CRUISE GPS
Sailing Toward a Better Tomorrow
Sailing Toward a Better Tomorrow
Eleven ways Norwegian Cruise Line is making a positive impact in Alaska and the Caribbean.
Anew wave of cruising is taking shape—one where adventure, luxury, and sustainability sail in sync. Norwegian Cruise Line® is working closely with their partners to help shape and evolve their Sail & Sustain program. Whether you’re island-hopping in the Caribbean or chasing the icy blue glaciers of Alaska, the Sail & Sustain program is the foundation of the company’s mission and culture as they understand that their guests’ experiences are deeply intertwined with a thriving environment, healthy communities and the precious resources we all share. Here are 11 ways a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing is not only a great vacation, but a more sustainable one, too.

Biodiversity conservation. In partnership with NatureMetrics, Norwegian Cruise Line launched Alaska eDNA, a biodiversity monitoring program on Norwegian Bliss®, which continued this year on Norwegian Encore®, helping catalog over 600 species in the region.
Whale protection. Ships in Alaska (Norwegian Encore® and Norwegian Sun®) participate in the Whale Alert sighting network to stay aware of whale sighting. With the Whale Alert application, Norwegian Cruise Line captains can share real-time whale sightings with mariners.
An eco-friendly destination. Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line’s 75-acre resort where they promote wildlife conservation and awareness of threatened species through various programs, including a mangrove nursery and a butterfly garden. Also, all shops and retailers on Harvest Caye are entirely Belizean-operated ensuring community benefits.
Biofuel testing. 47% percent of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet has tested biofuels, with a target of 59% in 2025.
Shore power. Fifty-nine percent of the fleet is shore-power capable, which means the ships can connect to and utilize electrical power from a shore-based source while docked rather than relying on the ship’s engines. This reduces emissions at ports like Seattle and Miami.

Green Corridor leadership. Norwegian Cruise Line is part of the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor Initiative, driving the future of zero-emission cruising. Through collaboration across sectors, green corridors establish the technological, economic and regulatory feasibility needed to accelerate implementation of low- and, ultimately, zero-GHG emission vessels.
More fresh water. In 2024, 89% of Norwegian Cruise Line’s fresh water was produced onboard.
Higher levels of wastewater treatment. All Norwegian Cruise Line ships use advanced wastewater treatment systems, including biological treatment of the wastewater generated on board, to meet internationally established standards.
Reducing food waste. Sustainability-inspired cocktails reduce food waste creatively and engagingly. Guests can enjoy drinks made with surplus ingredients such as pineapple rinds, orange peels, leaves, stems, and roots. Food digesters also help reduce the amount of food waste landed ashore by turning food waste into liquid.
Fishing (and dining) locally. In Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line sources tens of thousands of pounds of wild-caught fish locally, served in its onboard restaurants.
Supporting schools and veterans. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy® program honor teachers, awarding over 270 educators with vacation of a lifetime cruises and upwards of $500,000 in school donations. Through the Military Appreciation Program at Norwegian Cruise Line®, over 270,000 active and retired U.S. military members as well as their spouses have been recognized and honored through an exclusive discount program.
Did You Know?
Norwegian Cruise Line has a net zero goal across all operations by 2050.
Norwegian Bliss helps track endangered species in Alaska’s waters.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye is one of the few nesting sites for critically endangered hawksbill turtles. Staff participates in protecting and monitoring nesting grounds each year to help baby turtles get a good start on survival.
Since 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has donated over $115,000 to the Alaska Raptor Center.
Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments you’ll never forget.
CRUISE GPS
Sailing Toward a Better Tomorrow
Sailing Toward a Better Tomorrow
Eleven ways Norwegian Cruise Line is making a positive impact in Alaska and the Caribbean.
Anew wave of cruising is taking shape—one where adventure, luxury, and sustainability sail in sync. Norwegian Cruise Line® is working closely with their partners to help shape and evolve their Sail & Sustain program. Whether you’re island-hopping in the Caribbean or chasing the icy blue glaciers of Alaska, the Sail & Sustain program is the foundation of the company’s mission and culture as they understand that their guests’ experiences are deeply intertwined with a thriving environment, healthy communities and the precious resources we all share. Here are 11 ways a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing is not only a great vacation, but a more sustainable one, too.

Biodiversity conservation. In partnership with NatureMetrics, Norwegian Cruise Line launched Alaska eDNA, a biodiversity monitoring program on Norwegian Bliss®, which continued this year on Norwegian Encore®, helping catalog over 600 species in the region.
Whale protection. Ships in Alaska (Norwegian Encore® and Norwegian Sun®) participate in the Whale Alert sighting network to stay aware of whale sighting. With the Whale Alert application, Norwegian Cruise Line captains can share real-time whale sightings with mariners.
An eco-friendly destination. Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruise Line’s 75-acre resort where they promote wildlife conservation and awareness of threatened species through various programs, including a mangrove nursery and a butterfly garden. Also, all shops and retailers on Harvest Caye are entirely Belizean-operated ensuring community benefits.
Biofuel testing. 47% percent of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet has tested biofuels, with a target of 59% in 2025.
Shore power. Fifty-nine percent of the fleet is shore-power capable, which means the ships can connect to and utilize electrical power from a shore-based source while docked rather than relying on the ship’s engines. This reduces emissions at ports like Seattle and Miami.

Green Corridor leadership. Norwegian Cruise Line is part of the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor Initiative, driving the future of zero-emission cruising. Through collaboration across sectors, green corridors establish the technological, economic and regulatory feasibility needed to accelerate implementation of low- and, ultimately, zero-GHG emission vessels.
More fresh water. In 2024, 89% of Norwegian Cruise Line’s fresh water was produced onboard.
Higher levels of wastewater treatment. All Norwegian Cruise Line ships use advanced wastewater treatment systems, including biological treatment of the wastewater generated on board, to meet internationally established standards.
Reducing food waste. Sustainability-inspired cocktails reduce food waste creatively and engagingly. Guests can enjoy drinks made with surplus ingredients such as pineapple rinds, orange peels, leaves, stems, and roots. Food digesters also help reduce the amount of food waste landed ashore by turning food waste into liquid.
Fishing (and dining) locally. In Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line sources tens of thousands of pounds of wild-caught fish locally, served in its onboard restaurants.
Supporting schools and veterans. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy® program honor teachers, awarding over 270 educators with vacation of a lifetime cruises and upwards of $500,000 in school donations. Through the Military Appreciation Program at Norwegian Cruise Line®, over 270,000 active and retired U.S. military members as well as their spouses have been recognized and honored through an exclusive discount program.
Did You Know?
Norwegian Cruise Line has a net zero goal across all operations by 2050.
Norwegian Bliss helps track endangered species in Alaska’s waters.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Harvest Caye is one of the few nesting sites for critically endangered hawksbill turtles. Staff participates in protecting and monitoring nesting grounds each year to help baby turtles get a good start on survival.
Since 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has donated over $115,000 to the Alaska Raptor Center.
Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments you’ll never forget.
MORE STORIES
What to Read Next
What to Read Next
Abroad & Beyond
Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates is helping change the world, one suitcase at a time.
Destination GPS
In Canada, experiential travel goes deeper, honoring people, place, and planet.

With 27 years of travel & tourism industry experience, Monica Arun is the Founder & Destination specialist at Globetrotter LLC.
She is a tourism board certified Hawaii & Alaska destination expert as well as Lindblad Expedition National Geographic specialist. She has traveled to Europe, Canada, Bahamas, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Qatar, Dubai, India, Hongkong-Macau and USA.
Her customer centric approach, knowledge of multiple destinations, expertise in the travel industry and an eye for detail, makes her the perfect go-to person in planning memorable holidays.
An ardent travel enthusiast herself, Monica brings down her expertise in planning and booking travel for people who love to explore. Owing to her diligent attitude and unrivaled customer service, Monica has garnered herself a lot of appreciation and acknowledgment not only from her customers, but also across different media platforms. The Story Exchange, an award-winning m ...