Cruise & Ferry

Ambassador Enters Fifth Year of Partnership With ORCA – Cruise Industry News

Published

1 day ago

August 7, 2025

Ambassador Cruise Line has renewed its partnership with marine conservation charity ORCA for a fifth consecutive season, confirming 20 itineraries for 2027-28.

Totaling 316 days at sea, the collaboration will see ocean conservationists join selected sailings aboard the Ambience and Ambition from Mar. 24, 2027, through to Apr. 14, 2028.

Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with ORCA as we look ahead to the 2027-28 season.”

“Collaborating with the charity has been a deeply rewarding experience, enabling us to support vital marine research while raising awareness among our guests and crew about the importance of protecting marine life,” added Verhounig.

“Our continued partnership with ORCA highlights our shared commitment to sustainability, education and the preservation of the oceans we sail in.”

Steve Jones, director of fundraising and operations at ORCA, said: “Partnering with Ambassador Cruise Line has been transformative for ORCA over the past four years.”

“Our collaboration has significantly broadened our conservation efforts, allowing us to explore vital marine habitats and engage with a growing number of guests,” added Jones.

“We look forward to another year of impactful collaboration, expanding our scientific research and inspiring thousands of new ocean advocates through these dedicated 2027-28 sailings.”

2027-28 ORCA itineraries include:

“Aurora Borealis & Arctic Norway Discovery” | the Ambience, London Cruise Terminal: 16 nights from Oct. 23, 2027, to Nov. 8, 2027
“Tropical Treasures: Mayan Ruins & Island Adventures” | the Ambience, London Cruise Terminal: 44 nights from Jan. 6, 2028, to Feb. 19, 2028
“Mediterranean Moments & Solar Eclipse” | the Ambition, Dundee: 19 nights from July 27, 2027, to Aug.15, 2027, and
“Christmas & New Year Voyage to Canaries & Madeira” | the Ambition, London Cruise Terminal: 16 nights from Dec. 20, 2027, to Jan. 5, 2028.

The company said in a press release that guests will be joined by ocean conservationists aboard the Ambience for 11 itineraries, with the Ambition set to host a further 10 sailings.

Sailing from regional ports across the UK, ORCA sailings will cruise the British Isles, Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Iceland and the Azores.

Ambassador Cruise Line added that it has been working with ORCA on a joint Anti-Whaling Campaign, combating the issue of commercial whaling and unnecessary dolphin hunts.

ORCA’s onboard talks will provide an overview of the whaling industry, the impact it has on the marine ecosystem and the myths that surround it.

Source link

Cruise & Ferry

Water Slide Malfunction on World’s Largest Cruise Ship Injures Passenger

Published

2 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Joshua Rhett Miller

A portion of a water slide on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship abruptly shattered, injuring a passenger as shocked witnesses looked on, dramatic video shows.

The footage, posted on X Thursday, shows passengers aboard the Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, as gallons of water gush from a massive hole in the slide. An adult passenger was injured during the ride, cruise officials confirmed to Newsweek.

“Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement. “The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.”

Water gushes below following a malfunction on a water slide aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas cruise ship.

X/jimmuldoon

The passenger, who did not fall through the hole, remains in stable condition, sources told Newsweek.

The Icon of the Seas, which recently departed Miami on Saturday, is scheduled to return this weekend following a tour of the Caribbean. The 20-deck ship with more than 2,300 crew members can host up to 5,610 guests, according to its website.

The ship also boasts six “record-breaking slides” and largest waterpark at sea, another Royal Caribbean website shows.

“The storm of the century is brewing — and you’re in its path,” the website reads. “Brace yourself for Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides. Roaring thunder means the Frightening Bolt is close, and this drop waterslide is the tallest at sea. Once your stomach lurches, it’s too late. You’re caught in the Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall slide at sea.”

Footage of the incident posted online shows passengers frantically asking if the rider had fallen out. Other nearby guests can also be heard screaming as lifeguards blow whistles and begin to assess the situation, the footage shows.

Passenger Jim Muldoon, who shot the viral footage, said the injured guest did not fall through the hole.

“No nobody fell out the hole,” Muldoon wrote on X. “I cannot confirm injuries. I am hearing someone was but I do not have confirmation.”

Source link