Join the Future of More Responsible Cruising
Join industry leaders taking action—A simple way to support more sustainable cruising that reduces ship strike risk to endangered whales, air pollution, noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Photo: Adam Ernster Wildlife
Responsible Cruising
BWBS supports and verifies cruise vessel operators' efforts to advance responsible shipping practices for safer whales, cleaner air, and a quieter ocean.
Ship strikes are one of the main threats to endangered whales. Ships that voluntarily transit at whale-safer 10 knots or less in Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones reduce fatal whale strike risk and emissions.
VSR zones are found all over the world to help reduce the risk of ship strikes for whales. Off California, VSR efforts focus on reducing some of the top sources of criteria air pollutants impacting many coastal communities and protecting threatened and endangered whales - blue, fin, and humpback - whose critical habitats overlap with the region's cruise line and shipping routes.
Why Participate?
Join maritime industry leaders working to implement simple but effective measures that protect biodiversity and coastal air quality.
Participating companies receive:
- Custom monthly reports summarizing each vessel's performance within the VSR zones and whale sightings data.
- Verified data on VSR performance, and third-party analyses on the environmental benefits of cooperation including on: coastal air quality and avoided emissions; and fatal strike risk and noise pollution reduction.
- Communications and education materials on more sustainable cruising, biodiversity protection and the endangered whales migrating alongside your transits.
- Public recognition on program's website, at events, and in media (for lines meeting minimum participation criteria).
Program Inquiries
Blue Whales and Blue Skies welcomes inquires about participation criteria and next steps.
Participation Details
- Vessels over 300 gross tons in the designated VSR zones are eligible.
- There is a VSR Season when vessels are asked to reduce speeds that typically falls between May and January each year.
- The percentage of distance travelled at <10 knots is calculated using AIS data.
- A company will be publicly recognized as a participant when its fleet achieves 30% or more of total distance traveled in the VSR zones at 10 knots or less.
- Public recognition for participating lines meeting program criteria and award levels is provided at the mid-season mark, and at the conclusion of the season.
How to Enroll
Further details will be released on the coming Season, including the 2026 VSR Season Zone Map and Program Dates. Companies are welcome to enroll at anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to frequently asked questions. Please contact us using the form above if you have additional questions or would like more information about the Cruise Line Program.