Cutting-edge technology in luxury cruises is redefining ocean voyages

Since 2020, travel trends have undergone significant changes as more people seek out meaningful travel experiences that connect them with nature and immerse them in new cultures. Eco-tourism and sustainable travel practises are also on the rise, as today’s travellers prioritise destinations that respect and protect the environment. These shifts in preferences have influenced nearly all sectors of the travel industry, with luxury cruises evolving to meet these demands through technological innovations.

In the UK, cruising has grown in popularity, with studies reporting that British and Irish holidaymakers took around 1.7 million cruises in 2022, up from 479,000 the previous year. Furthermore, the report reveals that 85% of UK and Irish cruise passengers plan to take a holiday at sea again, an increase of 6% from 2019. Of these, 60% plan to cruise within the next two years, up from 53% in 2022.

As the luxury cruise industry strives to meet rising demand, it is also leading the way with cutting-edge technologies that promise more sustainable, immersive, and high-tech experiences. This article explores three top players in the luxury cruise market and the innovations shaping the future of ocean voyages.

Explora Journeys’ Explora II

Explora Journeys, part of MSC Group, is among the cruise lines expanding the luxury cruise market with new and exciting experiences. The company recently launched Explora II, a new luxury cruise ship. The vessel is the second in MSC Group’s €3.5 billion (£2.95 billion) luxury fleet and promises an unparalleled onboard experience. Explora II is a 63,900-tonne ship that offers 461 oceanview staterooms, including suites, penthouses, and residences. With 13 decks, the ship features six restaurants, 12 bars, four swimming pools, and an extensive range of wellness facilities.

However, beyond luxurious amenities, Explora Journeys is also committed to sustainability. According to Offshore Energy, all vessels in the fleet are equipped with the latest environmental technologies, including selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power connectivity, and underwater noise management systems designed to protect marine life. A comprehensive array of energy-efficient equipment is also onboard to reduce emissions. 

Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess

Princess Cruises is also at the forefront of innovation with the launch of the Sun Princess, the first LNG-powered cruise ship in its fleet. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is among the most advanced and eco-friendly fuel technologies available, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating particulate matter. As the cleanest fossil fuel, LNG lowers the environmental impact of large ships, positioning the Sun Princess as a pioneer in the transition toward more sustainable cruising.

To further enhance its eco-credentials, the Sun Princess is equipped with an advanced waste management system. The ship’s LFC biodigesters use natural aerobic digestion to break down up to 6,000 kilogrammes of food waste daily into water. This eliminates the need for traditional waste disposal methods, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact. After digestion, the resulting wastewater is treated in the ship’s onboard facilities until it meets drinking water quality standards.

Cunard’s Queen Anne

Cunard’s Queen Anne, launched in May 2024, is another example of a cruise line incorporating sustainable technology into its operations. Similar to the Sun Princess, the ship features LFC biodigesters that manage food waste efficiently, creating a clean, odourless process while preventing pest and vermin issues. These biodigesters also help the Queen Anne comply with Department of Justice (DOJ) and MARPOL regulations, further bolstering its reputation as a sustainable vessel.

The Queen Anne is a 113,000-tonne ship with 14 decks that can accommodate 3,000 guests. It set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton in May and has since visited destinations like Liverpool as part of its British Isles itinerary. The ship was named in a star-studded ceremony in Liverpool in June 2024, with celebrities like Spice Girl Mel C and Olympic athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson in attendance.

As the luxury cruise industry continues to grow, ships like Explora II, Sun Princess, and Queen Anne demonstrate how cutting-edge technologies are redefining ocean voyages.

The editorial unit