MSC Cruises has arranged with the marine conservation organisation ORCA for the first dedicated ORCA-trained Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) to embark on MSC Poesia during the cruise line’s inaugural Alaska season in the summer of 2026. This partnership aligns with efforts to apply scientific methods to environmental stewardship as the company extends its operational footprint and seeks to advance industry-wide standards in sustainable maritime practice.
Under the terms of the collaboration, the ORCA-trained MMO is scheduled to sail aboard Poesia for one month in late July through late August — a period noted for high concentrations of whales in Alaskan waters — enabling the collection of data on cetacean behaviour and their responses to the presence and passage of large vessels. Findings from these observations are intended for dissemination to the scientific community and to support enhancements to whale avoidance training that ORCA provides to deck crews of various shipping and cruise companies, including MSC Cruises.
Drawing on ORCA’s expertise in ethical and responsible whale watching, the organisation is also to provide guidance on Alaska destination operations, including independent review of current whale-watch excursions and identification of best-practice operators. Collaborative assessments through the season are to generate near real-time quantitative feedback aimed at maintaining high standards of wildlife tourism that minimise disturbance to marine species.
An educational element is incorporated into the cruise programme, with the MMO conducting onboard sessions during each Alaska itinerary to outline the research and its objectives. Passengers will be invited to engage with ORCA’s citizen science initiatives designed to deepen understanding of marine ecosystems encountered along the route.
The ORCA partnership was formally unveiled at the Cruise Lines International Association’s Pacific Northwest Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska, where representatives of the cruise industry and conservation sectors met to discuss sustainable operational practices. The initiative supports MSC Poesia’s 7-night deployments from Seattle and reflects a broader commitment to responsible cruise operations in the region, with bookings for the 2027 Alaska season already opened in response to sustained demand.