by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:15 AM ET, Wed April 29, 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is expanding its efforts to analyze environmental DNA (eDNA) and map marine biodiversity in Alaska.
The company is expanding its partnership with NatureMetrics, with new guest-facing educational experiences aboard 18 Norwegian Cruise Line sailings from May 13 through October 11.
This summer, all Alaska sailings across Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Jade will feature new educational and interactive Cruise Programs experiences, such as:
- Biodiversity scavenger hunts highlighting species identified through the eDNA program
- Themed trivia experiences focused on Alaska wildlife and ecosystems
- Youth-focused programming designed to translate scientific insights into engaging, age-appropriate content
The program, which began as a pilot in 2024, has been implemented across 10 Norwegian Cruise Line voyages to date. The program supports monitoring of marine mammals, fish species and broader ecosystems, with insights delivered through an interactive digital platform to support endangered wildlife protection and document biodiversity across the Pacific Northwest.
“The program builds on NCLH’s Sail & Sustain strategy and follows a comprehensive nature strategy review, reinforcing our commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into our long-term business approach,” says Heike Naigur, senior director of sustainability at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “It brings our ‘Caring for Nature’ pillar to life by connecting science, conservation, and guest education, while deepening our understanding of the ecosystems in which we operate.”
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