Skip to main content

Behold the Future of Cruise Ships

There’s no sidestepping the fact that today’s cruise industry is hell on the environment. Massive ships produce ungodly amounts of waste, suck Olympic pool-sized amounts of fuel oil every day, and are capable of emitting as much particulate matter into the atmosphere as 1 million cars on a single trip. As a result, marine architects and ship designers around the world are rethinking the real-world possibilities of powering these behemoths with renewable energy. Enter the Peace Boat Ecoship, perhaps the world’s greenest cruise ship.

The ship’s striking silhouette is designed to resemble a whale in motion. At first glance, it’s clearly smaller and more streamlined than today’s average cruise ships. Indeed, the 60,000-ton Ecoship will be capable of carrying “just” 2,000 passengers amid 750 cabins. It’s practically a dinghy compared to record-setters like Royal Caribbean’s new Symphony of the Seas, a 230,000 ton, 16-deck monster with 2,759 staterooms capable of ferrying 5,500 guests.

ECOSHIP

Peace Boat’s founders are clear about their mission, and it eschews the over-the-top, “more is more” ethos of the current cruise industry. The Ecoship is, first and foremost, about providing a thoroughly modern cruise experience while balancing the ship’s environmental impact. At its core is a revolutionary, bleeding-edge propulsion system that will use ten retractable solar panels that can function as large sails in good wind. The sails will not only propel the ship, but generate much of its power as well. Coupled with a hybrid diesel, or liquified natural gas, engine, the ship will reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent and carbon emissions by up to 40 percent. The waste disposal will likewise be state-of-the-art, and make use of the biophilia concept which relies on natural elements like light, water, and air to break down waste products.

peace boat ecoship interior
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Planning for the Ecoship’s construction is in the final stages. The Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Japanese company behind the project, crafted by Spain-based Oliver Design, is anticipating a $500 million price tag. They’re actively seeking crowdfunding opportunities and impact investors — those who aren’t looking to turn a quick profit from their business endeavors, but rather change the world in a meaningful way. With demand for green tourism booming, this could pave the way forward for a more profitable and more eco-friendly cruise industry.

Recommended Videos

When reservations finally open to commercial passengers, prices are expected to run between $15,000 to $18,000 per person. Relative to a week-long cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Line, that’s a steep price tag, but it includes all travel, meals, onboard activities, and the peace of mind that you’re doing something to help save the planet.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Have lost luggage? Here’s exactly what to do next
Here’s how to stay calm, get answers, and (hopefully) get your stuff back fast
Baggage claim in airport terminal. Suitcases on the airport luggage conveyor belt.

It’s happened to me before — stepping off a long flight, heading to baggage claim, and watching the carousel go around and around without ever seeing my suitcase.

At first, you tell yourself it’s just delayed. But then the crowd starts to clear, the belt slows to a stop, and reality sets in: Your luggage didn’t make it.

Read more
A Clueless suite? As if! Beverly Hills hotel debuts iconic tribute
The Clueless Suite was designed to celebrate the iconic film's 30th anniversary
L'Ermitage BH Clueless Suite

Just in time for the 30th anniversary of Clueless, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills is rolling out the pink carpet with a dreamy, fashion-forward hotel experience that would make Cher Horowitz say, “Ugh, as if!” In partnership with Bloomingdale’s Century City, Paramount Pictures, the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, and legendary costume designer Mona May, the hotel has unveiled The Clueless Suite, a nostalgic, over-the-top homage to the beloved 1995 film.

Available to book from July 12 through September 1, the limited-edition suite transforms 750 square feet of space into a stylish time capsule. Highlights include a yellow plaid accent wall inspired by Cher’s iconic first-day-of-school outfit, a neon “Carpe diem! Okay?” sign, fuzzy pens, and pop art touches straight out of a Beverly Hills dream. A Clueless board game, Polaroid camera, and a fully stocked glam closet curated by Mona May and Bloomingdale’s in-house stylists take the experience to the next level.

Read more
This West Palm Beach hotel now offers luxe private yacht experiences
The Ben at Sea offers three luxury yacht options
The Ben Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach is taking luxury hospitality to the next level, by sea. With the launch of The Ben at Sea, guests can now set sail in style thanks to a new yacht charter experience designed to bring the hotel’s signature service beyond the shoreline.

In partnership with PorterYachts, The Ben offers access to three sleek, high-end vessels docked at the nearby marina. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a chic wedding, or a next-level corporate retreat, each yacht charter comes with a dedicated captain and crew. Guests can also upgrade their experience with a private chef, onboard bartender, or even live music to create a fully customized day on the water.

Read more