Kentucky environmental attorney Sanders says Friends of the Earth rated 10 major cruise lines and Disney Cruise Lines got a “F” for dumping poo in the sea. The Little Mermaid cries foul!

Friends of the Earth graded 10 major cruise ship lines, including some of the biggest names in the business, such as Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival received a “D-minus.”  The report issued the highest grade — a “B”— to Holland America Line. Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises also scored relatively well, each getting a “B-minus.”

The lowest grades —”Fs” — went to Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises also scored poorly.  Cunard Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises received about average grades.

The enormous amounts of food and drink consumed on cruise ships, along with water from laundry, pool, medical facilities, photo labs, spas, and dry cleaning stations, has to go somewhere.

At sea, what you flush down the toilet can actually be dumped untreated into the ocean to contaminate fish and other marine life, so long as the ship is at least three nautical miles from shore. This sewage contains pollutants including fecal matter, bacteria, viruses, pathogens, nutrients, hazardous waste and pharmaceuticals, all of which can be harmful to human health and aquatic life. 

Say it ain’t so Mickey!  What is up with the cruise lines dumping their untreated wastes at sea.  This report is an eye opener for me, and the Little Mermaid.  Walt Disney is likely rolling over in his grave!