Cruise operator Royal Caribbean Group has published its latest sustainability report listing out measures taken by the group to make its operations sustainable.

In the 15^th edition of its sustainability report, Seastainability Report, the Royal Caribbean Group has outlined progress made by the cruise operator in terms of sustainability in the year 2022. According to a press statement, the report offers a comprehensive update on the company’s corporate responsibility strategy and performance across its three fully owned brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.

According to the report, the company’s advancement of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts reached a turning point in 2022. The 30th anniversary of Save the Waves, the company’s first environmental programme, and the release of the first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, which was released with the 2022 Seastainability Report, are two milestones.

“As we advance on our sustainability journey, our strategic priorities remain rooted in creating business value and uplifting our employees, guests and the communities we visit. Through collaboration and innovation, we continue to make great strides on our commitment of delivering great vacation experiences responsibly,” says Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

The report states a short-term target was set to reduce carbon intensity by double digits by 2025, compared to 2019, that advances the company’s vision for NetZero emissions by 2050. It also signed a partnership agreement with Mærsk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to develop zero carbon technologies and solutions for the maritime industry.

The report says that the Royal Caribbean Group completed the first renewable diesel pilot in the US on Royal Caribbean Group’s Navigator of the Seas. Furthermore, the cruise operator also introduced the world’s first net zero cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, extending the company’s efforts and strategies from its ships to its shoreside operations.

According to the report, a new Executive Diversity Council to prioritise its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives was also set up to inspire accountability, empowering and inspiring employees. Confirming US shoreside gender pay equity analysis shows that 99.98 pc of women are equally compensated compared to male employees at Royal Caribbean Group, the report says.

The report added the number of sustainable tours certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) increased, currently  more than 3,500 around the world. Partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was also renewed, with committing an additional USD 5 million to preserve ocean health