PASSENGERS have been having a whale of a time on their cruise holidays. Nearly 3,500 marine animals were spotted by guests on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships in 2023.

Figures just released show that, with help from marine wildlife charity ORCA as part of the company’s Cruise Conservationist programme, a total of 3,431 wildlife sightings were made.

The most frequent species spotted was the common dolphin with 1,409 sightings, while the total number of individual dolphins being seen was a tidy 2,312.

Other sightings included 135 harbour porpoises, 11 orca, 84 humpback whales, 44 grey seals and seven Cuvier’s beaked whales – known as the deepest diving animal.

A blue whale, a bearded seal and an ocean sunfish were among the rarest sightings.

“Our guests are nature lovers, so spotting native wildlife while on board our smaller-sized ships is something that they truly cherish,” says Itinerary Product Manager James Moss.

“We are fortunate to be able to have ORCA representatives on board many of our sailings to help guests look out for marine mammals from the deck.”

The ORCA Cruise Conservationist programme is a unique whale and dolphin monitoring project, which uses the data collected to identify and monitor whale and dolphin populations.

Steve Jones, Director of Fundraising and Operations at ORCA, adds: “Five years after our first itinerary with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we’re still amazed by the incredible level of engagement that we get from guests and crew on Borealis, Bolette and Balmoral.

“Not only do we have the opportunity to inspire people about the wonderful world of whales and dolphins, but the data that we collect gives us vital insight into the amazing animals we see during our voyages.”

For news of upcoming Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ORCA cruises, visit the dedicated webpage.