Carnival Corporation nears milestone in food waste reduction ahead of 2030 goal

Carnival Corporation has achieved a 38% reduction in food waste per passenger since 2019, the company revealed earlier this week. The announcement, less than a year after surpassing a previous 30% reduction goal, marks significant progress towards the company’s 2025 interim goal of a 40% reduction and broader 2030 goal of halving food waste across all operations.

As the world’s largest global cruise company and among the largest leisure travel companies, Carnival Corporation operates a number of cruise lines including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.

The company has implemented a multi-faceted approach across its fleet. This includes optimizing all aspects of food preparation and dining services to minimize unused food, as well as investing in advanced waste management technologies, like biodigesters, to break down and responsibly dispose of unused food. 

“One of the many ways we create unforgettable happiness for our guests is through world-class food and dining experiences on our ships,” said chief maritime officer Bill Burke. “Our food tells a story and it’s a labor of love to serve amazing meals to millions of guests each year while making sure we manage it in the most sustainable way possible. 

“It’s a virtuous cycle from start to finish that reduces our environmental footprint while ensuring the extraordinary guest experiences that make our world-class cruise lines stand out.”

Sustainable dining aboard Carnival Corporation

Innovative initiatives, including AI technology to monitor guest dining trends and onboard awareness campaigns, have also been instrumental in optimizing food use throughout the lifecycle onboard. 

According to the company, this information is used to decide on recipe creation and menu design, purchasing fresh ingredients, real-time prep, creation and presentation techniques, and in-suite dining. Surplus ingredients and meals from Carnival Corporation’s subsidiary Costa Cruises are donated to a network of registered food banks in communities it visits.

More than that, the company has installed over 600 biodigesters across its fleet, significantly reducing the volume of uneaten food and avoiding over 31,000 metric tons of equivalent greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. Additionally, the deployment of food dehydrators has enhanced the ability to break down a wider range of food items, further contributing to waste volume reduction.

These advancements are part of Carnival Corporation’s larger commitment to sustainable cruising, encompassing climate action, circular economy principles, community partnership, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Details of these efforts and strategies are outlined in the company’s current Sustainability Report, available at www.CarnivalSustainability.com.