Charting a New Chapter: A Conversation with ECN’s New Chairman, Anthony Daniels

Meet Anthony Daniels, ECN Chair. Photo credit Gregg Brown

We’re thrilled to welcome Anthony Daniels as the new Chairman of the Expedition Cruise Network. With over 35 years of experience in the cruise industry and a passion for the power of expedition travel, Anthony shares his journey, vision for ECN, and how he hopes to work with travel advisors to grow this sector together. Enjoy!

ECN Welcomes the new Chair

At the Expedition Cruise Network, we’re always excited to welcome passionate industry voices into our community — and this month, we’re delighted to officially introduce Anthony Daniels as our new Chairman.

Many of you will know Anthony already. With over 35 years in travel and a career that spans household cruise names — from Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard to Regent Seven Seas, Hurtigruten, and most recently, PONANT — Anthony’s experience runs deep. But what makes his appointment particularly exciting is his long-standing connection with expedition cruising… and with ECN itself.

From Cruise Decks to Expedition Shores

When ECN was still just an idea, Anthony was one of the first people we spoke to. Back then, we wanted an honest view from someone who understood both the cruise world and the potential of the expedition sector. His reaction?

“You kind of sit there and go, ‘Why hasn’t anybody done this before?’ As soon as I saw the plan — and felt your passion and drive — it just made sense.”

Fast-forward a few years, and that early conversation has contributed to creating a thriving network of expedition cruise operators, destination partners, and, of course, travel advisors — all working together to grow this remarkable sector.

Why Expedition Cruising Captures the Imagination

from Anthony's personal archive.

For Anthony, expedition cruising is more than a product — it’s a mindset.

“Expedition and adventure is an attitude,” he says. “It’s about wanting to go further, look deeper, and really engage with the world in a meaningful way.”

He’s seen first-hand how expedition journeys transform people. Travelers return from their voyages calling them life-changing — not just for the wildlife or destinations they encounter, but for the perspective they gain.

“Those experiences become the stories they share,” Anthony adds. “They come home as ambassadors for this kind of travel — and that’s powerful.”

And while Antarctica or the Arctic often top the bucket lists, Anthony is keen to remind us that expedition doesn’t always mean remote. Destinations like the Hebrides, he says, can offer that first taste of discovery — often close to home.

A Vision for the Future of ECN

As Chairman, Anthony’s focus is clear: keep the passion alive while making it easier for travel advisors to engage with and sell expedition cruising.

That means three things:

• Breaking down barriers – helping advisors explain how expedition cruising differs from traditional cruising.

• Creating a shared foundation – connecting niche and global operators under a common voice to support the trade.

• Expanding thoughtfully – exploring growth opportunities both within and beyond the UK.

  
  

“We have a passionate community,” Anthony says. “The challenge now is how to build on that energy and simplify the message, so more advisors and travellers can discover what expedition cruising really is.”

Growing with Purpose

While growth in numbers matters — more members, more advisors, more connections — Anthony believes the real measure of success lies in ECN’s impact.

“It’s not just about how big we get, but how influential we become,” he explains. “We want ECN to be a constant in people’s minds — the place the industry turns to for expertise, connection, and growth.”

He also sees huge potential for ECN to help new-to-sector advisors find their footing: from simplifying terminology and training to fostering partnerships between operators and sellers.

“If we can create a foundation of shared understanding — where every operator, big or small, feels represented — then we can make it easier for advisors to connect the right clients with the right products.”

“Talk to Us”

Perhaps the most important message Anthony wanted to share as he steps into the role is this: keep the dialogue open.

“The best ideas come from conversations,” he says. “We all bring different perspectives — operators, advisors, destinations, media partners — and that’s our strength. So keep talking to us. Share your thoughts, challenge us, and let’s keep growing this community together.”