MSC and ORCA Launch Whale Research Partnership in Alaska

MSC Cruises has welcomed Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Maria Snell aboard MSC Poesia as part of what the company describes as the cruise industry’s first partnership of its kind with marine conservation charity ORCA.

During her time on board, Snell will carry out research into responsible cruise ship operations in whale-populated waters, evaluate shore excursions from a conservation perspective, and provide guests with educational presentations and guided whale-watching experiences.

Linden Coppell, vice president of sustainability and ESG at MSC Cruises, said: “As MSC Cruises continues to grow its presence in Alaska, we are committed to doing so thoughtfully and in partnership with organizations that bring deep expertise and local knowledge.”

The insights gained through this collaboration will help inform future training, operational practices and broader industry discussions around responsible marine stewardship. We are delighted to welcome Snell aboard and look forward to learning from her work throughout the season,” added Coppell.

Steve Jones, chief operating officer at ORCA, said: “This project builds on a strong and longstanding partnership, giving us a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of how we can work together to study and protect whales in one of the richest marine habitats on Earth.”

“We are excited to see the findings from Snell’s time onboard and how they will help shape our future work with MSC Cruises as we continue our shared commitment to safeguarding whales and dolphins,” added Jones.

According to an MSC Cruises press release, Snell will implement a new ORCA research protocol during the peak whale season aboard MSC Poesia. The project will use a dedicated mobile observation platform equipped with high-powered binoculars and advanced camera technology to monitor marine mammals. ORCA hopes the data gathered during the study will provide valuable insights for both the scientific community and the wider maritime industry.

Snell, a UK-based conservationist, holds a master’s degree in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation. She is a qualified Marine Mammal Observer and plays a leading role in ORCA’s research program focused on whale interactions with vessels. At the conclusion of the project, ORCA plans to publish a scientific report outlining Snell’s findings for researchers and the maritime sector.

The initiative follows the launch of MSC Cruises’ inaugural Alaska season in May, which also saw Seattle become the cruise line’s newest U.S. homeport.

Through September 2026, *MSC Poesia *is operating seven-night Alaska cruises with calls at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.