Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Innovation in Cruise Ship Sustainability
The Master in Innovation in Cruise SustainabilityIs designed to lead the transformation towards a greener and more responsible shipping industry. Faced with increasing environmental scrutiny and ever-stricter regulations, profes
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts9 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Innovation in Cruise Ship Sustainability?
The Master in Innovation in Cruise Sustainability is designed to lead the transformation towards a greener and more responsible shipping industry. Faced with increasing environmental scrutiny and ever-stricter regulations, professionals need to master the innovative strategies and technologies that define the future of cruising. This program addresses sustainability from a holistic perspective, combining technical knowledge, strategic management, and business acumen to create effective and measurable solutions.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Approach: Analysis of real-world cases and projects to implement sustainable solutions on cruise ships.
- Emerging Technologies: Study of alternative fuels, waste management systems, and renewable energies.
- Regulations and Compliance: Mastery of national and international environmental regulations and compliance strategies.
- Social and Economic Impact: Assessment of the effects of sustainability on local communities and responsible tourism.
- Networking: Connection with experts and industry leaders to drive collaborative innovation.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
26-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Sustainability Strategies: Master the latest trends and regulations to reduce the environmental impact of cruises.
- Technological Innovation: Explore cutting-edge solutions in renewable energy, waste management, and eco-efficient design.
- Comprehensive Cruise Management: Acquire skills in optimizing operations, responsible marketing, and creating a sustainable passenger experience.
- Transformational Leadership: Develop a strategic vision to drive sustainability in the cruise industry.
- Global Networking: Connect with leading experts and companies to collaborate on innovative projects.
- Boost your career and lead the transformation towards a more sustainable cruise industry.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of sustainability in the cruise industry, strategic framework and transition to responsible maritime models
- Concept of sustainability in cruise ships and differences between environmental compliance, maritime ESG and sustainable transformation of the business model
- Evolution of the cruise industry and regulatory, social and market pressure towards cleaner and more responsible operations
- Cruising environmental impacts: emissions, discharges, waste, noise, marine biodiversity and pressure on tourist destinations
- ESG Dimensions in Cruises: Environmental, Social, Governance, Passenger Experience and Relationship with Local Communities
- Ecosystem Actors: Shipping Companies, Shipyards, Ports, Tourist Destinations, Regulators, Suppliers and Passengers
- Relationship between sustainability, reputation, social licence to operate and competitiveness in the maritime tourism sector
- Global maritime sustainability framework and international objectives applicable to maritime transport and tourism
- Trends in sustainable tourism, blue economy and transformation of the cruise experience
- Integration between corporate strategy, ship operation and sustainability throughout the value chain
- Systemic approach to sustainable cruise ship innovation as integration of engineering, operation, regulation and user experience
02
Energy, alternative fuels and decarbonization in cruise ships
- Fundamentals of energy consumption in cruise ships and main sources of emissions
- Traditional fuels and transition to LNG, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia and biofuels
- Partial electrification, hybrid systems and use of batteries in port operations and navigation
- Energy efficiency systems: engine optimisation, propulsion, heat recovery and load management
- Electrical connection in port and reduction of emissions during docking
- Carbon Footprint Assessment and Emission Reduction Strategies in Cruise Fleets
- Technical, economic and regulatory challenges of the energy transition in large ships
- Integration of energy solutions in design, retrofit and operation
- Impact of decarbonization on costs, competitiveness and market perception
- Construction of sustainable energy strategies for cruises
03
Waste management, water, discharges and circular economy on board
- Types of waste generated in cruise ships: solid, organic, dangerous and recyclable
- Wastewater treatment systems, grey and black
- Management of food waste, plastics, oils, chemicals and hazardous materials
- Reduction, recycling, valorization and safe disposal technologies
- International regulation on discharges and discharge of waste at sea
- Circular economy strategies applied to cruise operations
- Reduction of water consumption and optimisation of water resources
- Integrated waste management in coordination with ports and destinations
- Environmental impact monitoring and control
- Construction of efficient and sustainable waste management systems
04
Sustainable design of ships, materials and efficiency in construction and retrofit
- Fundamentals of Sustainable Design on Cruise Ships
- Selection of sustainable, recyclable and low environmental impact materials
- Weight optimisation, structural efficiency and energy consumption
- Design of HVAC systems, lighting and efficient energy consumption
- Integration of clean technologies in shipbuilding
- Retrofit of existing ships for environmental improvement
- Environmental Certifications and Sustainable Construction Standards
- Relationship between design, operation and life cycle of the ship
- Innovation in sustainable naval architecture
- Construction of ships with a comprehensive sustainability approach
05
Ports, tourist destinations and sustainable management of cruise operations
- Relationship between cruise ships and coastal tourist destinations
- Economic and environmental impact on port cities
- Tourism flow management, cargo capacity and urban sustainability
- Port-cruise-city integration in sustainable models
- Green port infrastructures and sustainable services
- Local regulation, operational restrictions and environmental control
- Relationship with local communities and social acceptance
- Responsible tourism strategies and profit sharing
- Coordination between shipping companies, authorities and destinations
- Construction of sustainable operation models in destinations
06
Technological innovation, digitization and improvement of environmental performance in cruise ships
- Use of on-board sensors, IoT and environmental monitoring
- Data analytics for energy consumption and resource optimisation
- Artificial Intelligence Applied to Operational Efficiency
- Digital Environmental Management Systems
- Automation of sustainable processes
- Digital twins and simulation for continuous improvement
- Integration of digital platforms in sustainability management
- Cybersecurity in connected environmental systems
- Technological impact assessment
- Construction of sustainable digital ecosystems
07
ESG Governance, Reporting, Regulation and Strategic Sustainability Management
- ESG framework applied to the cruise industry
- Maritime Environmental Regulation and Regulatory Compliance
- Sustainability reporting and key metrics
- Audit and verification of environmental performance
- ESG Risk Management
- Sustainable Corporate Strategy
- Relationship with investors and stakeholders
- Reputation and communication management
- Greenwashing prevention
- Construction of robust ESG systems
08
Passenger experience, sustainability and new cruise tourism models
- Integration of sustainability in the customer experience
- Passenger Environmental Education
- Design of sustainable services on board
- Trends in responsible tourism
- Customization of sustainable experiences
- Relationship between sustainability and loyalty
- Innovation in tourist services
- Impact on market perception
- Sustainability-focused business models
- Construction of differentiated sustainable experiences
09
Innovation strategy, sustainable transition and future of the cruise industry
- Sustainable transformation models
- Innovation in the maritime industry
- Strategies of adaptation to regulation
- New business models
- Integration with blue economy
- Future Risk Assessment
- Energy transition scenarios
- Sustainable competitiveness
- Impact of new technologies
- Strategic vision construction
10
Relationship with communities, social impact and responsible tourism in cruise destinations
- Socioeconomic impact of cruise ships on destinations
- Tourist saturation and flow management
- Agreements with port cities
- Local suppliers and value chains
- responsible excursions
- Cultural heritage and sensitive destinations
- Crew labour rights
- Accessibility and inclusion on board
- Responsible Tourism Certifications
- Social Responsibility Plan of a Shipping Company
11
Master’s Final Project in Innovation in Cruise Ship Sustainability
- Definition of the case study
- Sustainability diagnosis
- Sustainable strategy design
- Technological integration
- Environmental Assessment
- Economic Analysis
- Operational design
- Preparation of technical memory
- Preparation of documentation
- Presentation and defence of the final project
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Cruise industry professionals (operations, design, marketing) seeking to lead the industry's sustainable transformation.Naval engineers, architects, and designers interested in applying eco-design, clean technologies, and sustainable materials to cruise ships.Sustainability and environmental managers from shipping companies and ports who need innovative strategies to reduce their environmental
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Implement innovative environmental management strategies
- 02Develop eco-design projects in the construction and remodeling of cruise ships
- 03Leading the transition to sustainable fuels and propulsion technologies
- 04Optimize waste management and water treatment on board
- 05Promote collaboration with local communities for responsible tourism
- 06Integrating sustainability into business strategy and decision-making
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Sustainability Manager in Cruise Lines: Implementation of sustainability strategies, measurement of environmental and social impact, GRI/ESG reporting.
03Sustainability Consultant for the Cruise Industry: Advising on eco-design of ships, energy efficiency, waste management, and the circular economy.
04Cruise Innovation Manager: Development of technological innovation projects and sustainable business models for the industry.
05Sustainability Auditor in Cruise Lines: Verification of compliance with environmental and social regulations, certification of sustainable practices.
06Sustainable Cruise Tourism Specialist: Design of responsible tourism experiences, collaboration with local communities, and promotion of heritage conservation.
07Researcher in Marine and Cruise Sustainability: Analysis of the environmental impacts of cruise ships, development of solutions for reducing emissions and protecting marine ecosystems.
08Sustainability Communications and Marketing Manager for Cruise Ships: Disseminating the company's sustainable practices, raising awareness among passengers and stakeholders.
09Public Official in Tourism and Environment-Related Organizations: Developing public policies for the regulation and promotion of sustainability in the cruise industry.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Cruise sector.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Cruise sector.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's degree in areas related to sustainability, environmental management, tourism, engineering, business administration, or related fields; or demonstrable professional experience in the cruise industry or sectors related to sustainability.Knowledge and Skills:Interest in sustainability, innovation, and the cruise industry. Ability to analyze critically, solve problems, and work in a team.Documentation:Updated curriculum vitae, copy of university degree or proof of relevant professional experience, cover letter explaining interest in
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