Positive Phil’s Cruise ESG Series – Part 2
Last week, I shared a deep dive into the groundbreaking environmental tech onboard the Celebrity Ascent — from solar panels to food waste systems, desalination to LED efficiency.
But let me tell you: that’s just scratching the surface.
As I continue this journey with Celebrity Cruises, I’m realizing that real sustainability isn’t just about equipment and systems. It’s about people, processes, and purpose. It’s about how the crew lives, how water is recycled, how laundry is done with less, and how a massive floating city can start to leave a lighter footprint — while lifting others up.
So this week, I’m taking you deeper. Welcome aboard.
🧺 Laundry, Water, and the Invisible Impact
One of the quiet sustainability heroes of any cruise ship? The laundry room.
With thousands of towels, sheets, uniforms, and guest clothes cleaned daily, this isn’t your average laundromat. Yet on the Celebrity Ascent, it’s a high-efficiency, low-impact operation.
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Key innovations:
- Ozone-based laundry systems reduce hot water and chemical use.
- Water reclamation captures rinse water for reuse.
- Heat recovery units pre-warm incoming water using waste heat.
- Biodegradable detergents reduce ocean toxicity.
It’s a classic case of sustainability where you’d least expect it — below deck.
👩🍳 A Workforce Treated Right: The “S” in ESG
Sustainability also means doing right by people — the “S” in ESG.
Celebrity Cruises shows strong leadership here, especially aboard the Ascent, where over 40 nationalities work together as one team. Their social sustainability standards include:
- Fair wage certifications and clear career paths.
- Crew-only gyms, lounges, and free Wi-Fi hubs.
- Mental wellness support, including onboard counselors.
- Mandatory sustainability and ethics training.
This is where ESG comes alive: in the wellbeing of every team member onboard.
🌍 Shore Power & Portside Sustainability
The Celebrity Ascent is shore-power capable, meaning it can connect to electrical grids in ports like Seattle, San Diego, and Vancouver — instead of burning fuel while docked. That’s a major win for urban air quality.
Celebrity Cruises also invests in sustainable shore excursions and local economy partnerships:
- Reef-safe, conservation-led snorkeling trips
- Eco-certified port partners and green guides
- Regional food sourcing to reduce shipping emissions
When cruise lines collaborate with communities, everyone benefits.
⚡ What Powers a Floating City?
Large cruise ships still require significant energy — but Celebrity is leading the way in cleaner propulsion:
- New ships in development are methanol-capable
- LNG and advanced low-sulfur marine diesel are already being used
- Fuel cell tech and hybrid systems are entering pilot testing
- Parent company Royal Caribbean Group is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050
Celebrity Ascent is part of that transition — today’s best meets tomorrow’s breakthrough.
🌿 Sustainability Can Be Luxurious
Cruising can get a bad rap — often rightfully so — for past excess and environmental impact. But the tide is turning.
Onboard Celebrity Ascent, I’ve seen how luxury and responsibility can coexist:
- Plant-forward menus and Michelin-starred chefs focused on zero waste
- Smart climate systems and motion-sensing lighting
- Eco-friendly spa products and recyclable amenities in all staterooms
Luxury today isn’t just about indulgence — it’s about intention.
🔗 Want More Green Travel News?
For more deep dives into sustainability, visit our friends at
👉 EcoBusinessNews.com — a great hub for climate innovation, green tech, and ESG leadership.
💬 Final Thoughts: Positive Progress at Sea
As I reflect on this journey, here’s my takeaway:
✅ Perfection? Not yet.
✅ Progress? Absolutely.
✅ Transparency? Getting there.
With each ship like Ascent, Celebrity Cruises is showing what’s possible when a company takes its ESG commitments seriously — and publicly. It’s the kind of leadership we need more of.
Stay tuned for Part 3 in this series — including conversations with Celebrity’s onboard Environmental Officer, a walkthrough of their zero food waste plan, and guest insights on how travelers can reduce their own cruise footprint.
Until then — stay inspired, stay curious, and remember:
🌊 Sustainability doesn’t stay on land. It sails too.
— Positive Phil
