Environmentally Respectful

All ships meet stringent emissions standards by utilizing modern, electronically controlled engines and generators that deliver performance and efficiency. Ships meet or exceed EPA Tier 3 or EPA Tier 4 and Tier 4 Final emissions requirements, depending on vessel parameters. This includes main engines and generators. Tier 3 requirements cut nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions by as much as 80% over pre-tier levels. Tier 4 Final requirements reduce PM and NOx by an additional 90% from Tier 3 levels, bringing the total emissions reductions to about 99%.

All American Cruise Lines ships use only ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which contains less than 15 ppm of sulfur (mg/kg). Most heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel oil (MDO) now contain less than 0.5% sulfur, though it can be much higher. ULSD is consistently a more than 99% reduction over alternatives.

Shore power allows vessels to shut down all shipboard carbon emitting equipment during port calls. American Cruise Lines ships are ready to “plug in” to any port with shoreside electrical infrastructure. New ships are built shore power ready and all other ships are retrofit ready as shoreside infrastructure becomes available. 

Advanced wastewater treatment systems are being integrated into all new ships and across the fleet. These systems treat, store, and discharge liquid waste in a manner that outperforms most land based waste treatment facilities. Systems can be tailored to state requirements as required and we are able to store treated wastewater to comply with no discharge zones as required.

American Cruise Lines, through its affiliate Chesapeake Shipbuilding, designs and builds the ships in its fleet. This close relationship with the shipyard allows advanced hull studies tailored to each ship’s operating requirements and the waterways where it will be deployed. This includes hydrodynamic studies for fuel efficiency, underwater noise transmission, and environmental disturbance, as well as comfort studies for stability, noise, and vibration. 

Our domestic-only itineraries coupled with a commitment to operate in small towns allows for route miles to be minimized, particularly on coastal itineraries. Where larger, foreign-flagged ships need to make international voyages between large cities, American Cruise Lines can often cut route miles by more than 70% by focusing on small U.S. towns. We also plan our itineraries to work with, rather than against, the tides to move efficiently and quietly throughout the country. We minimize route miles and operate slowly to further reduce emissions.

American Cruise Lines is committed to keep all ships under 200 passengers. This allows responsible operation in the smallest towns, in harmony with the communities we visit. The 200-passenger limit means that our port calls will not contribute meaningfully to traffic or congestion in town centers, and because all guests arrive by ship, vehicular traffic is negligible. Low passenger volume allows for more meaningful interactions and higher per capita economic impact. 

Water bottles and bottle fill stations are provided throughout American Cruise Lines vessels. The line has replaced most single use products with reusable items, and where not possible, is working to provide biodegradable options.

Food choices and menus educate about sustainability and prioritize local or seasonally appropriate ingredients, including seafood and produce. Cuisine is sourced locally wherever possible and excursion programs also enhance culinary impact awareness. New agritourism excursion options allow guests to understand where and how their food is harvested prior to eating it on board.

American uses low-energy LED lighting throughout the fleet as well as EPA Energy Star equipment to reduce overall onboard energy consumption. This means both less energy consumed and less electricity generated.