Cruise holidays are synonymous with lavish dining experiences. Guests often indulge in endless buffets and gourmet meals. However, the question of what happens to leftover food is rarely considered. Carnival Corporation, a leading cruise operator, is not only pondering this issue but actively addressing it.
Exceeding Food Waste Reduction Goals
On 10th June 2025, Carnival announced a significant achievement. The company surpassed its target to cut food waste by 40% by 2025, achieving a 44% reduction in 2024 compared to 2019. This initiative, known as “Less Left Over,” spans across Carnival’s brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and Cunard.
Innovative Strategies for Waste Reduction
Carnival’s strategy involves a blend of real-time data tracking, AI-driven forecasting, and staff training. These tools help predict food demand and optimise portion sizes. By doing so, the company ensures the right amount of food is prepared for each cruise, reducing waste from preparation to plate. Cruise kitchens are also plating meals more efficiently and using guest preference data to adjust menus dynamically.
Creative Solutions for Leftovers
Despite best efforts, leftovers are inevitable. Carnival is finding innovative ways to repurpose them. Used cooking oil is transformed into biofuel for excursion buses in Alaska. Coffee grounds are recycled into vegan soap, either sold onboard or donated. Surplus meals and ingredients are given to local food banks in ports facing food insecurity.
Financial and Environmental Benefits
These initiatives have already saved Carnival an estimated $250 million in food-related costs. The company aims for a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030. To manage unavoidable leftovers, Carnival employs biodigesters, or “metallic stomachs,” which use bacteria to liquify food waste for easier disposal at sea. By the end of 2024, 630 biodigesters were operational across the fleet.
Setting a New Standard in the Cruise Industry
Carnival’s success story is a beacon for the cruise industry, which faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact. The “Less Left Over” initiative shows that large-scale operations can adopt sustainable practices without compromising quality. As public awareness of sustainability grows, Carnival is leading the way in responsible cruising.
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