Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has established a new partnership with Pacific Whale Foundation to expand the Keiki Whale Watch program, which operates as part of its Sail & Sustain environmental stewardship initiative. The initiative aims to provide students in Maui with practical ocean education experiences, which will benefit students who are currently enrolled in second to eighth grade. The partnership seeks to enhance the local educational landscape by offering more students the opportunity to engage with marine life through whale-watching excursions, which marine experts will lead.
Expanding Access to Ocean Education
The Keiki Whale Watch program, already a cornerstone of the Pacific Whale Foundation, will see a significant increase in participation due to this collaboration. NCLH has set ambitious goals to double the number of students involved in 2026, allowing more than 2,200 students to experience this unique educational programme. The program combines classroom lessons on marine ecosystems with the opportunity to participate in whale-watching tours. These outings give students a chance to witness the annual humpback whale migration, promoting a deeper understanding of marine conservation.
Maui’s whale-watching season provides the perfect backdrop for these educational experiences, with students gaining a firsthand look at one of the Pacific Ocean’s most magnificent creatures. These interactions are vital in fostering a generation of young people who are inspired to protect the oceans and its ecosystems.
Partnership With Local Communities
As part of the partnership, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will also lend support to the Pacific Whale Foundation’s World Whale Day Parade in Maui, scheduled for February 15, 2026. The event is a community celebration aimed at raising awareness about whale conservation. It is a symbolic gesture that reinforces the long-term objectives of both the cruise line and the foundation to involve the local community in ocean protection efforts. The parade, featuring creative whale-themed floats, aims to further promote the importance of marine education and environmental stewardship.
This collaboration is an extension of NCLH’s broader environmental initiatives, which focus on supporting sustainable practices and investing in local communities. By supporting educational programmes like Keiki Whale Watch, NCLH continues to demonstrate its commitment to ocean conservation.
Why This Matters for Travellers
For travellers and those invested in sustainable tourism, this partnership offers more than just an educational opportunity for students. The Keiki Whale Watch programme creates a unique connection between local communities and visitors, highlighting the vital role that sustainable tourism can play in preserving the natural wonders of the world. With whale-watching tours already a popular activity in Maui, the expansion of this programme will not only enrich local students’ learning but also attract eco-conscious travellers interested in supporting initiatives that promote environmental education and sustainability.
By investing in local educational projects, NCLH is helping to foster a future generation of environmental stewards who will continue to champion ocean protection efforts for years to come. This partnership is a prime example of how tourism companies can engage with local communities to create lasting social and environmental impacts.
A Step Towards Sustainable Travel Education
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings demonstrates responsible tourism standards through its implementation of the Keiki Whale Watch educational program as part of its sustainability efforts. The marine educational program expansion will provide Maui students and eco-tourists with valuable ocean experiences while teaching future generations about ocean conservation. NCLH advances sustainable travel solutions through its support of community development and environmental education initiatives.
The post NCLH Boosts Ocean Education in Maui with Whale-Watching Program for Over 2,000 Students: What You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
