"Icon of the Seas: Navigating the Climate-Friendly Cruise Ship Debate"

Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship, the Icon Of The Seas, is the largest in the world and is set to sail with a capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew, despite the cruise industry's high carbon emissions. The demand for cruise tourism is at an all-time high, with the industry's emissions surpassing pre-pandemic levels. While the company has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and plans to build more ships powered by liquid natural gas, concerns remain about the environmental impact, including methane leaks and black carbon emissions. The cruise industry's energy-intensive amenities and activities contribute significantly to its environmental footprint, prompting criticism for its emissions and environmental impact.