Uncharted Waters: Ambassador Cruise Line and ORCA's Anti-Whaling Campaign

Based in Portsmouth, ORCA is a dedicated charity that has been monitoring whales, dolphins, and porpoises globally since the mid-1990s. Their mission involves collecting crucial data to identify important hotspots and advocating for protections to keep these incredible creatures safe. One of the innovative ways ORCA gathers scientific information is by utilising "platforms of opportunity"—ships that are already navigating key areas. This partnership with Ambassador allows ORCA experts to board cruise ships travelling to these locations, transforming them into temporary research platforms.

How crucial is Ambassador’s partnership to ORCA's campaign?

The partnership between Ambassador and ORCA, initiated in 2022, has quickly become one of ORCA's most significant programs. The collaboration enables researchers to explore remote parts of the world while engaging with thousands of Ambassador guests each year. Through this interaction, guests are educated about the wonders of the marine environment and how their choices can positively impact whale and dolphin conservation.

Conservation wins!

One of ORCA's most notable achievements is the development of educational programs aboard Ambassador ships. These initiatives teach guests about the effects of their choices on marine life, particularly when visiting whaling nations or areas with captive marine mammals. This outreach empowers guests to make informed decisions and advocate for the freedom of these animals in the wild.

A Day in the Life of an Ocean Conservationist

A day in the life of an ocean conservationist at ORCA is anything but ordinary. Their work revolves around the elusive nature of whales and dolphins, but their passion and dedication shine through. From sunrise to sunset, they seek every opportunity to inspire and protect marine life.

What can guests expect when ORCA's ocean conservationists join Ambassador on board?

Guests aboard Ambassador can expect a range of engaging activities led by ORCA’s ocean conservationists. The program includes deck watches, where the team assists guests in spotting whales and dolphins while collecting valuable scientific data. Additionally, there are lectures on whale and dolphin topics relevant to the ship's itinerary, complemented by hands-on workshops and activities for smaller groups.

How can guests support marine life?

Guests can significantly impact marine life through their choices. Supporting ethical tourism practices, such as refusing whale meat, avoiding facilities with captive marine mammals, and selecting responsible whale-watching operators, sends a strong message about the importance of keeping whales and dolphins in the wild. Guests are also encouraged to minimise their environmental footprint by using reusable water bottles and coffee cups to reduce single-use packaging during their travels.

The journey toward conservation doesn't stop when guests return home. ORCA invites everyone to participate in their scientist program, using the OceanWatchers app to collect data on whales and dolphins. By joining this effort, you can contribute to protecting these magnificent creatures for future generations.

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