Curious Cruise Ship Facts and Hacks Shared by Crew Members and Passengers

When it comes to waste disposal on cruise ships, it’s often a matter of out of sight, out of mind. These vessels typically release treated human waste into the ocean when they are approximately 12 miles from the shore. Although they are obliged to treat the waste – and often do so – the environmental impact remains a concern.

Not all countries have uniform regulations in place, leading to occasional discharge in regions governed by more lenient laws. A recent example involved U.S. cruise ships dumping waste near British Columbia, prompting complaints from Canadian residents about the environmental consequences of these practices.