As ORCA marks 25 years of protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises, we’re celebrating the partners who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us to work towards safer oceans for these incredible animals. Among them, Ambassador Cruise Line stands out for its bold, values‑driven approach to responsible travel and marine conservation.
Since launching our partnership in 2021, Ambassador and ORCA have worked together to champion ocean protection, inspire thousands of guests, and set new standards for how the cruise industry can support wildlife.
Ambassador Cruise Line entered the industry in 2021 with a clear vision, to offer guests exceptional experiences while acting responsibly toward the oceans they sail. In the same year, Ambassador and ORCA launched the world’s first cruise‑led Anti‑Whaling Campaign, taking a firm stance against commercial whaling and the consumption of whale meat. Guests are encouraged to avoid whale meat wherever it is offered, and Ambassador has been unafraid to use its voice to advocate for change.
Ambassador brings ORCA’s expertise directly onboard through our Ocean Conservationists, who deliver unforgettable wildlife experiences onboard. From daily deck watches to interactive workshops, guests are invited to discover more about the oceans and the incredible animals that call them home. Crucially, Ocean Conservationists also conduct vital scientific surveys onboard, collecting data which feeds into ORCA’s wider conservation work.
ORCA Ocean Conservationists also accompany guests on whale‑watching excursions, using a scorecard to ensure operators follow best practice guidelines, demonstrating Ambassadors commitment to responsible wildlife experiences. This data then helps shape industry standards and ensures that the joy of seeing whales and dolphins in the wild never comes at the expense of their wellbeing.
Last year saw the launch of Ambassador for Whales, our dedicated match‑funding campaign created in partnership with Ambassador Cruise Line. The campaign was a huge success, raising over £18,000 in 2025, providing a significant boost to ORCA’s conservation programmes. Building on that momentum, Ambassador for Whales will return for a second year in October 2026, supported once again by a generous donation from Ambassador that will be used to match public gifts and raise even more for ORCA’s work.
We are proud to be entering a sixth year of partnership with ORCA, which continues to play an important role in how we engage our guests with the natural world. This collaboration allows us to support meaningful scientific research while offering guests a deeper understanding of the marine environments we sail through.
Sustainability remains a core value for Ambassador and the continuation of our ORCA programme for 2028/29 reflects both its success to date and our shared commitment to protecting the oceans for future generations. We’re delighted to see our ORCA sailings in 2028/29 contribute to this mission, alongside ORCA’s excellent educational programme that continues to resonate with our guests.
Christian Verhounig Chief Executive Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line
At the core of this partnership is a shared belief that travel should enrich the world, not harm it. This alignment of values is powerful, creates extraordinary experiences for passengers on Ambassador’s fleet, and drives real, lasting change for whales and dolphins.
Ambassador’s commitment to protecting whales and dolphins is genuine, consistent and deeply valued. Their support helps ORCA reach more people, gather more evidence and drive the change needed to safeguard these incredible animals for future generations.
Steve Jones Chief Operating Officer at ORCA
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ORCA is powered by our partners and ordinary people who care about whales and dolphins.
Want to get involved? Begin your journey as a citizen scientist, and help protect the ocean. Sign up for free training this June only, and see how you can help save the whale.