ABSTRACT
When thinking of a cruise in the polar regions, blue skies, stunning scenery, crystal clear waters and the vastness of the wild ocean, untouched by human pollution, spring to mind. Cartwright and Baird (1999, p163) reflect the glossy image portrayed by the cruise lines themselves:
Not so long ago the traditional method for removing rubbish from ships was to dump it overboard. Such practices are now, quite rightly, outlawed and cruise ship companies have become very environmentally aware. There are large fines applied to any shipping company found guilty of pollution.
