This is my final blog — on cruising

Readers of this blog, and of this blog, are likely sick of this particular thread. I join you in frustration. That said, the comments below, while hardly unique, take the conversation further and in interesting ways. They deserve publication — but that’s it. No more comments on cruising.

I do have another couple of subjects to share in the weeks to come which may garner equal enthusiasm. Bur for now, thanks to so many of you who have posted insightful and in some cases, detailed comments and reflections.

Oh, many wonder, have we booked a cruise yet? Time will tell.

So one final time, here goes — anonymity respected — no editing for content or length

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[Long comment separated by tab indents] To be perfectly honest when my wife and I began cruising in 2009 at the urging of an elderly friend, I had my reservations, not all of them ethical or environmental concerns. But I went on first cruise from San Diego to Mexico and repositioning to Vancouver (our home port). I had an enjoyable vacation, learned much and saw places I would never have gone to otherwise. However I faced challenges from others about the ethics of cruising. So I looked into various issues and came to some peace about this as a vacation option for me.
               My advice to anyone who is considering a cruise but has ethical reservations is to do some real research, not just depend on hearsay and the opinions of critics and proponents. Remember many preconceived notions about cruising are based on the experience of the 1970’s and 80s, so look at what is the current reality.
               Though this is not an ethical issue per se, cost has an impact on the decision to go on a cruise. Not long ago we compared the cost of going on a camping trip to cruising. It surprised us that there was not much difference, when we took into account gasoline, food and the rising cost of campgrounds. When we were going to stay 3 days in San Francisco on a cruise I asked my travel agent what a weekend in San Francisco would cost. She responded that our two week cruise, including flights home from San Diego was cheaper.
               Be aware that all cruise lines are different and cater to different segments of the population, and not all have the same environmental practices. One of my concerns was being on a “party ship” where overindulging in food, alcohol and gambling were the norm. This was not a problem with the cruise line we chose, Holland America. I was also interested in the employment practices and treatment of the crew and staff, which I was quite pleased with in general.
Then there were the environmental concerns. For this you really have to compare apples to apples. Living in Canada, we have one of the highest carbon footprints per capita, so maybe being on a cruise ship isn’t that much different than the footprint I would have at home. I researched a bit about the recycling and disposal practices of the cruise line, which has greatly improved over the time we have been cruising. Most oceangoing vessels no longer dump waste directly into the ocean, but there are a variety of ways they deal with it, I was pleased with what our cruise line did.
               There is also the move to be more fuel efficient and to engage it energy conserving practices. One of the other ethical concerns that has arisen recently is the impact cruise ships have on the locations they cruise to. Norway, Alaska and the Mediterranean have all faced the problem of too many tourists for certain ports and the negative impact this has on the local people. Other places, such as the Caribbean, have ports that heavily depend upon the cruise industry to survive. The problem of accommodating tens of thousands of tourists each day has only been exacerbated by the trend to larger and larger ships. For us traveling on smaller ships (under 2500 passengers), makes more sense, and lessens the negative impact on the local communities we visit.
               So is cruising evil? Like all activities humans engage in there are elements of sinfulness present. For me evil and sin are perversions of the Creator’s intent for the created order. As for cruising, the question is how is the industry lessening sinful environmental and employment practices, and negative impacts on people and the earth.

[Individual comments follow] San Diego and Holland America cruise you didn’t disappoint.  Many highlights. Biggest New Years party I’ve ever been too! San Diego Balboa park, Zoo, Midway and Maritime Museum and Little Italy all amazing.

Thanks for sharing this. I’m having similar thoughts around investments, where there are better or worse options but no good ones. I do cruise, in part because it’s a pretty safe method of travel for a single female. I purchase carbon offsets and choose locally run eco-tours over cruise company offerings to try to mitigate some of the damage, but I’m aware that camping in BC would be a friendlier option ( I have never been a camper). It is a moral compromise, and I know it. I also know that without cruising many economies would suffer, including Victoria ‘s. I enjoy the music especially, and not having to cook for myself! I would second smaller ship …and Antarctica would be amazing! River cruising might be a more sustainable option. Also my mother did a small ship tour through Wells Gray Tours to Desolation Sound and loved it.

I booked a knitters’ cruise around Japan for next spring, then cancelled it. Even though I enjoyed our decade of cruising, these days I am much more aware of the environmental cost of the cruise and of the flights to get there.

I would go on a small boat not a big one. To many people . Ron and I did a small one loved it . River cruise.

We enjoyed every cruise we were on. We loved exploring each stop, so enjoyed chatting with people from all over. We went on 2 giant ships as well as others. We always went with a positive mind knowing whatever we did, we would enjoy and not complain. I do hear river cruising is a must. 

Never have and doubt I ever will. Too much glitter, too much food, too much waste.

Since I doubt we will ever go on a cruise, this is kind of an academic discussion for me. But I do share the environmental and ethical concerns about big cruise ships. I think some of the smaller cruise suggestions and ideas about investigating those options would be a workable solution for you. The “everything is a compromise” point of view is worth thinking about.

Oh gosh, the world’s most polluting way to see the world.

I just read this For years, we’ve been fed this idea that humans are the problem, that just by existing, we’re harming the planet. Everywhere we turn, we’re told to do less, take less, be less. And sure, being mindful matters, but what if our real power isn’t in pulling back, but in stepping up?

What if we’re not here to shrink our existence, but to find our light and let it shine—brightly, boldly, and unapologetically?

Maybe it’s time to rethink what it means to leave a footprint. It’s time to rewrite the story.

What Does It Mean to Maximize? Maximizing our footprint isn’t about being reckless or consuming endlessly. It’s about showing up with intention. It’s about recognizing that we do have power—and using that power to create more good in the world.

When I think about maximizing, I think about things like:

• Planting seeds—literally and figuratively—that grow into something bigger than us.

• Creating art, solutions, and movements that inspire others.

• Speaking up for what matters, even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Choosing courage over convenience, curiosity over apathy.

Maximizing your footprint means saying, “I’m here, I care, and I will use the time I have to make an impact.”

I went on a family cruise to Alaska. The only redeeming quality was that I spent a week with family members I haven’t seen in years due to distance. I was very disturbed about the slave labour.

If you’re super curious, go. Beware, you will carry this burden for a long time if you’re conflicted now.