MSC Cruises Partners With ORCA for Alaska Whale Research

MSC Cruises has revealed a new collaboration with marine conservation group ORCA, which will see the organization place its first dedicated marine mammal observer (MMO) onboard a cruise ship during the line’s debut Alaska season in summer 2026.

In a press release, MSC Cruises said the partnership underscores its aim to translate environmental commitments into tangible action as the company expands its global footprint.

Guests sailing on seven-night itineraries from Seattle aboard the newly refurbished MSC Poesia will share the voyage with an ORCA observer for a one-month period during peak whale activity, from late July to late August 2026.

“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,” said Linden Coppell, vice president, sustainability & ESG at MSC Cruises.

“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.”

During the program, data will be gathered on how whales respond behaviorally to cruise ships and associated activity.

The findings will be shared with the wider scientific community and used to refine ORCA’s whale avoidance training for deck officers.

In addition, ORCA will assess existing whale watching excursions in Alaska, helping to identify operators following best practices and providing feedback to support responsible and sustainable wildlife tourism.