For the second year, the port of Venice has awarded Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity the environmental Venice Blue Flag award. The prize recognizes the ship’s voluntary efforts while in Venice, to reduce air emissions by utilizing low sulfur fuel in port. The luxury line began using low sulfur fuel in consideration of the port of the city’s location in an urban environment, its artistic and architectural value, and the need to protect these treasures for future generations.
Since the award’s inception last year, Crystal Serenity has been recognized for its commitment to reducing its environmental impact, both on land and by sea.
“Crystal Cruises is very proud to once again receive the Venice Blue Flag award,” says Crystal’s president, Gregg Michel. “Like the port of Venice, Crystal Cruises places the utmost importance on the respectful treatment of the environment. In addition to ongoing conservation training of staff, Crystal’s operational policies are designed to protect the environment and minimize our footprint in the ports we visit.”
Crystal Cruises has long been committed to environmentally conscious practices aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, strictly adhering to a collection of Crystal Clean environmental initiatives for more than a decade. Most recently, the line introduced 100% recyclable EcoHangers on board, an alternative to the billions of wire and plastic hangers filling landfills each year. Additionally, Crystal utilizes washable, reusable garment bags rather than plastic bags for onboard laundry presentation. An in-house audit of its ships’ lighting and energy consumption resulted in measures that have saved more than 960,000 kWh – equivalent to eliminating more than 5,000 light bulbs, or nearly 200 tons of fuel, per year.
Crystal’s environmental achievements reach worldwide. Earlier this year, Crystal Symphony received the Environmental Buoy Diploma from the Port of Stockholm for its efforts in discharging waste water at specified shoreside facilities, and following exceptional waste management practices.
Crystal Serenity will visit Venice during several Mediterranean/Adriatic voyages of seven to 12 days from June through October. Crystal’s Mediterranean sailings are value priced, with Celebration Savings offering up $1,500 per person savings, low air upgrade fares, and an All Inclusive – As You Wish $1,000 per person credit.
