Royal Caribbean Cruises has pledged that the 50 ships across its brands will be free of plastic straws by 2019.
For more than a year, ships in its fleet have been implementing a ‘straws upon request’ policy to cut down on usage.
It says this programme will be taken a step further by the start of next year, when guests requesting a straw will receive a paper straw instead of a plastic one.
Guests will also begin seeing Forrest Stewardship Council-certified wood coffee stirrers and bamboo garnish picks as part of the cruise giant’s plastic reduction strategy.
After straws, stirrers and picks, the company’s focus will turn to other single-use plastics such as condiment packets, cups, and bags.
It said a full plastics audit is underway, with the overall plan to be completed in phases by 2020.
