Planet

Local air emissions

We achieved 217 shore power connections in 2025, up from 142 in 2024 and 44 in 2023.

Using shore power can significantly reduce local air emissions while a ship is at berth.
At the end of 2025, 20 of the Cruise Division’s 25 ships were equipped with shore-power capability.

The ship connects to shore power for sustainable energy usage at the port | MSC Cruises

Water and Wastewater Management

More than 80% of the freshwater consumed on board is supplied by producing fresh water from seawater.

Our ships use technologies including reverse osmosis and evaporation, reducing reliance on shore-based supplies.
After use, wastewater is treated onboard before discharge in accordance with applicable requirements. Our fleet complies with wastewater-discharge rules in the locations where it operates.

Ballast tanks on cruise ships are filled with seawater, which can contain small invertebrates and other microorganisms. To prevent the risk of these organisms being introduced to new areas of ocean, all our ships have an approved ballast water treatment system to treat the ballast water before being returned to the sea.

Waste management

In 2025, more than 42% of onboard waste, excluding hazardous waste, was separated for recycling.

We handle, reduce, separate and dispose of waste streams including food waste, paper, plastic, glass, cooking oil and hazardous waste.
We aim to minimise the environmental impact of waste and comply with applicable requirements. Recyclable materials, including glass, aluminium, paper and cardboard, plastics and cooking oil, are separated and offloaded for onward recycling where facilities are available.

In 2025, we began piloting Winnow, a food-waste measurement and management system. The system is intended to improve categorisation and measurement of food waste and support more informed production decisions. We plan to introduce it across the fleet by 2027.

A gloved hand sorts aluminum cans for recycling in a container | MSC Cruises

Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles

As part of MSC Cruises’ ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are working to reduce the use of plastic on board by replacing single-use plastic items with sustainable alternatives.

One of the latest steps in this evolution is the phasing out of plastic water bottles. In their place, we have introduced AQUA by MSC, a mineral rich water created onboard.

Following the full roll-out of AQUA by MSC across our fleet, we expect to eliminate an average of over four million plastic water bottles every month. By 2026, this will represent an annual average of more than 49 million single-use plastic water bottles cut out fleetwide.

Shining buildings reflected on a calm sea surface under blue light | MSC Cruises

Whale-strike risk mitigation

Our procedure for reducing whale-strike risks includes route adjustments, speed controls, areas to be avoided and training for deck officers.

We have a comprehensive procedure in place that consolidates whale-protection measures introduced by governments and maritime authorities worldwide including speed restrictions, routes changes and areas to be avoided.

We partner with Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), a charity that’s entirely dedicated to studying and protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises in the oceans to deliver a comprehensive ship strike mitigation training programme for the deck officers across the fleet.

A majestic whale swims beneath the surface of the clear blue ocean | MSC Cruises

Marine Conservation on Ocean Cay

We are proud of our achievements at Ocean Cay, developing a once industrial site into a haven for wildlife for our guests to enjoy.

In 2025, the new Marine Conservation facility was completed on Ocean Cay, with its design and construction funded by MSC Cruises.
The MSC Foundation now operates this research and educational centre, working with regional universities to better understand and support efforts to protect corals and increase resilience to impacts such as climate change. The centre also welcomes our guests, raising awareness among cruise guests about the need for conservation and restoration of coral communities.
Ocean Cay was formally designated a ‘Hope Spot’ by Mission Blue, the non-profit organisation promoting the protection of marine ecosystems in recognition of this pioneering work.
More details on the research programmes and activities of the MSC Foundation can be found on the MSC Foundation website.