An Update on the Cruise Industry 2025
The cruise industry is undergoing a transformative era, driven by advancements in technology, immersive entertainment, and a strong push for sustainability. As the cruise industry evolves, cruise lines are seeking innovative ways to enhance guest experience while reducing their environmental impact. A prime example of this evolution is the Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, which integrates cutting-edge features across entertainment, artificial intelligence (AI), and eco-friendly practices. These developments not only reflect current trends but also demonstrate the industry's commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.
One of the most visible transformations in the cruise industry lies in the realm of onboard entertainment. The Icon of the Seas has set a new benchmark with numerous industry-first attractions. Among them is Royal Bay, the largest swimming pool at sea, capable of holding over 40,000 gallons of water. Thrill Island, home to Category 6, features six record-breaking waterslides, including the Frightening Bolt, the tallest slide at sea, and Storm Chasers, the first mat-racing duo on a cruise ship. Additionally, the ship features The Hideaway, the first adults-only suspended infinity pool, and Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea. The onboard entertainment extends to Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena on a cruise ship, offering both live shows and public ice skating. Another standout attraction is The Pearl, a three-deck kinetic art installation composed of 3,600 tiles that move in sync with music, providing guests with a unique interactive experience (Heiderstadt, 2025; Thakkar, 2025).
In addition to entertainment, the Icon of the Seas showcases how artificial intelligence can optimize guest experiences and operational efficiency. For example, its AI-driven elevators recognize passenger traffic patterns, which minimizes wait times even during peak hours. These elevators also utilize regenerative braking technology, capturing energy from cars going up to assist those going down, emphasizing energy efficiency. AI is further employed in the ship’s HVAC system, which powers down air conditioning units when rooms are unoccupied. Navigation systems also use AI to chart the most energy-efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption and emissions (Heiderstadt, 2025).
Sustainability is a central concern for the cruise industry, particularly in response to growing environmental challenges. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the goal is to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from ships globally by 2050. This is a critical objective, as a single large cruise ship can emit as much carbon dioxide as 12,000 cars and consume up to 150 tons of fuel daily. Although cruise ships make up a relatively small segment of the maritime industry, they play a significant role in shaping sustainable practices.
One of the most impactful steps toward sustainability is the adoption of alternative fuels. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has emerged as the leading alternative, producing 30% fewer emissions compared to traditional marine fuel. LNG is a natural gas cooled to -260°F (-162°C), shrinking its volume by 600 times and making it easier to store and transport. The Icon of the Seas utilizes LNG engines that harness excess heat and repurpose it for other functions, including air conditioning. It also takes advantage of LNG’s extreme cold to improve onboard cooling efficiency. However, retrofitting older ships with this technology is costly and complex, which is why new vessels are now being built LNG-ready. Notably, the AIDAnova, launched in 2018, was the first cruise ship to adopt LNG, setting a precedent for others to follow (Heiderstadt, 2025; Singh; Thakkar, 2025).
Beyond alternative fuels, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are being integrated into cruise ship design. Although these technologies cannot fully power an entire vessel, photovoltaic panels and wind rotors help reduce overall fuel consumption. Waste management is another critical area of innovation. Modern cruise ships generate an average of seven tons of garbage and 210,000 gallons of sewage daily. To combat this, ships now treat wastewater using biological filtration, UV disinfection, and other advanced processes to bring it close to drinkable quality before it is discharged. Onboard recycling programs can now process up to 60% of waste, including paper, plastic, glass, and metal, with the remainder sent to port recycling facilities. Additionally, composting systems are gaining popularity, converting food waste and packaging into energy through microwave-assisted pyrolysis, a method that transforms waste into syngas for onboard energy use (Singh; Prestigiacomo).
Further efforts to reduce emissions occur while ships are docked. Cruise ships often keep their engines running in port to maintain operations, which contributes to unnecessary fuel usage. However, shore power-ready vessels can now plug into a local electrical grid, a process known as “hoteling”, to maintain operations without burning fuel.
Another significant advancement comes from the use of ship design simulations. The COSSMOS (Complex Ship Systems Modelling and Simulation) software helps engineers simulate real-world scenarios, taking into account factors such as weather, speed, and cargo weight. These simulations inform decisions on propulsion systems, hull shapes, and onboard fuel cells to optimize efficiency. Innovative hull designs with advanced hydrodynamics minimize water resistance, while specialized paints help reflect sunlight and reduce air conditioning loads. Weekly robotic hull cleaning and the application of water-lubricating coatings further reduce drag and energy consumption. Additionally, LED lighting, which consumes 80% less energy than traditional bulbs, has become standard across many cruise ships (Prestigiacomo; Singh; Heiderstadt, 2025).
The cruise industry is moving toward a more innovative and environmentally responsible future. Ships like the Icon of the Seas are not only enhancing guest experiences with world-class entertainment but also setting new standards in technology and sustainability. Through the adoption of alternative fuels, renewable energy sources, AI-driven systems, and cutting-edge waste management solutions, the industry is paving the way for a cleaner and more enjoyable cruising experience. These developments are essential for aligning the cruise industry with global climate goals while meeting the expectations of modern travelers.
References
Heiderstadt, D. (May 02, 2025). New Technology On Cruise Ships: How Icon Of The Seas Is Making Waves. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/new-technology-on-cruise-ships-how-icon-of-the-seas-is-making-waves#:~:text=Innovation%20is%20at%20the%20heart%20of%20the,designed%20to%20enhance%20energy%20efficiency%20and%20sustainability.
Prestigiacomo, A. (n.d.). Exploring next-gen energy efficiency technologies for cruise ships. Retrieved from https://www.dnv.com/expert-story/maritime-impact/exploring-next-gen-energy-efficiency-technologies-for-cruise-ships/
Singh, A. (n.d.). The Environmental Impact of Traditional Cruising. Retrieved from https://www.marinebiodiversity.ca/how-cruise-ships-are-going-green-and-why-it-actually-works/
Thakkar, E. (Apr 27, 2025). What is an LNG Cruise Ship? Retrieved from https://www.cruisehive.com/future-fuel-what-is-an-lng-powered-cruise-ship/77960