MSC Cruises has welcomed marine mammal observer Maria Snell aboard the MSC Poesia as part of a pioneering collaboration in the industry with the marine conservation organization ORCA. Snell will conduct a study on responsible passenger ship operations in areas with high whale populations, evaluate shore excursions from a conservation perspective, and offer passengers educational talks and whale-watching experiences.
During the peak whale-watching season, Snell will implement a new research protocol developed by ORCA specifically for use aboard the MSC Poesia, utilizing a mobile observation system equipped with high-powered binoculars and specialized photographic technology. Through this research, ORCA hopes to provide valuable information to the scientific community and the maritime sector. Along with passenger education activities and guidance for tour operators, this collaboration uniquely combines data collection, operational training, and raising awareness among travelers.
Linden Coppell, Vice President of Sustainability and ESG at MSC Cruises, stated: “As MSC Cruises expands its presence in Alaska, we want to do so responsibly and in partnership with organizations that bring deep local knowledge and expertise. Building on our long-standing relationship with ORCA, having a dedicated marine mammal observer on board the MSC Poesia represents an important opportunity to better understand the interaction between passenger ships and marine wildlife, while strengthening conservation education for both crew and passengers. The insights gained through this collaboration will contribute to the development of future training programs, operational practices, and industry-wide discussions on the responsible protection of the marine environment. We are delighted to welcome Maria on board and look forward to learning from her work throughout the season.”
Steve Jones, ORCA’s Director of Operations, stated: “At ORCA, we know firsthand that collaboration with the maritime industry is essential to creating safer oceans for whales and dolphins. This project builds on a strong, long-standing partnership and provides us with a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of how we can work together to study and protect whales in one of the planet’s richest marine habitats. We look forward to seeing the results of Maria’s work on board and how they will help shape our future collaboration with MSC Cruises, as we continue to advance our shared commitment to protecting whales and dolphins.”
Maria Snell is a British conservationist with a master’s degree in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation, a certified marine mammal observer, and one of the key members of ORCA’s research program on whale-boat interactions. Since joining ORCA in 2022, she has spent three summers conducting fieldwork in Alaska, collecting scientific data on humpback whale behavior and their interactions with vessels to better understand the most effective mitigation measures. Drawing on her scientific expertise and extensive experience working with both crews and the public, Snell will serve as an expert aboard the MSC Poesia, leading educational programs for passengers, sharing insights on marine mammal conservation and research, and promoting responsible tourism practices throughout the Alaska season.
The addition of a marine mammal observer on board marks a new phase in the long-standing collaboration between MSC Cruises and ORCA, which since 2022 has included specialized training in marine wildlife for ship officers. This is the first time that active research conducted on board will directly inform future crew training and operational protocols. Upon completion of the project, ORCA will publish a scientific report detailing the findings of Maria Snell, intended for the scientific community and the maritime sector.
In May, MSC Cruises launched its first Alaska cruise season, also establishing Seattle as its new homeport in the United States. Through September 2026, the MSC Poesia will offer seven-night itineraries through Alaska with stops in Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau, as well as Victoria, British Columbia (Canada). The voyages also include a scenic cruise through Endicott Arm, offering spectacular views of the Dawes Glacier and Alaska’s breathtaking fjords.
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