Hi friends and cruising family,

This past fall, I’ve been accepted to University of Exeter in England to pursue my Master’s in Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation, a dream program that focuses on marine mammals, ethical ecotourism, and conservation science.

I’ve saved every penny from my work as a naturalist, side jobs and any extra work I could find to make this happen. I’m almost there. However, with the added costs of flights, visa fees, and moving abroad, I’ve hit a final hurdle. To even enter the UK, I need to show proof that my full tuition and living costs are covered before I can even enter the country this September.

If my wildlife talks, whale watching events or naturalist programs ever helped you feel more connected to nature during your cruise, I’d be incredibly grateful for your support now. Every dollar helps get me one step closer to continuing this work on a global level! I will be conducting and publishing my own research, which I cannot wait to share with you all.

Thank you so much for believing in me and my future in conservation work.

With love and endless thanks,

Emily the Naturalist