The ships are back in port, to the delight of cruise addicts. There were 30 million passengers sailing the world in 2019 and it’s estimated that by the end of 2023 passenger numbers will exceed these levels.
Despite the pause during the pandemic, the popularity of cruising has been growing steadily for years, as cruise companies invest in newer, more comfortable ships, add enticing itineraries and cater to almost every taste and budget, from voyages on intimate, luxury expedition ships to multi-deck behemoths that are part city, part funfair, part shopping mall. The big appeal of cruising for many is that you can travel to several different destinations but unpack only once. What’s not to love about that?
But for others, cruising, certainly on big ships carrying thousands of passengers, is problematic. Responsible travellers worry correctly about the negative impact of these ships on environments and communities. Although passenger ships account for a small
