The global phenomenon already has some lines changing itineraries and altering sailing seasons for certain destinations.
With climate change’s global reach, such scenarios could become the new cruising norm.
On two of my four sailings, wildfires were nearby.
The Norwegian Bliss in Ketchikan, Alaska.Credit:Danny Lehman/Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
How are cruise lines dealing with global warmings impact on traditional itineraries?
All replied by sharing their commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images
Cruise lines are already extending certain sail seasons.
Tourists at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, during a summer heatwave.Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images
Alaskan cruises are changing, too.
However, not all view climate change as affecting bookings.
Mary Ann Ramsey with Betty Maclean Travel notes that the agencys luxury cruise clients are booking voyages as usual.
Sea ice in Antarctica.Carol Sachs
Clients dont seem to be in a rush because of glacier melt.
Another T+L A-Lister feels differently.
How do climate scientists perceive global warming affecting travel?
The Jackson Glacier, in Glacier National Park, Montana.Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
I asked a couple.
Dr. Horton leads the universitys Climate Change Research Group.
The Arctic is warming three-to-four times faster than the globe, and sea ice is disappearing rapidly.
Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero ship concept, shown in a rendering with the sails fully extended.Rendering by VARD Design/Courtesy of Hurtigruten
It now covers about half the area it did only 40 years ago, says Dr. Francis.
These profound changes are already affecting Arctic tourism.
In my 23 years of selling the area, I’ve seen huge itinerary changes, Curry says.
Cruise lines are designing innovative itineraries to take travelers into previously inaccessible regions.
But could cruising by river and ocean become untenable in developing countries?
Dr. Francis says yes.
As people are forced to migrate from homelands, more countries will be unsafe for tourism.
A gloomy forecast neednt become reality.
Many scientists say wecanstop climate change progression.
As cruise devotees, how do we go forward as environmental stewards?
We can become more environmentally sensitive in small and big ways.
We can favor cruise lines reducing environmental impact.
Hurtigruten will unveil its fully electric, zero-emission ship in 2030.
