Cruise Pioneers | Ocean Conservation at Sea

In this episode of Cruise Pioneers, host Birgit Liodden is joined by Steve Jones, Director of Fundraising & Operations at ORCA, a UK-based NGO working at the intersection of cruise and conservation.

Steve shares how ORCA’s pioneering Ocean Conservationist Programme is transforming cruise ships into platforms for whale and dolphin monitoring—reducing vessel strike risk, collecting vital data, and creating powerful guest education moments on board.

He reflects on high-impact collaborations with brands like Saga, Cunard, HX Expeditions, and Ambassador—who co-developed the industry’s first anti-whaling pledge and now host ORCA teams on a third of their itineraries.

Steve also offers candid insight into the challenges of scaling human-led conservation, and explores how AI, crew training, and citizen science are reshaping marine protection at sea.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on collaboration, conservation, and how cruise lines can lead the way in safeguarding ocean life.