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How Cruise Sustainability Affects Your Vacation with Joel Balsam

Small Ship Cruise Talk

Small Ship Cruise Talk
How Cruise Sustainability Affects Your Vacation with Joel Balsam
Mar 18, 2026 Episode 58

We sit down with travel journalist Joel Balsam to explore what sustainability really looks like in cruising today. From Norway’s electric-first mindset to Havila’s hybrid ships powered by biogas and massive battery systems, we unpack how innovation is reshaping the industry.

We share how this directly impacts your experience—quieter, near-silent sailing through pristine landscapes, more intentional dining that reduces waste, and protecting the wildlife and destinations you came to see.

We also get honest about the pros, limits, and future of greener travel. If you want to cruise more consciously without sacrificing the experience, this episode shows why it matters—for your trip now and the future of travel.

Follow Joel’s travels and read his fantastic articles on Instagram and his website: 

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