At Ecollo we always try to tell a tale from both sides and in the past we've given you a whole list of reasons that vacation cruises were destroying the earth one midnight buffet and cheesy lounge singer at a time. We're going to be narcissistic for a moment and let ourselves believe representatives from various cruise lines read Ecollo and took our information to heart.

Regardless of the source, it seems these companies are well aware of the negative impact cruising has on the environment and are taking steps to reduce their massive footprints. Royal Caribbean has spent a whole lot of money (think millions and millions of dollars) to conserve energy and re-think the way they dump waste and they aren't the only ones: Holland America, Princess and Celebrity have all introduced initiatives meant to bring about positive eco-change.

In the meantime, if you're determined to take a winter recess via a cruise ship, there are a few things you can do to make your impending journey a bit greener.

There's no place like home - At least for your place of departure. If you can't leave from a port in the place you currently reside, choose the one that is closest to you rather than traveling a far distance to depart. By avoiding setting foot on an airplane, you'll reduce the carbon emissions associated with your travel plans. There is even a residential ship called the World that will allow you to board in alternative cities such as Charleston or Fort Lauderdale so long as you agree to spend a minimum of six nights aboard the ship (what a hardship!)

Five-star water treatment - Where does all of that nasty waste waster end up? If you ask that question before you book, you may actually be able to use a cruise line that has eco-friendlier waster disposal initiatives in place. In fact, Royal Caribbean just spent $100 million to retro-fit their ships with a new treatment system, a move Norwegian and Celebrity have already implemented. Some cruise lines have also added gas turbine engines to their new ships to reduce their nitrous oxide emissions by 80 per cent and and sulfur oxide by a whopping 98 per cent, while others are using methods including using seawater to scrub smokestack emissions and turning off the engines while docked and using onshore hydroelectric-power transformers instead.

What's on the agenda? - Choose a cruise line that offers eco-friendly itinerary options and work to offset the carbon emissions of your traveling. Some cruise lines even work with on local conservation initiatives and make donations to environmental causes they support.

Size doesn't matter - Smaller cruise ships with 150 passengers or less often forego some of the traditional luxuries such as laundry and entertainment, but in return, burn much less in the way of fuel. Maybe your sacrificing some of the conveniences, but chances are you're still sailing to (and through!) a beautiful location, which you'll get to experience regardless of whether there in ping-pong and round-the-clock spa services available. In the end, those just prove to be a distraction from the main event.

» CNN Travel