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Norwegian Cruise Line removes all single-use plastic drinking bottles

Norwegian Cruise Line has fulfilled its pledge to remove single-use plastic drinking bottles from every ship in its fleet.

The line claims it is the “first major global cruise company” to eliminate single-use plastic drinking bottles across its 17-ship fleet.

More than six million plastic drinks bottles had been used every year, the line added.

After partnering with JUST Goods last year, NCL revealed it would replace single-use plastic bottles with plant-based refillable and recyclable cartons at the turn of the year.

The process started with the launch of Norwegian Encore in November.

The decision has been driven by the line’s Sail & Sustain Environmental programme, which aims to reduce landfill waste, CO2 emissions rate and invest in emerging technologies.

NCL also hopes to remove single-use plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles by the end of this year.

More: NCL to eliminate single-use plastic bottles across fleet

Cruise industry must issue ‘clear’ sustainability message

President and chief executive Harry Sommer said: “This is a very special and very proud moment for us.

“As a leading cruise line, we are thrilled to make such an impact by eliminating single-use beverage bottles across our fleet.

“It’s just one of the ways we are working to preserve our oceans and the destinations we visit.

“While this is just the beginning of what we and others can do, we are incredibly committed to our Sail & Sustain programme and believe wholeheartedly in the importance of preserving our natural resources.

“We will continue to strive towards making environmentally conscious decisions to benefit our earth.”

Plastic straws were pulled from the fleet and the line’s private destinations in 2018.

Carnival Corporation pledged to “significantly eliminate” the purchase and consumption of non-essential single-use plastic by the end of 2021.

Polar expedition line Hurtigruten banned all single-use plastics in 2018 across its fleet which consisted of 14 ships at the time.

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