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.

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Cruise & Ferry

Cruise ship passenger injured after glass panel falls from water slide – WCNC

Published

1 hour ago

August 8, 2025

the Editor

Cruise ship passenger injured after glass panel falls from water slide WCNC

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Cruise & Ferry

‘Stop the slide!’: Water slide passengers cry out after class panel breaks off on cruise ship – CTV News

Published

2 hours ago

August 8, 2025

the Editor

‘Stop the slide!’: Water slide passengers cry out after class panel breaks off on cruise ship CTV News

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Cruise & Ferry

Cork tourism boost as first-ever cruise ship stops at Baltimore harbour

Published

3 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Eoin English

The first cruise ship to call to scenic Baltimore harbour in West Cork has brought a welcome tourism boost to the region.

Captain Jose Fonseca of Noble Caledonia’s luxurious Island Sky vessel dropped anchor beneath Baltimore’s landmark beacon on Thursday — the first time a cruise ship has called to the harbour — and remained there for the day while guests ventured off on day trips.

Many of the ship’s 90 passengers transferred to Baltimore in the morning, and then on to Sherkin Island, the “island of the arts”, in the afternoon.

They enjoyed walking tours, focused on Baltimore’s maritime heritage, and tours of the Sherkin studios, before they got time to explore Baltimore and Sherkin for themselves, browsing crafts and enjoying some local food and drink.

Cork County Council staff were on hand on the day to greet passengers and crew, hand out maps and brochures, and provide guidance to ensure visitors enjoyed their visit to the area.

The Island Sky is a small but luxurious expedition cruise ship which left Dublin on August 5 on a 12-day ‘Wild Ireland’ tour.

It has almost 60 spacious and well-designed suites, all with a seating area and some with private balconies.

The cruise line company boasts how the feeling of luxury is enhanced on board by the wood panelling and brass, “conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht”.

She is cruising along the rugged Irish coastline, visiting the Skelligs, Galway, the Aran Islands, and Killybegs before passengers disembark in Liverpool.

The ship made the short journey along the coast to Bere Island on Friday, where passengers were tendered directly from the ship to the island for tours of the Lonehort Battery, the Martello Tower and Bere Island Heritage Centre.

They will finish off the day enjoying live music and a drink in Dessie’s Bar.

Councillor Caroline Cronin, Chairperson of the West Cork Municipal District, and officials from Cork County Council, were welcomed on board the vessel by the ship’s captain, where a formal gift exchange took place to mark the ship’s inaugural visit to Baltimore Harbour.

“I am delighted to be associated with this inaugural cruise call to Baltimore,” Ms Cronin said. “The passengers visiting Sherkin Island and the ship’s onward journey to Bere Island presents a welcome boost to our islands,” she said.

“Approximately 4,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit Cork County Council’s harbours in 2025, contributing to the local economy and supporting our tourism industry, while showcasing what makes County Cork so special to a growing number of international visitors.”

The visit is part of a busy cruise season across the council’s ports and harbours, with inaugural calls at Youghal and Ballycotton among the record 25 cruise visits planned for 2025, with Schull, Kinsale, and Bere Island receiving repeat visits.

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