The soul travels slowly – and so do the ships: more sustainable cruising with nicko cruises’ river fleet

For a journey that leaves a lasting impression, travelers need time to connect with new places and absorb different cultures. The Slow Cruising concept by nicko cruises is designed precisely for this purpose. But it also supports sustainability: smaller ships carrying a maximum of 220 guests, dispersed excursions with smaller groups – all of this helps reduce pressure on destinations and avoids the overtourism that has increasingly resulted from budget airlines and sharing platforms.

 

Leading the way in inland waterway environmental protectiont

nicko cruises is a pioneer in environmental protection on rivers. Its river ships operate exclusively with low-emission fuels. The diesel used meets the EU’s strictest standards, with a sulfur content of just 0.0001 percent. The company is also testing HVO 100 – a diesel fuel made from plant oils, waste, and residual materials that can reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants by up to 90 percent.

Another key to sustainable cruising is shore power capability: every river ship in the fleet is equipped with a connection for shore-side electricity, allowing for port operations without diesel generators. This reduces emissions, cuts noise, and helps maintain air quality.

Energy efficiency is naturally in the operator’s own interest: it protects the environment and lowers operating costs. As a result, energy-saving LED lighting, smart lighting controls, and efficient HVAC systems are standard on board.

Waste and wastewater management are also crucial. Each ship features its own reverse osmosis system to purify water through a complex process – resulting in water that can be safely returned to the environment. Residual sewage sludge, by contrast, is disposed of by certified specialists at the ports. Food waste is also minimized through a simple yet effective measure: a multi-course menu is served at the table – and on many ships, guests choose their meals in the morning, allowing the kitchen to plan more efficiently.

nicko cruises holds the Green Award Silver certification – a quality mark for ships that meet high standards of environmental and operational safety. The company also participates in the “Fair Cruise Work” initiative with Nautilus International, advocating for fair working conditions in the cruise industry.

 

A promise for the future

Guests can count not only on unforgettable journeys to the world’s most beautiful river destinations, but also on nicko cruises’ ongoing commitment: the company will continue to seek and implement improvements in sustainability – today, tomorrow, and beyond. So that we may all continue discovering the world’s beauty together for years to come.