Princess Cruises

In response to “Unpretty Princess,” editorial, April 21:

I appreciate the opportunity to reply to your editorial and would like to clarify Princess Cruises’ commitment to protect the oceans upon which we do business.

The fine we received for violating the law, which prohibits the disposal of plastic into the ocean, was a clear message that the authorities are serious about enforcing environmental laws, a commitment we heartily support. We cooperated fully with the authorities in their investigation because we also take the environment seriously and have had longstanding policies in place designed to minimize our impact on the oceans. The 1991 incident was therefore deeply distressing to all of us at Princess, not only because it was in direct violation of our policies and should have never occurred, but because we understand the impact such an action could have on our oceans, beaches and marine life.

We have since conducted a comprehensive review and have even further strengthened our environmental procedures to ensure a similar episode will not happen again. We have appointed an environmental expert to our senior management team (the first such appointment in the industry), implemented a plastics minimization program with our suppliers, strengthened our education and training programs, tightened our disciplinary procedures and enhanced shipboard waste sorting and recycling programs. As well, we are working alongside environmental organizations to get the best advice we can on how to operate our ships in an environmentally-friendly way, and we will continue to research and invest substantial sums of money in the latest environmental technology for our ships.

PETER RATCLIFFE

Chief Operating Officer

Princess Cruises, Los Angeles