Royal Caribbean Exotic Promises and Toxic Waters

Case Study 3

Royal Caribbean: exotic promises and toxic waters

The ethical issue at stake here in this case is Royal Caribbean Cruise’s not committing themselves to the key elements of reduction of waste, recycling and proper disposal as stated in the company’s code of business conduct and ethics. But when looking at this case closely you can come to the conclusion that this ethical issue arises mainly due to improper waste management and disposal methods practiced by the company on its cruise ships. So therefore the best way to find a solution to this issue I believe would be by finding ways to ensure proper waste management and disposal methods are practiced on board the companies cruise ships.

One solution to this issue would be, to seek help from environmental protection authorities. And the best way to do this would be by asking the authorities to send in individuals to specifically monitor the waste management and disposal methods practiced aboard the companies cruise ships. Through this method the company will be able to guarantee that proper waste management and disposal methods are practiced aboard their ships and with that the odds of the company facing allegations and large monetary fines from authorities due to improper waste management and disposal practices will be less, because it will be the authorities themselves who will be monitoring this aspect aboard its cruise ships.

Another solution to this issue would be to install advance waste water management and disposal systems aboard every cruise liner .This solution though has both a positive side and a negative side to it. Whilst the positive side being the guarantee of proper treatment to all kinds of waste that’s produced on the ship the negative side would be the high cost , the requirement of technically skilled manpower for operation and the high energy requirement these systems demand in order to function properly. But in solving the overall problem at hand not only will this solution...