MSC Cruises Teams Up with ORCA for Whale Protection During First Alaska Season

During peak whale season in 2026, MSC Poesia guests will have the chance to learn about marine conservation while cruising Alaska.

MSC Cruises just shared exciting news ahead of its first-ever Alaska season, and this one goes beyond scenic glaciers and wildlife sightings. The cruise line has announced a new partnership with marine conservation organization ORCA that will bring dedicated whale research onboard during summer 2026.

As part of the collaboration, an ORCA-trained Marine Mammal Observer will sail aboard MSC Poesia for one month during peak whale season, from late July through late August. This is one of the most active periods for whale sightings in Alaskan waters, making it the ideal time to gather meaningful data.

During this time at sea, the observer will monitor whale behavior and study how the animals respond to cruise vessels. The research collected will be shared with the scientific community and used to strengthen whale-avoidance training for ship crews across the maritime industry.

The partnership also focuses on improving responsible wildlife tourism. ORCA will help review whale-watching excursions offered during Alaska itineraries and work alongside operators to identify best-practice experiences. Ongoing assessments throughout the season will help ensure high standards for sustainable wildlife encounters.

MSC Cruises Teams Up with ORCA

Guests sailing on MSC Poesia will also have the chance to get involved. The onboard Marine Mammal Observer will host educational sessions explaining the research being conducted and the importance of protecting marine life in Alaska. Travelers will even be introduced to ORCA’s citizen science initiatives, giving them an opportunity to engage more closely with the region’s incredible marine environment.

The partnership was announced as MSC Cruises prepares for its inaugural Alaska season in summer 2026. Newly upgraded MSC Poesia will sail seven-night itineraries from Seattle, marking an important milestone for the brand’s global deployment.

Looking ahead, the cruise line has already opened bookings for its second Alaska season in summer 2027, highlighting strong interest in the destination and the company’s long-term plans to operate responsibly in the region.

The collaboration with ORCA was officially unveiled at the CLIA Pacific Northwest Symposium in Anchorage, where industry and conservation leaders gathered to discuss sustainable cruise operations.

For MSC Cruises, the message is clear: as the company expands into Alaska, protecting the region’s remarkable marine wildlife is part of the journey. And for guests sailing this summer, it means their cruise could come with a little extra knowledge, and maybe even a whale sighting or two along the way.