Sustainable Cruising Takes a Giant Leap Forward with the First Zero-Emissions Cruise

Proving that more sustainable cruising doesn't have to sacrifice experience, MSC Cruises has, with its new flagship, sailed the world's first no-emissions cruise.

As cruise lines continue to build magnificent new cruise ships, among the new bells and whistles of activities, entertainment, feats of design and engineering are other innovations that might be less visible - but equally important. The cruise industry has come together and committed to being good stewards of the planet and the water that covers three-quarters of it, and part of that sustainability commitment is being able to sail carbon neutral.

MSC is marking cruising's first net zero greenhouse gas emissions cruise with its new flagship, MSC Euribia. The liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered cruise ship was built in Saint-Nazaire, France, and its sailing from the shipyard to Copenhagen, Denmark for its naming ceremony, will make the history books.

The four-day voyage June 3-7, 2023, marks a milestone in the company's decarbonization efforts.

“This industry-first net zero gas emissions voyage of our latest flagship MSC Euribia heralds another significant step on our decarbonization journey and demonstrates more than anything the extent of our commitment,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group.

MSC Cruises has purchased 400 tonnes of bio-LNG, making it the first deep-sea ocean cruise operator to use this renewable fuel source that reduces emissions.

"Given the absolute importance of alternative fuels for our industry as well as for other sectors across civil society to achieve decarbonization, we all need to work together to increase their availability at scale," said Vago of the importance of industry-wide collaboration and standards to move towards cleaner cruising, including the availability of new fuels for all ships at ports around the world.

“This is just the beginning," said Michele Francioni, SVP, MSC Cruises. “MSC Euribia’s first voyage will be an incredible feat and represents years of commitment and determination. It should prove that we have the capability to operate on a net zero greenhouse gas emissions basis with existing ship technology."

The MSC Euribia has sustainability at her heart. She is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas, symbolizing MSC's commitment to expand and deploy state-of-the-art technologies in onboard water, waste, energy and other aspects of cruise ship operations to protect and preserve the marine ecosystem cruising relies upon.

So too does her hull, which, in a first for MSC, is a visual masterpiece as well. The cruise line held a competition and commissioned a unique and iconic artwork by Alex Flämig called #SaveTheSea is permanently featured on the ship’s hull.

Guests will also see some other new and better-than-ever features, proving sustainability doesn't mean you need to sacrifice on cruise experiences.

MSC Euribia has the longest and more spectacular LED Dome at Sea. The indoor promenade features both main and speciality Restaurants along with numerous shops. You'll find 5 pools on board, including one of the biggest and most intricate waterparks at sea, children's spaces and programming including MSC's partnership with LEGO. Plus the ship continues MSC's 'ship within a ship' tradition with MSC Yacht Club, a private area with exclusive restaurant and lounges and a large private pool area with solarium and whirlpool baths just for YC guests, 24-hour butler service, dedicated massage rooms and full access to Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa.

MSC Euribia spends her inaugural season sailing in Northern Europe.