Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, in collaboration with marine conservation charity ORCA, reported over 9,500 wildlife sightings in 2024, according to a press release.
Guests aboard the cruise line’s three ships contributed to this achievement as part of ORCA’s Ocean Conservationist program, which focuses on monitoring marine wildlife during voyages.
The program collects data to track populations and identify key habitats across the world. This helps establish protected areas, such as those in the Bay of Biscay and the Hebrides, ensuring safe environments for marine species.
James Moss, cruise product manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Last year was extraordinary for marine life encounters aboard our ships, thanks to our partnership with ORCA. As we’ve sailed across the globe, ORCA’s expert teams have been on hand to record remarkable wildlife sightings and share their knowledge with our guests.
“It’s a real privilege to work with ORCA, as we know that for our guests, spotting native wildlife is something that makes a cruise truly unforgettable, while also learning more about the wildlife they spot, and playing a part in capturing important data too. We’re looking forward to another successful year working together in 2025.”
In 2024, 9,539 sightings were recorded over 44,873 kilometers traveled. Common dolphins accounted for the highest number of sightings at 4,367, followed by 189 humpback whales. Other species spotted included 307 tuna, 75 beluga whales, 11 orcas, 5 blue whales and 16 Cuvier’s beaked whales.
Steve Jones, director of fundraising and operations at ORCA, said: “Our collaboration with Fred. Olsen goes from strength to strength every year, and once again we have a stunning set of itineraries in 2025 that will take us to all kinds of exciting destinations.
“Our Ocean Conservationists will onboard giving guests unforgettable wildlife experiences and teaching them about the amazing world of whales and dolphins – but most importantly, they will also be collecting important data to help us study and understand these animals better and help to protect them for the future. Every Fred. Olsen guest who comes and joins our teams out on deck will be helping us in our conservation mission and we can’t wait to work together for another amazing year in 2025.”
