Ambassador Cruise Line launches first cruise anti-whaling campaign

New startup Ambassador Cruise Line announced a key partnership with marine conservation charity, ORCA.

The partnership includes the launch of the first ever cruise line ‘Anti-Whaling campaign.’ 

Christian Verhounig, Chief Executive Officer at Ambassador Cruise Line has formally written to the Faroese Prime Minister, Barour a Steig Nielsen, stating that if there are recurring incidents of the dolphin hunt that took place in September 2021, he will reconsider the cruise line’s position and planned three sailings to the Islands. 

Ambassador will also be monitoring the outcome of the review planned to be undertaken by the Faroese Government with respect to their Commercial Whaling policy and will reserve the right to cancel such ports of call.

"We at Ambassador feel incredibly passionate about supporting this cause. This joined up approach with ORCA demonstrates our committed action in addressing this issue of unnecessary dolphin hunts and commercial whaling," Verhounig, said

"This approach has been developed taking expert advice from our new partner, ORCA and from other global experts. We are particularly confident that this represents the best approach to maximise the impact."

"We also have confidence that if activities take place which force us to reconsider our sailings and change our itineraries, our booked guests will understand and fully support our decision."

This pledge includes ORCA placing two Ocean Conservationists onboard Ambience in 2022 and 2023, on 11 sailings, a large proportion of Ambassador’s voyages, totalling over 200 days.

These Ocean Conservationists will visit countries such as Iceland, Greenland and sail the Iberian coast, Black Sea and Irish Sea.

During their voyages they will collect important scientific data in key areas, as well as delivering an enhanced onboard experience for guests.

Two of the 11 cruises will be Ambassador’s multi-generational cruises in the summer 2022 where ORCA will be providing a multi-generational focussed education programme, working with families to teach them about the marine environment.

ORCA will also have a permanent presence on Ambience with a dedicated enrichment area which will include a range of fun and exciting activities about whales and dolphins.:

Steve Jones, Head of Partnerships at ORCA said: "ORCA are incredibly excited to be involved in this partnership with Ambassador Cruise Line and are proud to be part of such an ambitious and impactful programme. The work we will be doing together will have a direct impact on protecting whales and dolphins."