ECN launches Responsible Expedition Framework to support clearer conversations about responsible cruising

5 days ago

4 min read

Two blue ECN badges on white background, one labeled Responsible Expedition Framework and the other Member.

The Expedition Cruise Network has launched the ECN Responsible Expedition Framework, a new initiative designed to help travel advisors better understand and communicate the responsible tourism practices of expedition cruise operators.

The voluntary annual framework provides a clearer and more consistent way to consider the work operators are undertaking across environmental stewardship, community engagement, guest education, conservation and wider responsible tourism practices.

Responding to travel advisor feedback

The framework was developed following research with ECN travel advisor members.

Advisors highlighted the challenge of interpreting lengthy sustainability and ESG reports, comparing different approaches and explaining responsible tourism practices confidently to clients. Expedition cruise operators often have a particularly broad range of responsibilities, functioning simultaneously as accommodation providers, transport operators, tour companies and educational platforms.

The ECN Responsible Expedition Framework brings these different responsibilities together through a common structure and shared language.

As Akvile Marozaite, CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network, explained:

“Travel advisors told us that they wanted a clearer way to understand the work expedition cruise operators are undertaking. Sustainability is an extremely complex subject, particularly within expedition cruising, where an operator can simultaneously function as a hotel, transport provider, tour operator and educational platform.”

The framework is intended to help travel advisors have more informed conversations with their clients while giving participating operators a practical roadmap for continued improvement.

Responsible Expedition Framework Six areas of responsible expedition cruising

Participating operators complete an annual 35-question self-assessment covering six key areas:

1. Certifications and external validation

This area considers relevant certifications, standards and external recognition that support an operator’s responsible tourism approach.

2. Sustainable management and governance

This examines how responsible tourism is incorporated into organisational policies, decision-making and management processes.

3. Environmental stewardship

This focuses on how operators work to understand, manage and reduce their environmental impact.

4. Community, cultural and destination stewardship

This considers an operator’s approach to the communities, cultures and destinations visited during its expeditions.

5. Guest education and expedition ethos

This looks at how operators help guests understand the places they visit and encourage respectful, responsible participation in the expedition experience.

6. Positive impact and conservation contribution

This examines contributions to conservation, research, citizen science, partnerships and other initiatives that support positive outcomes beyond the voyage itself.

Operators must provide evidence to support their responses. Submissions are weighted and evaluated through a review process that includes an independent judging panel.

The framework draws on recognised global sustainability principles, including those of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It also addresses considerations specific to expedition cruising, including biosecurity, wildlife encounters, guest education, citizen science, conservation partnerships and contributions to communities and destinations.

Five stages of progress

Following the assessment, each participating operator is placed at one of five stages:

Stage	Description
Emerging	Building the foundations of responsible expedition cruising.
Developing	Demonstrating a growing commitment through established and expanding initiatives.
Integrated	Applying responsible expedition principles across many areas of the organisation.
Embedded	Leading through measurable and consistent action across the business.
Contributing	Creating positive impact beyond the voyage through leadership, innovation and meaningful contributions.

Five ocean-themed circular badges with animal silhouettes labeled Emerging, Developing, Integrated, Embedded, and Contributing.

The stages are intended to show where an operator currently stands and provide a route for continued development. They are not designed as a permanent label or a one-off ranking.

Each operator receives a detailed report identifying areas of strength and opportunities to strengthen its policies, measurement, partnerships, guest education and contributions to conservation or research.

Operators will repeat the assessment annually, allowing them to demonstrate progress over time.

Founding participants

Eleven expedition cruise operators completed the inaugural assessment and became the first participants in the ECN Responsible Expedition Framework:

Akvile Marozaite said:

“These operators committed considerable time and resources to completing the inaugural assessment and providing evidence of their work. Their willingness to participate has enabled ECN to establish the framework and take an important first step towards clearer, more informed conversations about responsible expedition cruising.”

She added:

“We hope the framework will become a trusted reference point for travel advisors, a valuable improvement tool for operators and a catalyst for further progress across the expedition cruise sector.”

Developed through industry consultation

The framework was developed following consultation with travel advisors, tour operators, expedition cruise companies and independent experts.

Contributors included representatives from Panache Cruises, Audley Travel, Steppes Travel, Explore, Cruise Routes, Cazenove+Lloyd, Mundy Adventures, Authentic Travel Company, Travel Counsellors and The Good Travel Agent.

ECN also consulted Felix Harmer from HX Expeditions, Megan Parkinson from The Long Run and Steve Jones from marine conservation charity ORCA during the research and development process.

A tool for progress and communication

The ECN Responsible Expedition Framework is a voluntary self-assessment, development and communications tool. It does not confer official certification.

Its purpose is to make complex information easier to understand, support more meaningful conversations between travel advisors and clients, and encourage participating operators to continue developing their responsible expedition practices.

Travel advisors will be able to review participating operators and their framework stages through a dedicated section of the ECN website.

The framework is available as a benefit to ECN expedition cruise operator members, with further operators expected to participate in future annual assessment cycles.

About the Expedition Cruise Network

The Expedition Cruise Network is a membership organisation dedicated to connecting and supporting the global expedition cruise community.

ECN brings together expedition cruise operators, travel advisors, destinations and industry partners through training, events, research, networking and trade engagement. The organisation works to increase knowledge of expedition cruising, support travel advisors in selling the sector confidently and contribute to its responsible long-term development.

inaugural Members: