Orca experts will join several of Fred Olsen’s UK cruises this summer to help guests spot, identify and record data about the marine wildlife they see. They will also host onboard lectures and Q&A sessions.

Steve Jones, Orca head of partnerships, said: "British waters are incredibly rich with wildlife and to have the opportunity to celebrate and showcase them to Fred Olsen guests is something Orca is delighted to be involved in.

"Not only will our cruise conservationists be able to teach guests about the wonderful world of whales and dolphins around the UK, but they will also be able to collect important scientific data to help Orca protect them for future generations."

Fred Olsen will resume sailing in July with its Welcome Back programme, which will feature 11 British Isles cruises departing Dover and Liverpool onboard new ships Borealis and Bolette taking in Shetland and Orkney, as well as the Isles of Scilly.

Certain sailings will also visit Norway’s fjords and the Faroe Islands.

Clare Ward, Fred Olsen director of product and customer service, added: "Our Welcome Back scenic sailings have been designed to celebrate our beautiful British Isles, and this is a fantastic way to do that by showcasing the many species of marine wildlife that can be found here.

"These sailings will bring with them opportunities to spot common, Risso’s and bottlenose dolphins, as well as harbour porpoises and minke whales. Guests might even spot rarer visitors such as the humpback whale. Having Orca with us will make these sailings even more special."