Cruise ships are today’s engineering marvels, but they do give off a lot of emissions. Here’s how the cruise industry is becoming more environmentally friendly.

11.5 million Americans go cruising each year, more than any other country in the world.

Nowadays, consumers want more than flashy cruise packages, they want cruise lines with a conscience. Luckily, many cruise lines are becoming more environmentally friendly from running on alternative power to reducing their waste.

Not sure how? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.

Becoming More Fuel Efficient 

You may wonder “how do cruise ships work when they’re environmentally friendly?”

Many cruise ships have added air lubrication to their hulls and parts of the cruise ship to reduce drag and fuel consumption. As a result, cruise liners are more efficient. Further, many cruise ports are letting ships “plugin” to shoreside power so they’re not churning out extra diesel when ashore.  

Controlling Emissions 

Before you Google “how do cruises work at controlling their carbon emissions?”, know they’re reducing air pollutants like sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide.

Instead, they’re using an exhaust gas cleaning system to be compliant with U.S. regulations. Companies are improving their cruise ship design by using alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas which is far more efficient than sulfur oxide. 

Disposing of Waste the Right Way

“How do cruises work in disposing waste?” You ask.

International law lets cruise ships discharge general waste at least 12 nautical miles from land. The rest is disposed of either onboard or when reaching shore.

A terrific way of reducing food waste is getting guests to choose their dinner choices early so companies don’t overproduce food items with excess waste. And for treating sewage, there are advanced wastewater treatment systems that have filtration and disinfecting technology that rival those onshore.  

Onboard Recycling

Still wondering “where are cruise ships built?”

Cruise ships are mostly made in shipyards and many newer models are enforcing stricter onboard recycling rules. For instance, cruise ships have recycling containers dotted onboard so items are separated. Once sorted, the recycled materials are crushed and ready to be disposed of at the shore. 

Combating Overtourism 

Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik have all suffered from overtourism in the past.

Many cruise ship companies have taken this into account and understand the environmental impact of enormous crowds ashore. Now, they’re more focused on making shore excursions more sustainable by running tours that are certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable and eco-friendly trip, our award winning Antarctica cruise will leave you breathless.

That’s How Cruises Become Environmentally Friendly 

Many cruise ship companies are working to become more environmentally friendly. New cruise ships are being designed so they rely on alternative forms of energy, are equipped for recycling, and dispose of waste effectively.

Further, many large cruise ship companies are altering excursions so that overtourism doesn’t occur which is a major plus. Luckily, there are ethical cruise companies that explore Antarctica and offer guests a memorable experience. Happy cruising!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our useful articles about sustainability.

Are you traveling and don’t want to miss church? Join us as we take a look at the most magnificent and revered churches in the world.

Do you want to pray in and/or visit the world’s most famous churches as you travel? 

All around the world, churches have some of the most striking and superb designs. In this list, we’re going to talk about some of the most beautiful churches in the world you mustn’t miss.

1. St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome

Italy is full of splendid churches that they also act as major tourist destinations. One of the most notable of these is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Did you know that this basilica has the tallest dome in the world and has one of the most famous monuments in Italy?

Of course, we’re also encouraging you to visit The Sistine Chapel to get the full experience. You don’t want to miss seeing Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings. If you’re passing by Florence, don’t forget to make a stopover at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore too. 

2. Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

If you’re visiting Bethlehem, you can’t miss the Church of the Nativity. It’s built on the site where the birth of Jesus Christ occurred. This Byzantine-type church got built around 333 AD and is an endangered UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, Miami

Are you planning to book an award-winning Bahamas cruise? If your cruise makes a stop in Miami, make a stopover at one of the most beautiful catholic churches in the city. The medieval Spanish monastery cloister uses Romanesque architecture and has an interesting history.

4. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow

If you’re visiting Russia, get a quick look at the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed. This Russian Orthodox Church is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most eccentric and most beautiful churches in the world.

5. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Using Antoni Gaudi’s design, La Sagrada Familia began its construction in 1882, and it is yet to finish by 2026. Because of its gaudy and grand design, the basilica gets 3 million visitors each year. It’s one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

6. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful churches in the world as well as one of the most important religious structures. It once stood like a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral but transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque after the Turkish invasion. Now, you can visit it as a museum in Istanbul. 

7. Northern Lights Cathedral, Alta

This parish church in Alta, Norway may look like a strange factory at first. Despite its unconventional exterior design, the interior of the church is beautiful. At the right time, this Norwegian cathedral sits under the Northern Lights and is one of the best ones using modern architecture.

8. Church of the Light, Osaka

Tadao Ando’s work is a magnificent masterpiece in its own right. The Church of the Light is a pilgrim destination created with a blend of tradition and modernism. The concept of the building is simple yet clever with its consideration of outside light.

Visit the Most Beautiful Churches in the World

Which church from the list do you think is the most beautiful church in the world?  

No matter your religion, it’s always a good thing to give appreciation to some of humanity’s best works. Plus, knowing more about these iconic buildings is fun and educational.

If you enjoyed this post on the various churches in the world, check out our other guides now.

Many golfers have won different major and junior golf championships. But what is there impact on the sport? If you are a young aspiring golfer, it’s best if you have an idol who you look up to.

Some of these golfers have made a significant impact on the sport. They are a big part of various developments, such as ensuring high standard golf courses and golf equipment’s. They are responsible for golf courses like in Algarve golf breaks. A beautiful place to spend your holiday.

Here are the best golfers you need to know.

Jack Nicklaus

Born on 21st January 1940 in Columbus, Ohio, Jack Nicklaus is one of the most celebrated golfers. Currently, Nicklaus resides in North Palm Beach in Florida. He started his professional golf career in 1961 and went to win one hundred and seventeen tournaments.

Some of the championships he won include;

• Masters
• PGA
• S. Open
• The Open Championship

Jack Nicklaus is among the members of the World golf hall of fame and other awards like Bob Jones, Payne Stewart awards, etc.

After retiring from golf, he owns the Nicklaus Companies, which is responsible for designs of golf courses around the world.

Bobby Jones

Other than being a golfer, Bobby Jones was also a lawyer. He was born on 17th March 1971 in Atlanta. His full name was Robert Tyre Jones Jr.

Jones was among the founders of the Master’s tournament. According to the golfing community, he was one of the people who made golf the best sport it is now. The only weird thing about him is that he was an amateur but competed with a professional golfer.

He also won several major championships and is among the members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. After his immense effort in ensuring the sport, Bobby died in 1971.

Currently, there are sports merchandise manufactured under his name via a company called Jones Global Sports.

Tiger Woods

Known as the living golf legend, Tiger Woods is among the most successful golfers of all time. However, his career has had ups and downs, but even with that, he has played a significant role in inspiring young and pro golfers currently.

He’s currently a golfer and has won many awards and tournaments throughout his career. Tiger Woods is also a golf course designer.

To get to know more about Tiger Wood’s visit his website TigerWoods.com.

Arnold Palmer

One of America’s best golfer Arnold Palmer “The King” has his name written among the best golf personalities. He’s won a title in the four major championships he participated in. After retiring from golf, he began golf businesses all around the world.

Apart from that, he was one of the dealers for the Cadillac motor company. Years later, he owned his dealership, which was known as Arnold Palmer Motors. As per Adam Schupak, Arnold was always at the forefront of making golf the best sport.

Ben Hogan

Ben had different nicknames like The Hawk, Bantam Ben, and The Wee Iceman. He became a pro golfer in 1930 and nine various championships. To make the sport great, he has written Five Lessons. A book that emphasizes on modern fundamentals of golf.

Books that emphasized on golf as a sport.

Conclusion

Golf as a sport has revolutionized dramatically. But for it to become famous great people had to play a big part. Therefore, these are five golfers you need to know who has had a positive impact on the sport.

Welding is a wonderful skill when done the right way. However, it’s important to weld with a helmet on. We know all about the safety hazards not putting on a helmet can cause. What we do not know is the welding helmet to use.

Knowing the best welding helmet can help a lot. Fortunately for us, there are so many helmet brands out there that are at the top. Let’s see if we can identify the top six helmet brands in the world today.

Top 6 Welding Helmet Brands in the World today

1.      Lincoln Electric

Known as an elite helmet brand, the Lincoln helmets are known for their aesthetics and their structure. Their helmets are generally known for their durability as well as their ability to protect their users effectively.

They also offer better sight to the welder while he does his job. The Lincoln Electric welding helmets are one of the best out there.

2.      Antra

The special thing about Antra welding helmets is their ability to produce high-quality helmets at very affordable prices. The variety of helmets is also impressive. They produce helmets that offer versatility in many areas.

The safety options available with this brand is also very impressive. Their design is also unique. They manage to combine simplicity and luxury to produce one of the best helmets out there.

The Antra brand is looking good with each passing day!

3.      Jackson Safety

If you are looking for a brand that has a strong reputation, then the Jackson Safety is your best bet. They have produced the most popular and efficient helmets out there.

For this brand, the most important thing is safety. Their helmets always have more safety options than other helmets out there. They also have a lot of versatility in the options they offer.

While the world falls more in love with the auto-darkening helmets, the Jackson Safety brand also produces passive helmets.

4.      Miller Electric

The Miller Electric brand is known for its diversity and variety. However, unlike the Jackson Safety brand, this brand focuses more on auto-darkening helmets. After all, it’s better to focus on your strengths!

They offer a wide range of minimalistic helmets that extends all the way to more complex designs. With Miller Electric, you get the choice of a lifetime when choosing your welding helmet.

5.      Hobart

Affordability, comfort, and safety. Those are the three words that adequately describe the products of the Hobart brand. Their track record proves that they have some of the cheapest helmets you can find in the market today.

They also have more expensive helmets. Their helmets are ranged from small professional welding jobs to much larger ones. They specialize in just two types of helmets- the auto-darkening helmets and the passive helmets.

With comfort at the top of their priority, they focus more on lightweight helmets. These helmets can be worn for very long periods. If you are leaning towards comfort and simplicity, this is the best brand for you.

6.      Save Phace

Every helmet brand has its focus. For the Save Phace helmets, the design is their key focus. They have some of the best looking helmets you can find anywhere. The Marvel Venom is an example of how good they are with designs. They are really excellent with the graphics.

Another area that will leave you impressed is their viewing area. It’s big! They pay special attention to this as it is one of their product focus. Just like the Hobart brand, this brand makes the weight of their helmet very light. This ensures comfort and convenience.

With a large viewing area and lightweight height, this brand is stiff competition for its rival brands.

Getting the right welding helmets

Looking to buy the best welding helmet ? Knowing the various available brands is just the first step. The next step is to consider the thing you’d want in a welding helmet.

People have varying needs and you would too. This can range from simplistic helmets to auto-darkening helmets. You may also be on a budget too. That can influence the brand you finally choose. Give it some thought before making a decision.

Conclusion

Getting the best welding helmets will help you achieve your goals. These brands will definitely leave you on the road to success.

So give it a try when you can. Trust me, you have nothing to lose.

Marriage can be a big challenge. The union of two people with their own distinct personalities and world views can mean the potential for disagreement is huge. If selfishness crops up, or if finger-pointing begins, resentment and emotional turmoil can result.

Some couples handle marriage through trial and error. Some can even make this approach work⁠. Even so, marital differences can be better managed with negotiation strategies. It may sound surprising at first, but a negotiation seminar can be a useful way to get couples resolving their differences to achieve win-win outcomes. Can married couples negotiate their way to marital bliss?

Treat Negotiation as a Continuous Process

In a 2009 interview with The New York Times, the Obamas revealed that their marriage is a series of negotiations. The former president and first lady revealed that, over the years of their marriage, they have had to walk a tight balance. The couple admits a lot of give-and-take is involved. They cite supporting each other as a key factor in achieving their individual professional and familial ambitions.

Many couples make the mistake of seeing marital negotiations as a one-time event. In family-based negotiation seminars, experts emphasize that most issues couples negotiate on will likely be linked together.

For instance, when you negotiate on which apartment to live in, the outcome may affect other factors. These could be which couch you should buy or how many cars you can have. You might even find yourselves later negotiating which jobs to take based on the apartment choice. One consideration is how the apartment you choose might affect your commute times.

The higher the stakes and the more complex the situation, the more a couple’s individual core values are involved. Every solution can set off a series of new complications. It’s wise to accept that there will rarely be a perfect solution for most problems. The best thing a couple can do is to continually work together to seek mutually beneficial solutions.

Recognize That Some Things Are Non-Negotiable

In marriages, there are usually a lot of expectations between couples. Both partners often feel their other half should be making some sacrifices to ensure the couple’s happiness.

While compromise can be sought in different scenarios, there are some core values marital partners may not be willing to negotiate on. These include:

• • Integrity
  • Emotions
  • Spiritual practices
  • Core values

• Trust

Negotiation seminar experts advise that the negotiable parts of marriage normally relate to decisions and behaviors. Couples should consider a Shapiro Negotiations consultation if they would like to learn strategies and tactics for how to reach their desired solutions. For example, it’s acceptable to ask your spouse to avoid spending too much time at their place of worship at the expense of other commitments. However, it’s not acceptable to ask your spouse to drop their religious belief altogether.

Strive for Joint Agreements

When marital partners brainstorm solutions, some options may only be appealing for one partner. To keep both partners happy, try to first adopt solutions that are acceptable to both partners. Finding mutually beneficial solutions is usually a better option than trying to concede on sacrifices too soon.

Some marriages end up with one partner being more dominant than the other. When these partners brainstorm ideas together, the dominant partner usually makes the final decision. The submissive partner may just go along with things.

True joint agreements happen when both partners feel their needs are being met and both approve of the solution. Marriage seminar leaders advise the dominant partner to be mindful of their position. The less-dominant partner may seem happy to concede. However, continuous submission can breed resentment.

It’s important to keep the channels of communication open. Being honest reduces the room for misunderstandings and agreements made under false pretenses.

Where there are lingering disagreements, hold off on taking action. Holding off action gives time for both partners to consider the pros and cons. Taking a step back can allow room for new alternatives and new perspectives.

Reciprocity Is More Important Than Compromise

Marriage, like most social unions, is a give-and-take partnership. If one partner is making all the major compromises, the relationship can end in resentment.

It’s healthy for a couple to make sacrifices for each other. Sacrifices that go both ways make for healthier relationships. Reciprocity breeds a feeling of being appreciated and equal partnership. Your partner may view their sacrifices as worthwhile if you’re also making equal sacrifices.

Make Safe Ultimatums

Occasionally, negotiations can reach an impasse and delay solutions. In this situation, marriage seminars encourage using clever compromises to move talks along. One way of solving impasses is by playing “the ultimatum game.”

In the ultimatum game, one partner is selected to choose the reward. The other partner can then choose how the reward is distributed. Having a safe ultimatum can quickly resolve issues while considering both partners’ feelings.

The ultimatum game respects both partners’ needs and gives each partner a say in decision-making.

An example is when remodeling the kitchen. One partner could choose the style while the other picks the appliances. For vacation plans, one partner could choose the destination while the other picks the activities. It’s important to switch around who is selecting and who is distributing the reward at each turn.

Every person in the world has their own preferences when jewelry is concerned. While some are more than happy with wearing just a single pair of earrings, others prefer a more layered look. Moreover, while some people prefer jewelry made of real platinum, gold, or silver, others don’t mind wearing pieces made of clay.

All of this was to say that our preferences regarding jewelry pieces are entirely individual. But for all of you gemstone lovers out there – here’s a real treat. Today, we’re going to talk about all you need to know about opal jewelry. 

What is opal?

Opal is a gemstone that comes in many different shapes and sizes. Depending on the piece, it can vary in color as well. Opals are usually pale, milky-white gemstones that feature numerous different hues. These can vary from pale blue and primrose, all the way to pitch black, rich green and vivid blue. Another interesting thing is that these additional pops of color can flesh red, gold, blue and green when exposed to a light source. Such a uniquely looking gemstone earned its popularity thanks to its unusual nature alone. That being said, it becomes quite obvious why so many people simply seem to adore jewelry pieces that contain the opal. 

Are there different types?

As mentioned earlier, opal can significantly vary in both color and size. What this means is that there are, of course, many different types of opal. For instance, black opal is one of the rarest and most expensive types of opal on the market. However, many people seem to prefer white opals instead. Not only are they far more affordable but their color scheme simply looks more delicate and feminine in nature. There is also a huge difference between Ethiopian opal and opal mined from other places in the world. Unlike many of its counterparts, Ethiopian opal is actually far more beautiful and – most importantly – durable. So, if you’re looking to get your hands on jewelry pieces that feature this beauty try this resource.

How to recognize real opal?

As with anything else in the world, people have found a way to make even the smallest of pieces of opal work. That’s how opal doublets and triplets came to be. These use a technique of combining natural opal with man-made pieces. An opal doublet is made by adhering a slice of opal to a dark backing with the goal of emphasizing the beauty of the stone. An opal triplet is made the same way but it contains an additional layer of glass, plastic or quartz on top of the opal. So, while every variant on the market actually contains real opal, they can significantly vary in value. Of course, opal doublets and triplets aren’t nearly as valuable as real, solid opals. Also, doublets are generally more valuable than triplets, as they usually contain greater concentration of the solid stone.

Superstitious and magical healing properties

In the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe, opal was believed to bring good luck. It is presumed that this superstition came to fruition thanks to the opal’s variety in colors and natural beauty. Since opal contained all the different colors it was believed that it also contains all the positive properties of every other gemstone. Of course, this made it quite a popular choice amongst the rich. Nowadays, opal is commonly used in crystal healing. Different colors and types of opal are used to heal different conditions. If you look at it from a spiritual standpoint, with its look, opal teaches us that even the smallest of pieces contain the sum of (the entire rainbow) everything that’s happening in the world around us.

So, if you’re looking to add a beautiful piece of jewelry to your collection, check out some stunning opal jewelry pieces. Trust us, not only will it live up to your expectations but it will even exceed them.