How environmentally friendly is your cruise holiday?

Cruises are a popular attraction for Americans on vacation, but a report card rating cruise lines’ efforts to reduce pollution may come as a rude shockAn estimated 24 million passengers are expected to cruise the world’s oceans in more than 220 cruise ships this year, up from 19.1 million in 2010. But these giant floating playgrounds leave an enormous environmental impact. Many large ocean liners run on giant diesel engines, which can stand at more than three stories tall and span the length of two school buses. This equipment, along with smaller auxiliary engines, can emit dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide. Curbing these emissions could prevent 14,000 premature, air pollution-related deaths and save the US $110bn by 2020. Related: A new Titanic? US and Canada prepare for worst as luxury Arctic cruise sets sail Related: Huge cruise ships will worsen London air pollution, campaigners warn Continue reading...