During CLIA’s Pacific Northwest Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska, MSC Cruises announced a partnership with marine conservation organization ORCA. The partnership will bring the first dedicated ORCA-trained Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) aboard a cruise ship during the cruise line’s inaugural Alaska season this summer. The partnership further solidifies MSC Cruises’ commitment to science-driven conservation.
The partnership will include an ORCA MMO aboard MSC Poesia during peak whale season from late July through late August 2026–one of the most whale-populous periods in Alaska. The ORCA MMO will use the observation time to collect significant data on whale behavioral responses to the presence of a cruise vessel. The data will then be shared with and used by the scientific community to support the whale avoidance training provided by ORCA to the deck crews of various cruise lines and shipping companies.
Linden Coppell, Vice President, Sustainability & ESG at MSC Cruises, said, “As we prepare for our inaugural season in Alaska, it was important for us to take a proactive, science-led approach to operating in one of the world’s most environmentally sensitive regions. Partnering with ORCA allows us to combine expert research, enhanced crew training and meaningful guest engagement to better understand how vessels interact with whales and how we can further reduce risk. This collaboration reflects our broader commitment to protecting marine biodiversity while continuing to evolve how our industry operates responsibly.”
ORCA will use its expertise to offer support and guidance on destination experiences, review the current whale-watching excursions, and help identify best-practice operators. The charity will conduct ongoing assessments during the season gatheing information that will support sustainable wildlife tourism.
Steve Jones, COO at ORCA, said, “As ORCA enters its 25th year, we see more than ever before the opportunity the cruise industry has to play a meaningful part in protecting whales. MSC Cruises is showing that they plan to go above and beyond to embed conservation as a part of the wonderful program they are offering this summer. We’re proud to be a part of making their debut Alaskan season an experience their guests will never forget.”
Another key component of the partnership is guest education. The ORCA MMO will host sessions explaining the ongoing research and positive impact of the partnership. Additionally, guests will be introduced to the charity’s citizen science programs, allowing more engagement with Alaska’s marine environment.
MSC Cruises’ inaugural season in Alaska will be aboard the recently upgraded MSC Poesia. She will sail seven-night voyages from Seattle. Additionally, the response to this inaugural season has prompted MSC Cruises to open sales for its second Alaska season in summer 2027.