Klaus Bondam Director
Cruise Baltic
Denmark
As industries worldwide increasingly prioritise sustainability, cruising is no exception. It is an important topic that cannot be neglected, and within Cruise Baltic, it has become a core element of their vision, embodied in their comprehensive "Responsible Cruising" strategy.
As a B2B network consisting of 32 ports and destinations in the Baltic Sea region, Cruise Baltic does not rest on its laurels. Its “Responsible Cruising” strategy aims to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, enhance collaboration, and, ultimately, set new standards for responsible cruising in the Baltic Sea region.
However, the work towards a more sustainable future started years ago. In 2019, the network created The Cruise Baltic Sustainability Manifesto. The first regional initiative focusing on the sustainable way of cruising worldwide. The Manifesto was signed by all partners at the time with the vision of “Making cruising a sustainable vacation offer in 2030”. Although recognising that cruising may never be entirely sustainable, Cruise Baltic aims to reach the vision by communicating “green” initiatives, creating action plans and inspire for change, as with the yearly Sustainability Report. A report that covers the sustainable initiatives created by the partners in the past year.
Shore Power developments and challenges
One of the key elements in Cruise Baltic’s sustainability efforts is the development of Shore Power. This technology allows ships to plug into the local power grid while docked, which significantly reduces emissions. On Cruise Baltic's website, cruise lines can access a comprehensive overview highlighting where installations are available, planned, or not yet installed. By the end of 2025, 7 out of the 32 ports within the Cruise Baltic network will be able to offer shore power.
However, a significant challenge persists: the gap in supply and demand. While the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) anticipates that around 75% of the cruise fleet capacity will be able to connect to Shore Power facilities by 2028 [1], many ports struggle to justify the substantial financial investment required. The funding process is often bureaucratic and complex, creating a bottleneck in achieving widespread Shore Power availability.
Year-round cruise destinations
In addition to technological advancements, Cruise Baltic is working with sustainable tourism by extending the cruise season into autumn and winter. Despite the colder climate and shorter days, these seasons offer a unique charm, characterised by a cosy atmosphere and the natural beauty of the region's golden and snowy landscapes. Cruise Baltic encourages year-round tourism, which not only disperses visitor traffic more evenly but also supports local businesses during off-peak times.
Through focused communication towards cruise lines and travel agents, Cruise Baltic aims to change the perception of Northern Europe's potential as a year-round destination. The effort to change habits and overcome biases about off-season travel is ongoing and a crucial part of their strategy.
Driving sustainable practices in the cruise industry
With 32 ports and destinations, Cruise Baltic is rich in sustainable initiatives and determined to offer cruise guests unforgettable experiences when visiting the Baltic Sea region. With a strategy rooted in responsibility and collaboration, Cruise Baltic is not only setting new standards for sustainable tourism but also actively working on making each journey through the Baltic Sea a step towards a greener future.
[1] https://europe.cruising.org/shoreside-electricity-capability/