Single-Use Packaging, Plastics and Service Items

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Our Commitment to Reduce Single-Use Packaging, Plastics and Service Items

Every year we invite you, and millions of other guests, to enjoy the wonders of exploration and connect with loved ones on a cruise vacation. A big part of your experience is enjoying the majesty and splendor of the oceans, so we recognize the importance of protecting and preserving the marine environment. Since 2002, Princess has invested significant resources in new technology, equipment and training, and we’ve made tremendous progress in reducing emissions, fuel consumption, water and energy usage.

As leaders in the cruise industry, we want to do more. Along with our world’s leading cruise line sister brands under Carnival Corporation & plc, we are evolving our sustainability practices so we can be the environmental leaders you expect us to be.

We’re asking for your help as we begin to implement additional changes to preserve our ocean home.

You may notice changes onboard as we reduce single-use packaging, plastics and service items. We’re also taking steps to eliminate other items that are difficult to recycle or separate from food waste. We want you to know our intention behind these changes is a desire to be better environmental stewards – not to cut costs.

By the end of this year, we intend to eliminate or replace with a recycle-friendly alternative the following items:

  • Plastic cutlery, straws, cups, lids, stir sticks, cocktail garnish picks, toothpicks, butter foil wraps and condiment sauce packets, as well as plastic bags in our boutiques and retail outlets
  • Styrofoam cups
  • Paper napkins
  • Plastic cutlery on Princess Cays

By the end of 2020, we have committed to eliminate these single-use items from all ships, and replace them with dispensers or recycle-friendly alternatives:

  • Individual servings of packaged items like artificial sweetener and condiment packets like honey
  • Individual shampoo bottles and plastic ear swabs (Q-tips)

By the end of 2021, we have committed to reduce or eliminate these single-use items from all ships:

  • Plastic trash can liners
  • Plastic water bottles

All single-use plastics will continue to be reviewed across our fleet with the goal of reducing or eliminating them in both guest and crew operations areas.

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, but we can’t do it alone. We know you will embrace these changes as part of our collective commitment to a greener world, and understand how they may alter our response to your requests.

We look forward to continuing to exceed your expectations and helping you create lasting memories as we sail this wondrous world together.

July 2019