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ECN Expedition Cruise Operators

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Why Book With an ECN Expedition Cruise Operator?

✓ Membership Criteria

ECN members are carefully selected based on their commitment to quality, safety, and responsibility.​

 

✓ Expertise in Remote Destinations
Members specialise in navigating and operating in some of the world’s most challenging and remote environments.​​
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✓ Commitment to Responsible Travel

ECN promotes environmentally responsible travel, and its members actively support conservation efforts and valuable connections with the communities they visit.

 

✓ Strong Industry Reputation

Many ECN members are award-winning operators with decades of experience and recognition in the travel industry.​​

Adventure Canada

Adventure Canada is a family-owned, Canadian tour operator specializing in small-ship expeditions to some of the world’s most breathtaking and remote destinations. Our voyages are more than travel—they’re a journey of discovery, connection, and transformation.

Destinations:

Arctic, Canadian Arctic, Svalbard, Greenland, British Isles, British Columbia, Haida Gwaii, Scotland, Faroe Islands, Eastern Canada, South America, Galapagos Islands

Expedition Style:

Adventurous, Local Specialist

Albatros Expeditions

Albatros Expeditions is part of the Albatros Group, a family-owned company with over 35 years of experience in global adventure travel. We specialise in small ship cruising to Polar regions and beyond, onboard our brand-new vessels Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Canadian Arctic, Greenland, British Isles, Svalbard

Expedition Style:

Premium

Antarpply Expeditions

Antarpply Expeditions is a leading operator of small ship expedition cruises to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. Based in Ushuaia, we specialise in taking small groups and individual passengers to some of the most spectacular, remote and pristine parts of the world on board the MV USHUAIA. At a maximum of just 90 passengers, the ship is one of the smallest ships operating in Antarctica and being under 100 passengers means everyone can get off the ship at the same time without the need for groups.

Destinations:

Antarctica, South Georgia, Falklands

Expedition Style:

Adventurous, Typically 51 - 100 passengers, Local Specialist

Aqua Expeditions

A recognized global leader in luxury small ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels of stylish contemporary design. Venturing into unspoiled sanctuaries to witness the beauty of nature and wildlife, Aqua Expeditions sails to remote destinations with minimized human interaction, secluded from crowds. Expect tailored five- star itineraries, a highly exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with personalized service, acclaimed cuisine by world-renowned chefs, and small group expert-guided adventure activities and excursions for all ages, with a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship.

Destinations:

Mekong River, Galapagos Islands, Latin America, South East Asia, Indonesia, Vietnam

Expedition Style:

Luxury, Typically 51 - 100 passengers

Aranui Cruises

The Aranui 5, a mixed passenger-freighter ship, is an exceptional way to explore the French Polynesia’s mystical islands of the Marquesas, located 1500 km from Tahiti. For the past 40 years, passengers sailing with the Aranui have access to villages that no other boat serves. In addition to this traditional itinerary, the ship offers exceptional cruises to every island group in French Polynesia including the Austral, Society and Tuamotu Islands, as well as neighbouring Pitcairn Islands, taking passengers to some of the most remote and rarely visited places in the world.

Destinations:

South Pacific Islands

Expedition Style:

Adventurous

Atlas Ocean Voyages

The intimate yachting expeditions of Atlas Ocean Voyages offer the ultimate way to experience the world fully in relaxed luxury with fewer than 200 fellow explorers. The rapidly expanding fleet of Atlas Ocean Voyages is purpose-built and custom-designed for exclusive yachting expeditions. Sleek, stylish, and spacious, World Traveller, World Navigator, and World Voyager offer an all-inclusive onboard experience and modern suites and staterooms.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, South America, Chilean Fjords, British Isles, Norway, Carribean, Mediterranean

Expedition Style:

Premium

Australis Cruises

Australis is a leading expedition cruise company, navigating the southernmost Patagonian fjords since 1990 during our 4-night adventures, between September and April; we know these waters and their wildlife personally.

Destinations:

Chilean Fjords

Expedition Style:

Premium, Local Specialist

Bark Europa

Since 2000, Bark EUROPA has been crossing the world’s oceans, offering hands-on sailing experiences to adventure seekers. Known as the "Ocean Wanderer," EUROPA follows traditional sailing routes, exploring remote islands, icy polar regions, and vast oceans. Guests, also known as voyage crew, actively participate in sailing the ship, by setting sails, steering, and lookout duty, creating a unique and immersive experience.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Central America, South America, Chilean Fjords, South Pacific Islands, Europe, North America

Expedition Style:

Adventurous, Typically under 50 passengers, Typically 51 - 100 passengers

Coral Expeditions

Based in Cairns, Coral Expeditions offers adventures to the Great Barrier Reef, Kimberley, West Australia, South Australia Coasts, Tasmania, Cape York, Arnhem Land, New Zealand, and beyond to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Each excursion features expert guidance, access to Xplorers and Zodiacs, daily lectures, chef-prepared meals with beverages, and post-cruise voyage logs and photos.

Destinations:

Australia-Kimberley, South East Asia, Indonesia, Japan & South Korea, New Zealand

Expedition Style:

Premium, Local Specialist

Galaxy Expeditions

At Galaxy Expeditions, we believe that a journey to the Galapagos Islands is more than just a trip, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With nearly 20 years of expertise, we have been crafting unforgettable voyages connecting travelers with this unique destination's magic.

Destinations:

Galapagos Islands

Expedition Style:

Premium, Typically under 50 passengers, Local Specialist

Golden Galapagos

Golden Galapagos is a luxury cruise operator with over two decades of experience providing extraordinary experiences in the Galapagos Islands. Operating four luxury catamarans - Endemic, Elite, Ocean Spray and Petrel - Golden Galapagos sets a new standard for luxury travel in the region. Each vessel is spacious, comfortable and designed with a panoramic concept, allowing guests to connect with the stunning landscapes at all times.

Destinations:

Galapagos Islands

Expedition Style:

Premium, Typically under 50 passengers, Local Specialist

Hapag Lloyd Cruises

In the German-speaking region, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading cruise brand in the luxury and expedition segment. It currently has five ships in its fleet. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ships are small, individual and outstanding in their class. In 2019 and 2021, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launched three state-of-the art expedition ships: HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit (both 5-star standard).

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, Africa - West Coast, Africa - East Coast, Central America, Baja California, South America, Chilean Fjords, South East Asia, South Pacific Islands, Indonesia, The Amazon, British Columbia & Pacific Northwest, The Great Lakes

Expedition Style:

Premium

Heritage Expeditions

Founded in 1985 by the Russ family in Christchurch, New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions is still proudly family-owned and operated. Every year we voyages with small groups of between 18 and 140 intrepid travellers to some of the most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines on earth aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 29 days.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Australia-Kimberley, South East Asia, South Pacific Islands, Indonesia, New Zealand, Subantarctic Islands of Australia & New Zealand, Japan & South Korea

Expedition Style:

Adventurous, Typically 101 - 150 passengers

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten Expeditions are the world’s largest and leading expedition cruise company. With sustainability and exploration at its core, they offer small-ship exploration of more than 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. Whether it’s setting foot on Antarctica, kayaking at the foot of an Alaskan glacier, or visiting a tribal community in Africa’s little-visited Bissagos Islands – authentic experiences await you.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, Africa - West Coast, Central America, South America, Galapagos Islands, Chilean Fjords, Norway, Canaries, British Columbia & Pacific Northwest, Canadian Arctic

Expedition Style:

Premium

Kontiki Expeditions

Kontiki Expeditions: Off the Beaten Path, Into the Extraordinary

At Kontiki Expeditions, we redefine exploration, blending maritime and terrestrial adventures in the world’s most pristine destinations. Since 2022, we’ve pioneered luxury expeditions along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, setting a new standard for small-scale, sustainable yachting.

Destinations:

Costa Rica, Panama, Central America

Expedition Style:

Luxury, Typically under 50 passengers, Local Specialist

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad is a name that for generations has been synonymous with exploration, adventure, and responsible tourism. These abiding traits are born from our rich heritage as the first expedition company and our inherent passion for discovery and preservation, which together provide awe-inspiring travel experiences in every corner of the world.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, Africa - East Coast, Central America, South America, Baja California, Galapagos Islands, Chilean Fjords, Australia-Kimberley, South East Asia, South Pacific Islands, Indonesia, The Amazon, British Columbia & Pacific Northwest, British Isles

Expedition Style:

Premium, Typically 101 - 150 passengers, Typically 51 - 100 passengers

Maple Leaf Adventures

Maple Leaf Adventure Company is a premier award winning outdoor excursion operator since 1986 known for its unique cruising experiences on British Columbia’s stunning coastal landscape. With a commitment to sustainable tourism and a passion for showcasing the beauty of the west coast and our local communities through the most unique experiences aboard one of our 3 ship-fleet: Swell, our handsome working coastal tugboat; Maple Leaf: a beautiful classic schooner; and, Cascadia, our luxury catamaran. We offer a diverse range of ship expeditions and itineraries, as well as inland activities such as guided hikes through ancient forests, true wildlife and coastal adventure views and excursions, with unforgettable exploring opportunities amid pristine waterways and inlets where larger ships cannot access.

Destinations:

Canadian Arctic, British Columbia & Pacific Northwest, Haida Gwaii, Great Bear Rainforest, Gulf Islands, Broughton Archipelago, Vancouver Island, Alaska

Expedition Style:

Typically under 50 passengers, Adventurous, Local Specialist

Metropolitan Touring

Metropolitan Touring Ecuador, founded in 1953, is Ecuador’s leading Travel Corporation: pioneer of responsible tourism and expedition voyages to the Galapagos Islands. We own and operate yacht Isabela II, the perfect, intimate space for 40 guests to explore the islands in relaxed comfort; and Yacht La Pinta, a sophisticated, upscale travel experience for 48 guests.

Destinations:

Galapagos Islands

Expedition Style:

Typically 51 - 100 passengers, Premium, Local Specialist

Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the pioneers in ship-based expeditions to the polar regions. Both to Antarctica and the Arctic region with destinations such as Svalbard and Greenland. Oceanwide Expeditions owns and operates its own fleet of ice strengthened vessels allowing us to adapt our program and routes to the customer demand. We provide our passengers maximum first-hand engagement with the polar terrain, its wildlife, and all the exciting activities the environment makes possible.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Iceland, Snow Hill Island, Greenland, Svalbard

Expedition Style:

Adventurous, Typically 101 - 150 passengers

Oniric Cruises

Oniric Cruises is a boutique sub-brand of Andean Travel Company, created to offer immersive, small-scale expedition cruises through the Galápagos Islands with a deep commitment to sustainability and responsible travel.

Destinations:

Galapagos Islands, South America, The Amazon

Expedition Style:

Premium, Typically under 50 passengers, Local Specialist

PONANT

Explore to Inspire: explore to better understand, learn, share and protect. For 35 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, Africa - East Coast, Central America, Baja California, Latin America, Chilean Fjords, Australia-Kimberley, South East Asia, South Pacific Islands, Indonesia, Europe, The Great Lakes

Expedition Style:

Luxury

Polar Latitudes

Polar Latitudes is a leader in small ship expeditions to Antarctica, offering highly immersive experiences to those who want a deeper and more personalized Antarctic adventure. Our team’s extraordinary knowledge and experience enable us to take greater advantage of every opportunity offered by this mysterious continent. A spirit of exploration, an emphasis on spontaneity, and a team that is experienced and fun to be around - these are the hallmarks of every Polar Latitudes journey.

Destinations:

Antarctica, South Georgia, Falklands

Expedition Style:

Premium

Poseidon Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions stands as a leading operator in polar expeditions within the cruise industry. Since 1999, Poseidon has offered unforgettable adventures to the Arctic and Antarctica, seamlessly blending exploration, onboard comfort, and educational enrichment. Epitomizing the small ship concept, the highly manoeuvrable Sea Spirit makes it easy for all guests (approximately 100) to maximize their onshore.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Canadian Arctic, British Isles, Arctic, Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, South Georgia, Falklands

Expedition Style:

Premium, Typically 101 - 150 passengers

Quixote Expeditions

For travelers who want to experience Antarctica without the typical cruise ship environment, Quixote Expeditions offers a truly unique option. Catering to just 12 guests, our micro-cruises provide an exclusive, flexible, and immersive experience focused on maximizing time onshore. The fly-in, fly-out option across the Drake Passage eliminates the long sea journey, giving guests more time to explore and photograph Antarctica’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife. With our vessels Hans Hansson and Ocean Tramp, we adapt each itinerary based on daily conditions and sightings, ensuring a personalized journey for those who seek a deeper, more independent adventure in Antarctica.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia, Chilean Fjords, South America

Expedition Style:

Adventurous, Typically under 50 passengers, Local Specialist

Scenic Cruises

Scenic set a new benchmark in the realm of ultra-luxury cruising when they launched their first world-class Discovery Yacht, offering guests rare and extraordinary cruising experiences around the globe.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, South America, Chilean Fjords, Australia-Kimberley, South East Asia, South Pacific Islands, Indonesia, The Amazon, Central America, British Columbia & Pacific Northwest, Europe

Expedition Style:

Luxury

Selar

Selar’s debut polar expeditions are set to be something truly different. Unlike other ships that host up to 200 passengers, Selar will welcome 36 passengers onboard a bespoke, 230 feet, close-to-zero-emission sailing ship, allowing for the best experiences. Each expedition will be led by a handpicked crew of skilled polar navigators and explorers, granting exceptional access to onshore off track experiences - from observing polar bears in complete silence and hiking on the ice edge above 80°, to enjoying a hot chocolate in a driftwood hut and kayaking in front of a deep blue glacier surrounded by the sound of ice.

Destinations:

Arctic, Svalbard, Greenland, Norway

Expedition Style:

Luxury, Typically under 50 passengers

Silversea Expeditions

Travelling to some of the most remote regions of the planet, Silversea Expeditions offer unique, awe-inspiring journeys. Our expedition ships sail to all seven continents so that you can experience everything from the lush rainforests of the equatorial Pacific to the polar extremes at the tip or toe of the world.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Alaska, Africa - West Coast, Africa - East Coast, Indian Ocean, Central America, Baja California, South America, Galapagos Islands, Chilean Fjords, Australia-Kimberley, South East Asia, South Pacific Islands, Indonesia, The Amazon, British Columbia & Pacific Northwest, British Isles

Expedition Style:

Luxury

Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’. Every cruise proudly combines geographical exploration of the most extraordinary places on earth with cultural and scientific discovery aboard our purpose-built ships featuring elegant Scandi-design interiors.

Destinations:

Antarctica, Arctic, Africa - West Coast, South America, Chilean Fjords, Australia-Kimberley, South East Asia, South Pacific Islands, Indonesia, Europe

Expedition Style:

Premium

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures is a unique travel brand that offers small-ship expeditions, focusing on providing intimate and immersive experiences in some of the world's most pristine and off-the-beaten-path destinations. With an emphasis on exploration and environmental stewardship, UnCruise Adventures aims to create unforgettable journeys for travelers seeking an alternative to traditional cruise experiences.

Destinations:

Alaska, Central America, Baja California, Galapagos Islands, British Columbia & Pacific Northwest

Expedition Style:

Adventurous, Typically 51 - 100 passengers, Local Specialist

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