Ambassador Cruise Line has renewed its partnership with marine conservation charity, ORCA, to provide 21 dedicated cruise itineraries scheduled to take place across 2025/26.
Ocean conservationists will join guests on board Ambience for 11 itineraries, with sister ship, Ambition, set to host a further ten cruises. The first voyage, Treasures of the Mediterranean, will set sale on Monday 5th May, 2024, lasting for 33 nights.
The no-fly itineraries will visit key locations that hold significant value to ORCA. These voyages will help fill crucial gaps in sea life population monitoring and provide essential data to further efforts in protecting marine animals.
Two ocean conservationists will join passengers to collect important scientific data aimed at protecting sea life including whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Groups of 15 or more are entitled to 5% off Ambassador cruises.
Guests will also be invited to learn more about ocean conservation through an interactive education programme while on the voyage.
Ocean conservationists activities will range from lectures and Q&As to simply spending time on deck to help travellers spot and identify the range of sea life.
2025/26 ORCA Itinerary Highlights
Iberian Multigenerational Adventure (10th August 2025 - 22nd August 2025)
This cruise exploring the Iberian coast is a good way for younger guests to learn about whales and dolphins. From fin whales migrating through the Bay of Biscay to acrobatic common dolphins, elusive beaked whales, shy harbour porpoises and plenty of other incredible species, this itinerary will offer ORCA and guests the chance to visit a number of important hotspots when crossing one of the most diverse sea life locations on the planet.
Gems of Spain and Portugal (27th September 2025 - 15th October 2025)
The Bay of Biscay is one of the top places in the world to go whale watching, with some of the largest species, such as fin whales being seen here. This sailing will also stop at a number of Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) and sightings could include acrobatic common dolphins, to the elusive deep-diving Cuvier’s beaked whale.
Classical Mediterranean (19th February 2026 - 22nd February 2026)
Home to around ten species of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, striped dolphins, and long-finned pilot whales, the Mediterranean is the perfect place to go to see all sorts of incredible animals. Also an area of interest with a number of protected areas, the Mediterranean is a key area for monitoring and contributing to ORCA’s ship strike work.
Land of the Northern Lights (22nd March 2026 - 4th April 2026)
Expect to see some sea animals from an incredible range of whales and dolphins, including orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins on this sailing to Norway. Guests can also visit an area that is hugely important to monitoring the health of minke whale populations and observing the impact of commercial whaling on minke whales in Norwegian waters.
Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “We are exceptionally proud to be continuing our partnership with ORCA, a charity that shares our deep commitment to ocean conservation, as we think ahead to our 2025/26 season.
“Working alongside ORCA has been incredibly rewarding, as it has allowed us to not only support vital research but also to raise awareness among our guests and crew about the importance of protecting marine life. I look forward to seeing our collaboration grow as we embark on a fourth year in our joint mission to preserve our oceans.”
Groups of 15 or more people are entitled to benefits, including 5% off cruise bookings and private use of ship venues.
To make an enquiry about group bookings call 0808 102 8032 or email groupsales@ambassadorcruiseline.com
For more information about Ambassador’s ORCA itineraries for 2025/26, visit ambassadorcruiseline.com/cruise-types/orca
