the woods in Northern California, the firm and The Conservation Fund started working together in 2009.
  • Rebuilding depleted fish supplies and minimizing the negative effects of fishing and fish farming on the environment and society are goals shared by Walt Disney World and Sustainable Fisheries.
  • In order to choose both wild and farmed fish for the menus at Walt Disney World Parks, Walt Disney has teamed with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Disney chefs strive to provide the tastiest sustainable fish dinners possible.
  • By collecting food waste, giving food and products, sorting and reusing materials, lowering the use of single-use and other plastics, and recycling, they strive to promote responsible consumption and production.
  • In a composting facility, organic waste from Walt Disney World is turned into a nutrient-rich soil product that is utilized to feed the plants there.
  • At Walt Disney World Resort, single-use plastic straws and stirrers are no longer offered.
  • Cast members working in the food and beverage departments at Walt Disney World are now donning brand-new aprons made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

Apple and Disney among companies backing groups against US climate bill | US political lobbying | The Guardian

Leading American corporations are supporting organizations that oppose historic climate legislation. Chuck Schumer, the leader of the senate, has referred to the bill as the “most important climate action in our country’s history.” Within ten years, Microsoft has pledged to become “carbon negative,” and within the same time period, Disney plans to utilize exclusively power generated from renewable sources. To stop the law from being passed, the US Chamber of Commerce has promised to “do all we can.” Executives from Microsoft, Intuit, United Airlines, and Deloitte are represented on its board. Another lobbying organization called the Rate Coalition, which counts Disney, FedEx, and Verizon among its members, is preparing a massive advertising campaign to support the legislation’s demise. The bill would establish a system to phase out emissions from the US electricity system, provide payments to prop up carbon-free nuclear energy and support the adoption of electric vehicles. As the first major attempt at climate legislation in more than a decade, the bill comes at a time when scientists warn the world is rapidly running out of time to avoid catastrophic climate change.

Disney faces backlash over LGBTQ controversy: ‘It’s just pure nonsense’ | Walt Disney Company | The Guardian  

Disney’s reputation for inclusivity and tolerance is under scrutiny – as are its deep ties to the political establishment and the lack of LGBTQ representation in its films and Dinsey employees took it to the streets.

Disney’s 27 Biggest Controversies

Discover Walt Disney Company’s biggest controversies. 

Highlights from Disney Sustainability Report

Achievements  

  • Increased Board Oversight By formalising oversight of ESG and specific ESG priority issues
  • Started reporting on renewable energy use
  • 46% of Employees Self-identify as people of color in the U.S.
  • 50% of Employees Self-identify as women globally
  • HBCU Engagement Deepened through Disney on the Yard launch
  • Inclusion Standards Introduced to drive representation in front of and behind the camera
  • Solar Arrays Installed On Castaway Cay and at Hong Kong Disneyland
  • New Solar Announced Including two new 75MW facilities in Florida, expected in 2023
  • Plastic-free Packaging Introduced for the line of classic dolls
  • 61% or 80,000+ Tons Of total Company operational waste diverted from landfill
  • Sustainable Seafood Made up 95% of seafood served in U.S. parks, resorts, and cruise line
  • $120M+ Invested In community conservation efforts since 1995
  • $290M+ Charitable Giving Total in FY21, including $150M+ directed to underrepresented communities
  • 400,000+ Disney-themed products delivered to 500+ children’s hospitals in the U.S. & Canada
  • 5 Hospital Installations Brought Disney experiences to 4 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and 1 in Singapore
  • 320+ Tons Food Donated By Disney Parks to support communities impacted by COVID-19 (=540,000 meals)
  • 340,000+ Service Hours Contributed by employees and cast members through Disney VoluntEARS
  • Nearly $95M Matched In employee giving through Matching Gifts & VoluntEARS grants in the past decade

Weaknesses and Setbacks 

  • Poor reporting 7 of 11 Board Directors Represent gender, racial, or ethnic diversity, including Chairman & committee chairs
  • Some of Disney’s actions contradict its carefully curated image, such as going against climate bill in the US or political ties with anti-LGBT establishement

Targets vs Progress Reported

Un sdgs compliance analysis.

Progress made toward SDG targets As reported by Microsoft

disney cruise line sustainability report

  • preserves forest that provides basic needs and cultural identity for more than 2,500 Bunong households,
  • provides access to clean water for more than 4,000 people

SDG 3 for Gucci

  • In 2021, they joined a coalition of leading media companies and mental health experts in recognition of the powerful role storytelling can play in addressing mental health challenges
  • Enhanced their Employee Assistance Program to include complimentary consultations with therapists and counselors, 
  • Trained their human resources staff on mental health topics. 
  • Offered digital well-being solutions through Talkpsace, Headspace, Unmind, and Grokker, as well as ongoing wellness initiatives, such as health coaching, fitness discounts, and exercise benefits
  • They created educational and science-driven materials that addressed the facts, myths, and more about COVID-19 and the vaccines, which were collectively viewed more than 350,000 times by their employees from launch through the end of FY21
  • Facilitated for employees to get vaccinated by offering on-site distribution centers in the U.S. in California, Florida, Connecticut, and France
  • They have a longstanding commitment to ensuring they promote healthier foods and beverages to kids and families through their Healthy Living program, and supported by their Nutrition Guidelines policy
  • Met Nutrition Guidelines in 2021, with 100% of food & beverage advertising on media platforms oriented to kids and families meeting Policy

disney cruise line sustainability report

  • In 2020-2021, with the support of Disney funding, FIRST provided STEM program access to more than 318,000 students worldwide, including more than 50,000 students from underrepresented communities in the U.S
  • In FY21, they distributed more than 4.5 million books to children in need through their First Book donation program

SDG 5 Gender Equality

  • For the sixth year, Disney hosted the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program in 2021
  • In FY21, 50% of employees worldwide self-identified as women

SDG 5

  • The Disney Conservation Fund provided grant funding to watershed protection and restoration projects in Florida and Southern California in FY21
  • They implemented site-specific water stewardship strategies at their high-impact sites

disney cruise line sustainability report

  • They completed the installation of a solar array on Castaway Cay, which will power ~70% of the island
  • Hong Kong Disneyland has installed more than 5,000 solar panels and is the single largest solar panel site in Hong Kong
  • In Florida, Walt Disney World and Reedy Creek Improvement District began development of two new 75MW solar facilities, which are expected to come online in 2023
  • For the past 15 years, Disney Parks have invested $24 million in energy efficiency projects calculated to reduce a cumulative 1.1 million MWh of energy use

disney cruise line sustainability report

  • Since 2012, their Supply Chain Investment Program (SCIP) has provided more than $23 million in financial and programmatic support to more than 40 unique programs driving innovation in addressing supply chain labour standards
  • International Labor Standards (ILS) program informs Disney’s Standards of Business Conduct, Human Rights Policy, and Code of Conduct for Manufacturers, along with a range of other responsible business expectations, the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business, and Human Rights and the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
  • At the end of 2021, more than 12,500 employees were enrolled in Disney Aspire, a program providing financial support for education and personal development
  • D Learn content was consumed nearly 1.5 million times by employees throughout the year. They introduced Flexibility @ Disney, a new way of working that introduces more permanent flexibility
  • $23M+ in Support Provided through a Supply Chain Investment Program (SCIP) since 2012 to drive improvements in working conditions

SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

  • 29,000+ passionate employees offer their time, expertise, and cultural insights through Business Employee Resource Groups
  • More than $150 million in charitable giving contributed to programs serving underrepresented communities
  • Approximately $450 million spent with certified diverse-owned Tier 1 vendors in FY21
  • Launched the Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination and Diversity Dashboard
  • Shanghai Disney Resort hosted an accessibility forum to share inclusion initiatives and career progression advice for people with disabilities
  • Launched Disney on the Yard, a multifaceted initiative to deepen their relationships with HBCUs
  • Continued to develop Inclusion Standards to increase inclusion of underrepresented groups on screen, in writing and directing jobs, and below the line
  • Launched Onyx Collective, a new content brand on Hulu designed to curate a slate of premium entertainment by creators of color and underrepresented voices
  • Founding sponsor of the groundbreaking industry incubator National Association of Latino Independent Producers, which addresses the underrepresentation of Latino creatives in the entertainment industry
  • They are reimagining their products and attractions to be more inclusive, such as a new attraction based on The Princess and the Frog at Disneyland and adaptive, sensory-friendly costumes and wheelchair coverings
  • ​​7 of 11 Board Directors Represent gender, racial, or ethnic diversity, including Chairman & committee chairs

SDG 11

  • Provided more than $290 million in cash and in-kind charitable contributions
  • More than 340,000 hours of service were contributed by Disney VoluntEARS in FY21
  • Contributed to disaster relief efforts by supporting the American Red Cross’ Annual Disaster Giving Program, UNICEF, and Good360

disney cruise line sustainability report

  • Diverted 61%, or 80,000+ tons, of total Company operational waste from landfills and incinerators
  • Established a new, rigorous set of internal Sustainable Design Standards
  • Established a cross-functional consumer products working group to help their Global Product Creation team and external partners understand how they can minimise waste
  • Launched new plastic-free packaging for their line of classic dolls

SDG 13 Climate Action

  • Committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030
  • Participating in a low-carbon shipping pilot with Maersk ECO Delivery, as well as the Clean Cargo initiative

disney cruise line sustainability report

  • Continued their 18+ year commitment to sea turtle conservation
  • Achieved a 95% sustainable seafood sourcing rate within our U.S. Disney parks, resorts, and cruise line
  • For nearly 15 years, their teams have been working to protect and restore the coral reefs outside Disney’s Castaway Cay in The Bahamas, with more than 2,000 corals planted

SDG 15 Life on Land

  • Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has invested more than $120 million in community-led conservation efforts spanning half the countries of the world since inception
  • In FY21, DCF provided more than $6 million in grants, supporting 60 non-profit organizations working across 30 countries
  • Hundreds of species and 315 million habitat acres have been protected since DCF’s inception
  • In Brazil, Walt Disney Imagineers helped inspire designs for wildlife overpasses that connect forests and are critical for the survival of remaining golden lion tamarin monkeys

SDG 16

  • They conduct their business in accordance with high standards of business ethics and comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations
  • Their Standards of Business Conduct applies to all employees and Disney’s Code of Conduct for Manufacturers sets forth requirements for manufacturers of their products with respect to labour standards and working conditions

SDG 17 - Partnership

  • They are a member of several trade organisations with which they engage to support social and environmental actions, such as Business for Social Responsibility and Ceres Corporate Network

Sustainability Certificates, Awards and Listings

disney cruise line sustainability report

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Carnival Corp. Releases 2023 Sustainability Report

  • April 10, 2024

Carnival Jubilee Arrives in Galveston

Carnival Corporation has released its 14th annual sustainability report detailing meaningful progress in its six sustainability focus areas, including toward its highest-priority goals supporting climate action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting a circular economy model to reduce waste.

The company said achieved several 2030 environmental goals well in advance and is tracking ahead of schedule on a number of other key targets, including GHG intensity reductions. Details are outlined in the full report, titled “Sustainable from Ship to Shore,” and available on the company’s website at www.CarnivalSustainability.com .

“Thanks to our 160,000 remarkable team members who show up every day with passion and dedication, 2023 was a year of significant accomplishments across the board,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO and chief climate officer for Carnival Corporation. “We achieved record-breaking financial performance, welcomed three stunning new ships, expanded our global presence to over 800 incredible destinations and communities, and delivered unforgettable happiness to 12.5 million guests by providing them with extraordinary cruise vacations.\

Added Weinstein: “We also demonstrated our continued commitment to leading the way in making cruising more sustainable, marked by amazing progress toward reaching – and in many cases, exceeding – our vital 2030 environmental performance targets. Since we’re so aggressively tracking toward all our 2030 sustainability goals, we’re evaluating new interim targets along our pursuit of net zero GHG emissions by 2050.”

Highlights;

  • GHG Intensity: Tracking toward its 2030 goal four years ahead of schedule, the company formally committed to reducing its GHG intensity by at least 20% by 2026 (versus 2019 levels; measured on a lower berth capacity basis). The company expects this performance to put it ahead of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 carbon intensity reduction timeline.
  • Shore Power: Surpassing its 2030 goal in 2023 – seven years early – the company now leads the industry with 64% of its fleet shore power-capable, meaning it has twice as many ships able to “plug in” than there are ports equipped to provide shore power. The company is now working closely with port authorities worldwide to foster increased adoption of this important technology.
  • Particulate Matter: Recording a 68% reduction in absolute particulate matter emissions (versus the 2015 baseline), the company continued accelerating well beyond its 2030 goal to reduce particulate matter emissions by 50%.
  • Food Waste: Achieving a 38% reduction in food waste per person (versus the 2019 baseline), the company came within two percentage points of reaching its 2025 goal to reduce food waste by 40% and continues efforts toward achieving its 50% food reduction goal by 2030.
  • Single-Use Items: As of 2023, the company had cut down enormously on single-use items and plastics, eliminating ~500 million single-use items from the fleet by the end of last year (compared to 2018) – outpacing its 2030 50% reduction goal, which it initially surpassed in 2021, nine years early.
  • Advanced Waste Water Treatment Systems: Finishing the year just a few points shy of its 2030 goal to outfit 75% of its fleet capacity with AWWTS, in 2023, the company had completed installation of systems covering 70% of the company’s fleet capacity, purifying even more water used onboard to municipal-water quality before releasing it back to nature.

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IMAGES

  1. Disney Cruise Line Earns Award Recognition for Environmental

    disney cruise line sustainability report

  2. Disney Provides Details on Its Environmental Sustainability Goals Over

    disney cruise line sustainability report

  3. Disney Cruise Line Earns Award Recognition for Environmental

    disney cruise line sustainability report

  4. Disney Cruise Line Environmental Efforts Honored by the Port of

    disney cruise line sustainability report

  5. Disney Sets New, Ambitious Environmental Goals for 2030

    disney cruise line sustainability report

  6. Disney Goes Even Greener as it Expands Conservation Efforts

    disney cruise line sustainability report

COMMENTS

  1. ESG Reporting

    ESG Reporting Center. As a global Company operating in many industries and geographies, our CSR strategy is informed by our consideration of a wide, complex, and evolving set of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. In prioritizing areas for focus we consider an issue's importance to our businesses and society, as well as input ...

  2. PDF 2030 Environmental Goals

    broader value chain. Disney's target was validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2023. Our Target 4 In line with criteria set by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), The Walt Disney Company commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 46.2% by fiscal year 2030 from a fiscal year 2019 base year.5

  3. PDF Environmental Overview

    Disney Cruise Line utilizes solar power on Castaway Cay to heat water for crew areas. Community Outreach Disney Cruise Line supports efforts in the local port communities visited by Disney ships, as well as efforts located near our home port in Central Florida. t Bahamian Partnerships: Disney Cruise Line partnered with Disney's Animals,

  4. PDF Environmental Overview

    island in The Bahamas. In 2018, Disney Cruise Line eliminated the use of plastic straws, removing an annual volume of more than 14.7 million. Additionally, by switching to refillable bath product dispensers in all guest staterooms in 2019, Disney Cruise Line has removed an annual distribution of more than 2.2 million

  5. Disney Releases 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

    Today, The Walt Disney Company released its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which details its efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion through stories and storytellers who reflect the rich diversity of our world; support environmental sustainability by taking action to help protect our planet; and bring comfort, optimism and joy to communities through its charitable giving.

  6. Disney Cruise Line gets highest grade on environmental report card

    Environmental group grades cruise lines: Disney gets an A-; most others get F's. An environmental organization has released its grades of cruise lines and ships ⁠— giving most of the lines D ...

  7. PDF 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

    2 Charitable giving that we report includes grants specifically directed towards historically underrepresented and protected communities, including the Asian American, ... • Achieved a 95% sustainable seafood sourcing rate within our U.S. Disney parks, resorts, and cruise line.3 • For nearly 15 years, our teams have been working to protect ...

  8. Friends of the Earth 2021 Cruise Report Card

    Disney Cruise Line's 2021 Friends of the Earth Final Grade Report. Friends of the Earth final 2021 grade for Disney Cruise Line looked at the current cruise ship fleet consisting of four large ships built in 1998, 1999, 2010 and 2011. The original two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have carrying capacities of approximately 3,400 ...

  9. Environmental Sustainability

    ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS: 300M+ gallons of water saved (2013-2019) 292. acres of solar panels at Walt Disney World. 9M+ ... In addition, Disney Cruise Line will reduce 80% of single use, guest-facing plastic items on board by 2022 to further reduce any risks to plastics leaking into the ocean.

  10. Environmental Overview

    Environmental Overview. At Disney Cruise Line, we are dedicated to minimizing our impact on the environment through efforts focused on utilizing new technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, minimizing waste and promoting conservation worldwide. We strive to instill positive environmental stewardship in our cast and crew members and seek to ...

  11. Disney Cruise Line Earns Award Recognition for Environmental

    For the tenth year in a row, Disney Cruise Line has received the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's Blue Circle Award, which recognized the cruise line's participation in the port's voluntary EcoAction Program and Energy Action Initiative. One of the primary ways that Disney Cruise Line reduces its environmental impact in sailings around ...

  12. PDF Environmental Overview

    island in The Bahamas. In 2018, Disney Cruise Line eliminated the use of plastic straws, removing an annual volume of more than 14.7 million. Additionally, by switching to refillable bath product dispensers in all guest staterooms in 2019, Disney Cruise Line has removed an annual distribution of more than 2.2 million

  13. Sustainable Disney cruise

    Disney Cruise Line ( DCL) launched in 1998. It currently has a fleet of five ships — the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. There are also three more ships planned. DCL's fleet's destinations include The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii, as well as the South Pacific ...

  14. Disney Wish cruises towards net-zero through fuel ...

    The Disney Wish is estimated to be nearly 30% more fuel efficient and emit approximately 20% less greenhouse gases. Credit: Disney Cruise Line. The Walt Disney Company, of which Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary, is aiming to achieve net zero by 2030. To support this goal, the 341-metre Disney Wish, the fleet's newest and fifth ship, has ...

  15. Sustainable Cruises: 6 Cruise Lines Making Progress

    With the goal of achieving a 40% emissions reduction by 2030 and total net-zero cruising by 2050, MSC Cruises ' commitment to the environment spans each of its 20-plus ships. The line has been ...

  16. (PDF) Disney cruise line environmental management. Part I

    The Disney Magic cruise ship first sailed on July 30, 1998, while the Disney Wonder cruise ship was introduced to the public in august 1999. The two cruise ships are part of the

  17. Disney Scores the Only 'A' on Cruise Industry Environmental Report Card

    Friends of the Earth's 2013 Cruise Ship Report Card says some of the 16 cruise lines graded are becoming less polluting — with five companies including Disney, Norwegian and Holland improving over last year — but more than 40 percent of the 162 ships assessed still rely on 30-year-old waste treatment technology, leaving treated sewage with ...

  18. PDF Environmental Overview

    At Disney Cruise Line, we are dedicated to minimizing our impact on the environment . through efforts focused on utilizing new technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, ... • Sustainability: Disney Cruise Line is working towards sustainability by selecting more seafood from wild or farmed sources that do not compromise the well-being

  19. Environmental Sustainability in Disney's CSR Strategy

    The Disney Cruise line at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas uses solar power to heat water for its crew on the island. Fuel innovation is the other step to achieve this goal. Disney Cruise Line uses innovative hull coating on its ships. This coating is 100 percent non-toxic to the marine environment, and it is effective in increasing fuel efficiency ...

  20. April 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report

    State of the Cruise Industry Report April 2024. 2 3 About Cruise Lines . International Association. 4. Cruise by the Numbers. 16. ... sustainability agenda. 14 < 1%. Cruise ships comprise of the world's commercial fleet . CRUISE TRENDS. 16. 17. ... Disney Cruise Line. 2,500 lower berths. Launching Dec 2024 . Explora II. Explora Journeys. 922 ...

  21. Disney Sustainability Report

    Environmental Sustainability| The Walt Disney Company |CSR Strategy - Part 2. Disney is working to meet its goal of zero emissions. The most notable one is the use of geothermal energy to power the resorts and theme parks that are on-site. Solar energy is used by the Disney Cruise Line to heat water for its personnel on Castaway Cay in the ...

  22. PDF FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT

    THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PART I ITEM 1. Business 2 ITEM 1A. Risk Factors 17 ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 26 ITEM 2. Properties 26 ... This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the ...

  23. Carnival Corp. Releases 2023 Sustainability Report

    Carnival Corporation has released its 14th annual sustainability report detailing meaningful progress in its six sustainability focus areas, including toward its highest-priority goals supporting climate action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting a circular economy model to reduce waste. The company said achieved several 2030 ...

  24. 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report Shows Cruise Tourism Has

    New Oceans of Opportunities publication highlights the global cruise workforce and the growth of careers in cruising.. WASHINGTON, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cruise Lines International ...