Crystal Cruises latest cruise line to ban plastic straws across the fleet

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has announced that all plastic straws have been eliminated from it’s two-ship fleet as it seeks to implement a broad spectrum of environmental efforts and sustainable practices.

Crystal Cruises operates Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, and will be cruising from both Dubai and South Africa during the coming cruise seasons. When it does cruise in the Arabian Gulf and Cape Town, it will be without any plastic straws on-board.

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“Crystal has always recognized that the world we travel is precious and deserving of our utmost care, and that all measures contributing to the preservation of our marine environments can make a significant impact,” said Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber.

“This initiative, as well as the others under our Crystal Cares program, ensure that we are continuing our focus of caring for our world in meaningful ways,” he added.

Paper straws will be available throughout the dining venues aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity as well as aboard the company’s yacht, Crystal Esprit, and the Crystal River Cruises fleet.

Crystal Esprit is also a frequent visitor to the Arabian Gulf, offering a number of roundtrip Dubai cruises annually.

The company announced the initiative as the latest part of its Crystal Cares program, which comprises a broad spectrum of environmental efforts and sustainable practices.

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The company also recently announced a partnership with ORCA – a leading conservation organisation dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises – which will bring Cruise Conservationists aboard select Alaska voyages for training, research and data collection as part of its OceanWatch program.

Under its comprehensive Crystal Cares program, Crystal applies stringent “green” standards across its ships including energy efficiency and water conservation protocols and dedicated recycling programs.

Additionally, the company has used a state-of-the-art water filtration system for six years in all its dining venues, producing still and sparkling drinking water reducing the use of plastic bottles.

Crystal also prioritises partnerships with organisations and vendors around the world who adhere to responsible environmental and sustainability practices.