The most important thing in the sea is water. In fact, over 80% of the freshwater on our ships is produced directly from the sea. From water slides, to drinking water, to the water we use in our galleys, we produce up to almost 800,000 gallons a day on our newest ships – the equivalent of an Olympic-size swimming pool. It’s just one part of our mission to make our ships as efficient and self-sustaining as possible.

The high seas deserve high standards. All the water we use to clean our ships – whether it’s from washing our soft sheets, rinsing dishes, or just keeping staterooms spotless – is cleaned to excellent international standards before it goes back in the sea. Our state-of-the-art wastewater systems are designed and maintained to the highest standards – even higher than some on-shore facilities – because we believe that the most important part of a cruise is keeping the ocean the way it’s meant to be: clean.

In addition, treated effluent water is also periodically analyzed by SGS, an accredited testing laboratory, to ensure the required standards are met, or even exceeded, at all times.

When you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, there’s nothing like a soft feather pillow. Except, there is: a propeller. Our engines and propulsion systems have a certified underwater radiated noise system and are designed to vibrate less and emit less noise – both into our ships and into the sea below them, which means that not only will you feel and hear the engine less, but so will the marine life below. Just another way to help you sleep easy.

Plastic doesn’t belong in a cocktail. Whatever you order on board an MSC Cruise – whether it’s a classic concoction, or something with a signature MSC twist – you’ll never have it served to you with a plastic straw. It's one small part of our efforts to reduce waste on board, along with our efficient recycling systems available on all our ships that help sort, recycle, and reuse as much waste as possible across our fleet.

Some bulbs are better than others. The LEDs we use on board all our ships are up to 75% more efficient than traditional and last at least 7 times longer. So, from the dazzling spotlights that light up our stages every night, to the soft lighting that illuminates our restaurants, to the lights in our comfortable staterooms, each light doesn’t just make your experience better: It saves energy, too.

At MSC Cruises, our sustainable Protectours excursions don’t just let you see the world – they let you help it, too with low-impact travel or direct environmental benefits. Whether it’s our coralline plantation snorkeling experience, getting hands on with tree planting in the Lustica Peninsula, or hybrid-electric transportations such as a hybrid-electric catamaran taking you on a fjord safari, discover the natural world while preserving its beauty with every day trip.