Bacardi, Carnival Cruise Line, and ecoSpirits launch a new onboard sustainability initiative

Innovation and the cruise industry is not limited to hull design or over the top onboard experiences. Given the importance of sustainability initiatives, the food and beverage space is ripe for change. Bacardi, Carnival Cruise Line, and ecoSpirits are testing a new program that addresses a waste problem.

As guests step onboard a cruise ship, they appreciate that the vacation days will be full of food, beverages, and enjoyment any and every hour of the day. It is permissible to have that cocktail before 11 a.m. or have just one more before the head finally hits the table. Although no one is suggesting overindulgence, the cocktail shakers continuously have that rhythm going.

While the drinks might be following, there is something else growing as everyone sips throughout the day. Empty bottles have to go somewhere and waste can be an issue. When a company can find a way to reduce that volume, the product innovation has people taking notice.

In a recent announcement, Bacardi, Carnival Cruise line, and ecoSpirits are testing a new product created specifically designed for the maritime environment. The special packaging aims to reduce single use packaging by 95 percent.

For the guest, that Rum Runner, Bahama Mama, or even simple Cubra Libre with their favorite Bacardi Rum is still the same. The difference is that the clank from empty bottles in the trash is reduced.

Since Bacardi Rum is one of the most ordered spirits across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, it was perfect for the test pilot program. The bar staff can easily pour the iconic spirit from the silver and red BACARDĺ-branded SmartPours and everyone can toast to a more sustainable approach behind the bar.

As Rodolfo Nervi, VP Global Safety, Quality & Sustainability for Bacardi said, “We are continuously looking for opportunities to deliver our beautiful drinks in more sustainable packaging and formats, helping us build a greener future. Innovating in closed loop packaging has been a top priority for us for a number of years, so launching our very first ecoTOTE for BACARDĺ on a Carnival cruise ship and seeing the doors this trial will open, is an incredibly exciting step forwards in that journey.”

Speaking to this offering, Zachary Sulkes, senior director of beverage operations at Carnival Cruise Line said, “As we continue to work towards our sustainability goals, the collaborative work of our beverage team, ecoSPIRITS and Bacardi is a great example of thinking in ways that are truly out-of-the-box, or in this case – out-of-the-bottle, to develop new partnerships and practices that further our ongoing efforts.”

Although the guest might not instantly appreciate the difference, this testing is part of a bigger conversation within the cruise industry. Norwegian Cruise Line puts sustainability front and center in its beverage program. When it launched its Metropolitan Bar on NCL Prima, understanding how to repurpose otherwise unused ingredients proved thoughtfulness, flavor, and innovation can go hand in hand.

Royal Caribbean has made changes within its food and beverage ranks, especially on Wonder of the Seas. From innovation within the galley to avoid food waste prior to serving to creative approaches behind the bar, the cruise company appreciates that each step can and will make a difference.

As this Bacardi, Carnival Cruise Line, and ecoSpirits pilot program launches, it will test the concept on board three ships, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Sunrise with itineraries leaving from Miami, Florida. The program will run for three months.