Expedition operators report strongest growth in Gen X cruisers
More than a third of expedition cruise lines are experiencing strongest growth in travellers aged between 46-55, according to new data from the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN)
The organisation also found that solo travellers, luxury seekers, and multi-generational family groups are experiencing growth, with members reporting that the typical expedition cruise traveller is “curious, values-driven and experience-led”.
According to its H1 Trends Report, the ECN found that Antarctica remains the number one best seller, followed by Svalbard, Greenland, Alaska and the Northwest Passage.
This year, 60 per cent of its members are also experiencing increased interest for warm water regions such as Indonesia, the Pacific, the Amazon and Africa, with the Galapagos retaining year-round popularity.
Data further revealed nearly a third of members (27 per cent) say that the first half of 2025 has seen the UK grow faster than other markets, with nearly half (46 per cent) reporting the UK has kept pace with others.
The vast majority (95 per cent) of expedition cruise operators said they are “positive or very positive” about the future of expedition cruising in the next two to three years with members foreseeing further fleet expansion, polar hotels, and new onboard experiences developed.
From the ECN’s 1,850 travel trade members signed up to its database, 43 per cent sell expedition cruise regularly or very regularly, with a quarter (26 per cent) considering themselves expert, 30 per cent saying that they consider their knowledge to be average, and 38 per cent basic.
Since April, when the ECN launched the Expedition Cruise Academy, more than 150 travel agents have enrolled onto 2,000 online courses, and by July some 50 advisors have signed up to join the ECN Training Bootcamps.
Over 110 travel trade professionals have registered to attend this year’s Expedition Cruise Network Conference to be held at Glaziers Hall in central London on 30 September and 1 October, while 27 expedition cruise line exhibitors will be at the event.
Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the ECN, said: “The first half of 2025 has again looked extremely dynamic for the expedition cruise industry.
“Expedition cruising is not just resilient—it’s relevant. It answers a growing demand for meaningful, transformative travel. As long as we continue to lead with expertise, ethics, and experience, the future is bright.”
