MSC Cruises has welcomed marine mammal observer Maria Snell aboard the MSC Poesia as part of a pioneering collaboration with the marine conservation organization ORCA. Snell will conduct a study on responsible passenger ship operations in whale-rich areas, evaluate shore excursions from a conservation perspective, and offer passengers educational talks and whale-watching experiences.
During peak whale-watching season, Snell will implement a new research protocol developed by ORCA specifically for use aboard the MSC Poesia, employing a mobile observation system equipped with high-powered binoculars and specialized photographic technology. With this research, ORCA hopes to provide valuable information to the scientific community and the maritime industry. Along with passenger training activities and guidance for tour operators, this collaboration uniquely combines data collection, operational training, and traveler awareness.
Linden Coppell, Vice President of Sustainability and ESG at MSC Cruises, said: “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 MSC Poesia presents an important opportunity to better understand the interaction between passenger ships and marine wildlife, while also strengthening conservation education for both crew and passengers. The insights gained through this partnership will contribute to the development of future training programs, operational practices, and the industry discussion 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, Chief Operating Officer of ORCA, 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 and 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 richest marine habitats on the planet. We look forward to learning the results of Maria’s work on board and seeing how they will help shape our future collaboration with MSC Cruises as we continue to advance our shared commitment to whale and dolphin protection.”.
Maria Snell is a British conservationist with a master's degree in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation, a certified marine mammal observer, and a leading member of ORCA's research program on whale-vessel interactions. Since joining ORCA in 2022, she has spent three summers conducting fieldwork in Alaska, gathering scientific data on humpback whale behavior and their interactions with ships to better understand the most effective mitigation measures. With her scientific background and extensive experience working with both crews and the public, Snell will serve as an expert on board the MSC Poesia, leading educational programs for passengers, sharing knowledge about marine mammal conservation and research, and promoting responsible tourism practices throughout the Alaskan season.
The addition of a marine mammal observer on board represents a new phase in the long-standing collaboration between MSC Cruises and ORCA, which since 2022 has already included specialized marine wildlife training for ship officers. This is the first time that active research conducted on board will directly inform future crew training and operational protocols. At the end of the project, ORCA will publish a scientific report with the findings obtained by Maria Snell, intended for the scientific community and the maritime industry.
In May, MSC Cruises launched its inaugural Alaskan cruise season, establishing Seattle as its new homeport in the United States. Through September 2026, the MSC Poesia will sail seven-night Alaskan itineraries with stops in Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Juneau, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The voyages also include scenic sailing along Endicott Arm, offering spectacular views of the Dawes Glacier and Alaska’s breathtaking fjords.
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