MSC Cruises adds new ocean education program for kids
In honor of World Oceans Day on June 8, MSC Cruises unveiled a brand-new ocean education onboard program that's coming to every cruise voyage across its fleet of 23 cruise ships sailing around the world.
A program backed by the global company's philanthropic MSC Foundation, the new ocean education program is designed to help cultivate the next generation of ocean ambassadors. It's expected to engage thousands of children globally through immersive ocean education experiences centered on the idea that learning about the ocean inspires a desire to protect it.
Whether sailing to the Caribbean, Alaska, or around the Mediterranean, kids will have the opportunity to connect with marine conservation on every MSC cruise.
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MSC Oceans Day program draws on MSC's conservation work, partnerships
Through activities that blend education, creativity, and engagement, MSC Cruises' new Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation program is designed to help children of all ages and their families better understand, appreciate, and care for the ocean.
"Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation reflects our belief that education is fundamental to long-term ocean conservation. We believe that if you know the sea, you protect it - everything starts from there," said MSC Foundation Executive Director Daniela Picco. "By helping children and families build a deeper connection with the ocean, we hope to foster curiosity, responsibility and a lifelong commitment to caring for the marine world."
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To create the program's immersive education experiences, the MSC Foundation drew upon its conservation work at its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas, and partnerships with ocean conservation experts like Mission Blue and Marevivo.
The program will complement MSC's industry-leading focus on conservation, which includes its standout marine conservation center at Ocean Cay where visitors to the island can learn about the MSC Foundation's coral conservation efforts. MSC recently introduced an educational Augmented Reality treasure hunt on the island for another interactive way to learn about conservation.
Additionally, the cruise line is supporting marine conservation by hosting a Marine Mammal Observer aboard MSC Poesia during the cruise line's inaugural Alaska season to study how whales react to the presence of cruise ships in Alaskan waters.
MSC Oceans Day program offers activities for kids aged three to 17
Developed in collaboration with MSC Cruises' entertainment team, Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation will include a variety of interactive experiences for kids aged three to 17.
MSC Oceans Day activities will include:
- "Everybody loves the Sea" - an original song developed with a children's choir
- Games and quizzes
- Creative workshops
- Drawing activities
- Conservation challenges
- Opportunities to make personal pledges to protect the ocean through the "My Wish for the Ocean" initiative and receive an Ocean Ambassador Passport filled with practical actions to continue at home
- A celebratory parade designed to reinforce positive environmental messages in a fun and memorable way with children's participation and music
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On ships that feature an MSC Foundation Centre, representatives from the MSC Foundation will join the entertainment team in hosting educational activities to help deepen connections with the ocean.
Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation will gradually roll out across the MSC Cruises fleet and will evolve over time to add new experiences to keep it engaging, relevant, and impactful for future generations of ocean ambassadors.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 3:44 PM.