La collaboration of MSC Cruises with the marine conservation organization ORCA in Alaska This marks an important step for the cruise industry, which is seeking to more clearly integrate biodiversity protection into its operations. At a time when pressure on marine ecosystems is ever-increasing, this alliance aims to demonstrate that tourism on large ships can coexist with conservation if decisions are based on science and both crews and passengers are involved.
Alaska has established itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for cruises operating from Europe and SpainMany European travelers choose transatlantic itineraries or combined packages to explore its fjords, glaciers, and wildlife viewing areas. In this context, MSC Cruises' move to partner with ORCA is not just about offering an attractive product, but also introduces a more responsible approach to sailing in one of the most sensitive regions on the planet for marine mammals.
An ORCA marine mammal observer on board the MSC Poesia
The central focus of this initiative is the presence on board a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) trained by ORCAwho will work during peak whale watching season in Alaska. This professional will embark on the MSC Poesia for a month, between the end of July and the end of August, considered one of the periods with the highest concentration of cetaceans in the waters of the region.
Thanks to this continuous presence, ORCA will be able to to collect detailed scientific data on whale behavior in relation to cruise ship activity. It's not just about recording sightings, but about analyzing how these animals react to the approach of large ships, changes in speed, navigation routes, or the noise generated along the different itineraries.
The objective is to obtain statistically significant information Based on a prolonged observation period, the results will not be limited to isolated cases, but will allow for the identification of patterns. This data will be shared with the scientific community and incorporated into the training programs that ORCA offers to various shipping companies, including MSC Cruises.
In parallel, the MMO will play an active role in life on board, collaborating with the ship's crew and various departments to integrate marine mammal observation into daily operations, always with the premise of minimize the impact of navigation in the fauna.
Crew training and protocols to “avoid whales”
One of the pillars of cooperation between both entities is the specific crew training MSC Cruises has implemented procedures to prevent collisions and disturbances to cetaceans and other marine mammals. ORCA already has experience with these types of programs with different cruise lines and will apply that knowledge to operations in Alaska.
The so-called formation of “How to avoid whalesThe program focuses on equipping personnel with practical tools: from quickly identifying signs of cetacean presence to adjusting the ship's speed and course when animals are detected nearby. The onboard MMO will reinforce this information with real-time observations and recommendations during navigation.
In practice, this means that the command bridges and technical teams will have near-instant information on the presence of marine lifeThis allows for more informed decision-making to reduce risks. The continuous collection of data will also facilitate the review of protocols throughout the season, correcting aspects that can be improved as they arise.
This approach fits with a growing trend in the cruise industry, also observed from Europe: the incorporation of environmental criteria in route planning and speed managementso that the tourist experience does not cause unnecessary damage to ecosystems.
Review of responsible wildlife viewing and excursions
In addition to the scientific work on board, ORCA will contribute its expertise in ethical and responsible whale watching to review the excursions offered to passengers in Alaska. The idea is to evaluate existing activities and, if necessary, propose improvements or changes that align these experiences with the highest standards of sustainable wildlife tourism.
This involves analyzing the the way boats approach animalsThe duration of sightings, the number of boats in the same area, and the recommendations given to tourists are all taken into account. The aim is to prevent situations of unintentional harassment of cetaceans and to establish clear limits on human interaction.
During the season, ORCA will maintain ongoing collaboration with MSC Cruises to carry out periodic evaluations based on quantitative datain virtually real time. This way, decisions about excursions, routes, and navigation pace can be adjusted quickly as more information becomes available.
This approach is also relevant to the European and Spanish markets, where travelers are showing a growing interest in nature experiences that respect wildlifeThe fact that a shipping company with a strong presence in Europe incorporates these criteria helps to set higher expectations among passengers planning long-haul trips to destinations like Alaska.
Environmental education for passengers on every itinerary
The educational aspect is another key element of the agreement. During each Alaskan cruise, the ORCA's MMO will organize at least one briefing session on board, open to passengers who wish to learn more about the reality of marine mammals in the region and the research being carried out.
These talks will explain, in accessible language, topics such as the migratory routes of whales, the threats, such as marine pollution, that they face from maritime traffic and the role that data collection plays in improving navigation policies. ORCA's work and conservation projects will also be highlighted internationally.
One interesting aspect is the introduction of initiatives to citizen science promoted by ORCA. Passengers will be able, in certain cases, to participate in the observation and recording of sightings following defined protocols, allowing them to become more involved in the environment they are visiting and understand the value of each piece of data collected.
This educational approach aligns with the growing demand, also from Spain and other European countries, for trips that combine leisure and learningFor many passengers, especially those interested in nature and sustainability, being able to attend these sessions and contribute to conservation projects adds an extra layer of value to the trip.
Statements from MSC Cruises and ORCA regarding the alliance
From the MSC Cruises management perspective, the alliance with ORCA is presented as a strategic decision based on scientific criteria to address the company's entry into an area of high ecological value. Linden Coppell, Vice President of Sustainability and ESG at the shipping company, emphasized the importance of adopting a proactive approach when operating in environmentally sensitive regions.
According to Coppell, the collaboration allows combining expert research, improved crew training, and active passenger participationThe aim is to better understand the interaction between ships and whales and further reduce associated risks. The directive frames this project within MSC Cruises' commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and to... constant evolution of its operating practices.
On behalf of ORCA, Steve Jones, the organization's director of operations, highlighted that this collaboration comes at a symbolic moment, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the organizationIn his opinion, the cruise sector has considerable room to play a relevant role in the protection of whales and other marine mammals, and agreements like this show that it is possible to integrate conservation into the tourism offering.
Jones has emphasized that MSC Cruises is willing to go beyond the basic measuresmaking conservation a recognizable part of the onboard experience in Alaska. From their perspective, the company's first season in the region could become a benchmark for future similar programs on other routes around the world.
Inaugural season in Alaska and future projections
The agreement with ORCA is part of the MSC Cruises' inaugural season in Alaska, scheduled for the summer of 2026. The MSC PoesiaThe recently renovated ship will operate seven-night itineraries departing from Seattle, a port with relevant air and logistical connections for passengers from Spain and the rest of Europe.
These itineraries will allow you to visit some of the most emblematic points of the Alaskan coastWith its fjords, glaciers, and areas of high marine biodiversity, this region has become a popular destination for those seeking a cruise focused on scenery and wildlife. The presence of ORCA's MMO and its associated activities program adds an extra dimension to this offering.
The company has also already announced the Sales open for their second season in Alaska, planned for the summer of 2027. This step indicates a medium and long-term commitment to the destination and suggests that the conservation measures and protocols developed together with ORCA can be refined and consolidated over time.
The official presentation of this agreement took place in the CLIA Pacific Northwest Symposium in AnchorageA forum where representatives from the cruise industry and marine conservation experts meet to discuss sustainable operations. The announcement in this context reinforces the intention that the initiative is not an isolated gesture, but rather part of a broader conversation about the future of the sector.
For the European public, accustomed to following cruise market trends through specialized media, this type of advertising helps to define new criteria when choosing itineraries, in which sustainability and responsible wildlife management are beginning to weigh almost as much as destiny itself.
Looking ahead to the coming seasons, the partnership between MSC Cruises and ORCA in Alaska is shaping up to be an example of how Maritime tourism can be aligned with conservationThrough the presence of a marine mammal observer, crew training, tour reviews, and educational activities for passengers, the cruise line aims to demonstrate that it is possible to enjoy the spectacular nature of the American state without losing sight of responsibility towards the environment and the species that inhabit it.
