Controversial video from inside cruise ship sparks online debate: 'This is awful'

A recently shared video intended to showcase the scale of a cruise ship has ignited a heated debate on Reddit about the value and environmental impact of such massive vessels. The clip features a single deck of the Arvia, a ship operated by P&O Cruises, and was posted to Reddit at 400% speed, lasting almost two minutes without completing a full circuit of the deck. The footage demonstrates the staggering size of the ship, even when accelerated.

The Arvia stretches over 1,130 feet and weighs in excess of 200,000 tons. It can accommodate up to 5,200 passengers along with 1,800 crew members. While some viewers were impressed by the ship's magnitude, others expressed disgust. One Reddit user commented, "This looks terrible. Thousands of dollars just to sit in a hallway with a window, packed like sardines. No thank you."

Beyond the controversy over its size, the environmental impact of cruise ships like the Arvia is significant. Many vessels use liquified natural gas, promoted as a greener alternative to conventional fuels, yet still releasing methane and sulfur. Emissions from these fuels contribute to global warming and can result in acid rain.

Research shows that in 2022, just 214 cruise ships docking in European ports emitted four times more sulfur than all the cars in Europe combined. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that cruise ships discharge over 1 billion gallons of sewage annually. One commenter summed up the public concern, stating, "Horrible thing. Disgusting. Future generations will curse us for destroying the environment for our own enjoyment."

Author: Harper Simmons