This blog was written by Adam Cruickshank on 26 February 2025.
At the end of January 2025, more than 1,900 birders from around the world set sail on the MSC Musica for a week-long voyage into the southern Indian Ocean. The cruise, dubbed Flock to Marion Again, was organized by BirdLife South Africa and offered birders the rare opportunity to experience a remote part of the ocean that few ever get to see. The highlight of the voyage was spending nearly two days slowly encircling the Prince Edward Islands.
This popular birding cruise was not the first time that BirdLife South Africa had chartered a cruise ship for a pelagic birding adventure. The concept began in 2013 with the Flock at Sea cruise, where more than 1,100 birders sailed from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia. This voyage offered birders the chance to spot sought-after pelagic species while also enjoying a morning ashore in Walvis Bay, home to several Namibian birding specials. Following its success, BirdLife South Africa organized the Flock at Sea, AGAIN! cruise in 2017, which ventured from Cape Town to the southern edge of the South African EEZ (exclusive economic zone, 200 nautical miles from the coast). In 2022, the Flock to Marion cruise took things a step further. It set sail for the Southern Ocean, encountering remarkable seabird and cetacean species and spending time around the remote Prince Edward and Marion Islands. Back by popular demand, Flock to Marion Again built upon the success of its predecessors, delivering yet another unforgettable birding and conservation-focused voyage.
Approximately 3,500 Snowy (Wandering) Albatross pairs breed on the Prince Edward Islands.
A unique birding cruise in the southern Indian Ocean
This cruise stood out not only for the chance to see incredible Southern Ocean birds and cetaceans but also for the luxury of doing so from the decks of a cruise liner. The week-long journey included everything expected from an MSC cruise—comfortable cabins, entertainment, and an almost limitless supply of food.
In addition, BirdLife South Africa assembled a team of expert bird guides to assist on the decks, along with an impressive lineup of guest speakers, including Peter Harrison MBE. Full bellies and fantastic birds—what more could we ask for?
Supporting Conservation: The Mouse-Free Marion Project
Beyond the exceptional birding, one of the primary purposes of the voyage was to raise funds for BirdLife South Africa and the Mouse-Free Marion Project. This initiative, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, aims to eradicate invasive mice from Marion Island, where they are devastating populations of breeding albatrosses and petrels. If nothing is done, within the next 30 years, 19 of the 29 bird species found on the island face local extinction. These mice, introduced by humans more than two centuries ago, now prey on eggs, chicks, and even adult birds, inflicting fatal wounds that lead to slow, agonizing deaths.
Those on the cruise witnessed and fell in love with the majestic Snowy (Wandering) Albatrosses that flew within meters of the ship. Half of the world’s population of these iconic albatrosses breed on Marion Island. If the mice are not eradicated, it will have a devastating impact on this already Vulnerable species. The success of the Mouse-Free Marion Project will not only protect these albatrosses but also safeguard countless other seabirds and the fragile ecosystem of this remote island. Without a doubt, this is one of the most urgent and important conservation projects underway today.
As proud supporters of BirdLife South Africa, Birding Ecotours was honored to have members of our team serving as expert guides during the cruise. Our team was not only excited to connect with fellow birders and enjoy remarkable sightings but we’re also deeply committed to supporting the cruise’s vital conservation goals.
We enjoyed close-up views of the elegant Sooty Albatrosses around Marion Island.
Birding highlights from the Flock to Marion cruise
Dylan Vasapolli shared his reflections on the journey:
“Getting to bird the productive waters around the infrequently visited Prince Edward Islands is a special experience on its own. Being part of a conservation project aimed at protecting these islands—Marion Island in particular—makes this journey truly worthwhile.”
Dylan enjoyed working his way through the endless flocks of prions.
The Flock to Marion cruise in 2022 set a high standard, and this year’s voyage was no exception. Daniel Engelbrecht, another one of our team who guided aboard the cruise, highlighted some of the special birds encountered:
“The sheer number of birds around the Prince Edward Islands is hard to comprehend. Tens of thousands of prions, mostly Salvin’s Prions, streamed past the ship, while hundreds of albatrosses—including Snowy (Wandering), Light-mantled, Sooty, Grey-headed, Indian Yellow-nosed, and Black-browed—graced the waters. We also saw large numbers of other tubenoses, such as petrels, storm petrels, and diving petrels. For me, though, the undisputed highlights were the penguins. During our time near the islands, we spotted four species: King, Macaroni, Southern (Eastern) Rockhopper, and my personal favorite—and a global lifer for me—the Gentoo Penguin.”
King Penguins are always a crowd-pleaser!
Adding to the excitement were sightings of other remarkable species, including Blue Petrel, Grey Petrel, Kerguelen Petrel, Barau’s Petrel, and White-headed Petrel. This trip was undeniably a massive success.
Zach Simpson, one of Birding Ecotours’ newest guides, experienced his first Flock cruise and shared his thoughts:
“Flock to Marion was nothing short of a dream come true—one that surpasses all of my other birding experiences. Cold days, rough oceans filled with remarkable birds, cetaceans, and, best of all, amazing people—all enjoyed in complete comfort. How can one not have a deep love for the ocean after that? Perhaps Antarctica now beckons!”
Unforgettable cetacean sightings
But it wasn’t just the birds that stole the show. We were also treated to some unforgettable cetacean sightings—some still awaiting identification at the time of writing. Confirmed sightings included Hourglass Dolphin and Striped Dolphins, Sei Whale, Pygmy Killer Whale, Cuvier’s Beaked Whale, and Sperm Whale.
A huge win for conservation
We are thrilled to report that the cruise raised more than R3.7 million (~$201,800) for the Mouse-Free Marion Project, thanks to generous pledges and onboard auctions. This funding will play a crucial role in advancing the efforts to protect Marion Island’s unique wildlife.
Several hundred thousand pairs of Salvin’s Prions breed on Prince Edward Island.
Memories that will last a lifetime
We returned from this voyage with memories that will last a lifetime. Although we only saw Marion Island from a distance, the privilege of gazing upon this special place left an indelible mark on all of us. The journey reinforced our deep commitment to conservation, ensuring that the birds calling Marion home will be protected for generations to come.
What’s Next? Join our birding cruise to Antarctica!
Join us on our upcoming Antarctic Birding Cruise — a 19-day journey through some of the most remote and wildlife-rich regions on Earth. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, the voyage takes you through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula before returning to Ushuaia. Along the way, we enjoy world-class birding at sea and the rare opportunity to explore several remote islands on foot.
Birding highlights include up to seven penguin species: King, Adelie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, Macaroni, Magellanic, and Southern Rockhopper Penguins. You’ll also encounter majestic albatrosses, including Snowy (Wandering), Sooty, Light-mantled, Black-browed, and Grey-headed Albatrosses, alongside countless petrels, storm petrels, and prions.
In the waters surrounding the Antarctic Peninsula, there is a chance to see Humpback Whale, Killer Whale, Sei Whale, and Southern Elephant Seal, to name just a few of the mammals on offer.
We stand a chance of connecting with the much-wanted Antarctic Petrel on our Antarctic Birding Cruise.
This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Southern Ocean’s unparalleled wildlife and stunning scenery, both from the ship and onshore. Secure your spot today and make your birding dreams a reality!
