ECN Awards 2026 — Celebrating Excellence in Expedition Cruising

A Night to Remember at the ECN Awards 2026

The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has announced the winners of the ECN Awards 2026, celebrating the expedition cruise operators, travel businesses and individuals making an outstanding contribution to the continued growth and development of the sector.

The winners were revealed on 29 September during an awards ceremony at Amazing Grace in London, held following the first day of the ECN Conference 2026. The evening brought together expedition cruise operators, travel advisors, tour operators, media and other members of the international expedition cruise community.

A Community-Driven Celebration 

Akvile Marozaite, CEO and co-founder of the Expedition Cruise Network, said:

"The ECN Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses whose passion, expertise and commitment are helping expedition cruising thrive.

"This year's winners represent so many different parts of our community, from globally recognised operators to specialist travel businesses, exceptional sellers, industry newcomers and individuals who have supported the sector over many years.

"What makes these awards particularly meaningful is the involvement of the expedition cruise community itself. Every entry and vote reflects the experience and confidence of the travel professionals who work with these businesses and individuals. Congratulations to all our winners, finalists and everyone who took part."

ECN Awards 2026: full list of winners

The full list of ECN Awards 2026 winners is set out below, recognising the expedition cruise operators, travel businesses and individuals who have been voted for by the global expedition cruise community. Announced during the awards ceremony at Amazing Grace in London on 29 September, these results celebrate excellence, innovation and dedication across both the operator and travel trade sectors. Well done to all these worthy winners:

Expedition cruise operator categories

• Favourite Expedition Cruise Operator for Polar Regions: HX Expeditions

• Favourite Warm-Water Expedition Cruise Operator: HX Expeditions

• Favourite Expedition Cruise Operator for Luxury: PONANT

• Favourite Responsible Expedition Cruise Operator: HX Expeditions

• Favourite Micro Expedition Cruise Operator: Aqua Expeditions

• Favourite Specialist Expedition Cruise Operator: Heritage Expeditions

• Favourite Expedition Cruise Operator: HX Expeditions

• Favourite Expedition Cruise Operator Sales Representative – UK: Danielle Bates, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Travel trade categories

• Best Expedition Cruise Travel Agency: Eclipse Travel

• Best Expedition Cruise Tour Operator – ATOL Bonded: Swoop Travel

• Best Individual Expedition Cruise Seller or Travel Advisor: Cassia Jackson, Swoop Travel

• Best Individual Newcomer to Expedition Cruise – Cruise Seller or Travel Advisor: Becky Walker, Club Voyages

• Best Newcomer to Expedition Cruise – Travel Agency or Tour Operator: Cruise Routes

Special awards

• ECN Champion Award: Jonathan Goldsmith, cazenove+loyd

• Lifetime Achievement Award: John Galligan, John Galligan Travel

About the ECN Awards

The ECN Awards are designed to recognise excellence across both the expedition cruise operator and travel trade communities. Operator categories were decided through voting by travel professionals, while the dedicated travel trade awards recognised businesses and individuals demonstrating expertise, innovation, commercial success and commitment to expedition cruising.

Find out more about the ECN Awards and Conference at www.expeditioncruiseconference.com