Expedition Cruise Network adds three new cruise line members
The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has added Scenic, Aqua Expeditions and Aranui Cruises to its membership of expedition cruise operators, bringing the network’s total to 23
Nichola Absalom, managing director, sales and marketing of Scenic UK, said the line has “been impressed” with the momentum the Expedition Cruise Network has built to date.
“We are delighted to partner with an organisation that holds the same aspirations as us – to ensure more UK travel trade partners understand the opportunity that selling expedition cruising offers and the distinct differences between ultra-luxury expedition and mainstream cruising – was an easy decision,” she added.
Scenic joins the association alongside luxury small-ship specialist Aqua Expeditions, which can carry 16-40 guests per ship and operates river itineraries on the Amazon and the Mekong, as well as coastal yacht voyages to the Galapagos, Komodo National Park, Ambon, the Spice Islands, Raja Ampat and its newest itinerary to The Asmat.
Aranui Cruises, meanwhile, offers voyages to the Marquesas Islands for 11 nights, visiting nine islands, including Bora Bora, with itineraries to the Austral and Pitcairn Islands available on specific dates throughout the year.
New ECN members ’embrace the extraordinary world of expedition’
Akvile Marozaite, chief executive of the ECN, said: “We are delighted to have three such outstanding and diverse expedition cruise operators joining the Expedition Cruise Network.
“From the South Pacific to the polar regions, these companies embrace the extraordinary and exhilarating world of expedition cruising.”
The additions come after the group released a new digital training guide for agents focused on the 2024 wave season.
The Selling Expedition Cruising: Wave 2024 guide features current wave promotions; outlines the USPs and differences of individual expedition cruise operators; explores how expedition cruising compares to ocean cruising; shares selling tips for top performing destinations and explores target demographics of typical expedition cruise travellers.
