MSC Welcomes Marine Mammal Observer

Maria Snell (MSC)

(Press Release) ​SEATTLE – July 27, 2026 – Today, MSC Cruises welcomed Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Maria Snell, aboard MSC Poesia as part of an industry-first partnership with marine conservation organization ORCA. Snell will conduct research on responsible passenger ship operations in whale-rich environments, assess shore excursions through a conservation lens and engage guests through educational lectures and whale-watching experiences.
 
During peak whale season, Snell will conduct a new research protocol deployed by ORCA for use on MSC Poesia, utilizing a specialized mobile observation rig combining high-powered binoculars and camera technology. Through this research, ORCA hopes to contribute valuable insights to the wider scientific and maritime communities. Alongside guest education and tour operator guidance, this collaboration creates a unique combination of data collection, operational training and guest engagement.

---

Linden Coppell, VP of Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises, said: “As MSC Cruises continues to grow its presence in Alaska, we are committed to doing so thoughtfully and in partnership with organizations that bring deep expertise and local knowledge. Building on our longstanding relationship with ORCA, hosting a dedicated Marine Mammal Observer onboard MSC Poesia creates an important opportunity to better understand the interactions between passenger vessels and marine wildlife, while advancing conservation education for both crew and guests. The insights gained through this collaboration will help inform future training, operational practices and broader industry discussions around responsible marine stewardship. We are delighted to welcome Maria aboard and look forward to learning from her work throughout the season.”
 
Steve Jones, Chief Operating Officer at ORCA, said: "At ORCA, we know firsthand how collaborating with the maritime industry is key to creating safer oceans for whales and dolphins. This project builds on a strong and longstanding partnership, giving us 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 Earth. We are excited to see the findings from Maria's time on board and how they will help shape our future work with MSC Cruises as we continue our shared commitment to safeguarding whales and dolphins."
 
Maria Snell is a UK-based conservationist with a master's degree in Global Wildlife Health and Conservation, a trained Marine Mammal Observer, and a leading member of ORCA's whale-vessel interaction research program. Since joining ORCA in 2022, she has spent three summers conducting field research in Alaska, collecting scientific data on humpback whale behavior and vessel interactions to better understand effective mitigation measures. Combining scientific expertise with extensive experience engaging both vessel crews and the public, Snell will serve as an expert voice onboard MSC Poesia, leading guest education programs, sharing insights into marine mammal conservation and research, and providing guidance on responsible tourism practices throughout Alaska.
 
Hosting an MMO onboard is the next phase of MSC Cruises’ longstanding partnership with ORCA, which has included marine wildlife training for shipboard officers since 2022. This partnership marks the first time active research conducted onboard will directly inform future crew training and operational protocols. At the conclusion of the project, ORCA will publish a scientific report detailing Snell’s findings for the broader scientific and maritime communities.
 
In May, MSC Cruises launched the cruise line’s first-ever Alaska season and establishing Seattle as its newest U.S. homeport. Through September 2026, MSC Poesia will sail seven-night Alaska itineraries calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Juneau in Alaska, along with Victoria, British Columbia. Sailings also include scenic cruising through Endicott Arm, featuring views of Dawes Glacier and Alaska’s fjord scenery.