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Answer: At Holland America Line, cruising is our passion. We are equally passionate about protecting and preserving the pristine destinations that we visit. For many years we have emphasized environmental stewardship and conservation in our operations. We believe that safeguarding our guests, crew, ships, and the environment is the right thing to do and essential to the success of our business.

Our ships are as environmentally sound as they are beautiful. We welcome you to learn more about our commitment to protecting the environment by reviewing our sustainability report at www.hollandamerica.com. Here are just a few of our environmental efforts:

Environmental Management System: All of our ships are ISO 14001 certified by LRQA, North America.

Environmental Officers: Stationed on board every ship to provide environmental training and oversee shipboard compliance with environmental requirements.

Reducing waste: Our waste management approach focuses on reducing the volume and toxicity of waste we generate. We have gone to great lengths to remove hazardous chemicals from our operations including dry cleaning, medical and photographic chemicals, and cleaning supplies. Whenever possible, we reuse existing materials and equipment, and we recycle many materials where recycling infrastructure is available at our ports of call. We donate reusable goods from our ships to nonprofit organizations and working with port authorities to identify additional vendors who are capable of recycling cruise ship waste.

Conserving Water and Reducing Waste Water Discharges: We make the most of our water. Conserving water results in less energy spent making water, thus saving fuel. The more efficient we can be with our water use, the less wastewater is generated, treated and discharged when we’re done using it — saving energy and limiting discharges.

To accomplish these initiatives, we use low-flow systems for toilets and showers in the staterooms, which conserves the amount of water used on board and therefore the quantity of wastewater treated and discharged.

Environmental Awards

Our activities to protect the environment have not gone unnoticed. Holland America Line has recently won the following environmental honors:

Green Gateway Award: Port of Seattle’s Green Gateway Partners Award program, 2010–2016, and the Technology Innovator Award in 2015

Blue Circle Award: Port Metro Vancouver’s EcoAction program for commitment to sustainability, 2010–2014

Porthole Cruise Magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards: Most Eco-Friendly Line, 2014

Guest Invitation to Environmental Excellence

We invite and encourage all of our guests to assist us as we work to protect the environment, both on board and while ashore. You can make a difference in the following ways:

Towel Reuse Option: Similar to many fine hotels, you can obtain fresh towels simply by leaving the used ones on the floor. To reuse your towel, simply hang it on the bathroom door or towel rack. Reusing your towels will reduce energy, water and detergent consumption required for daily washings.

Turn Off Stateroom Lights and TV When Not in Use: As when ashore, energy conservation goes a long way to helping us protect the environment.
Water Conservation: Just as when ashore, water conservation is an important environmental initiative. Please help us reduce water use.