Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed a nine-cruise whale-watching programme as part of its first official year in partnership with marine conservation charity Oceans Research and Conservation Association (ORCA) in 2020.
The cruises will enable ORCA to collect vital data on the number and species of whales and dolphins sighted, Besides, they will identify marine wildlife hotspots, feeding directly into ORCA’s Cruise Conservationist Programme and its conservation work.
The charity’s volunteers will be on board for all nine sailings, who will feed into the ship’s onboard enrichment programme with wildlife watching opportunities, lectures, workshops and a host of other activities. These include trips on Fred. Olsen’s Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs).
Thomas Rennesland, hotel operations director at Fred. Olsen, said: “These cruises will be mutually beneficial for ORCA, Fred. Olsen and our guests. We know that whale-watching is a real highlight for those taking holidays with us. Having ORCA on board not only supports the collection of vital data, but also enables our guests to learn more about the marine wildlife that they see on their travels and enriches their cruise experience.”
Steve Jones, head of partnerships at ORCA said that the two organisations share common values and the partnership is all set to build a strong cultural fit.
