59 Photo: Oscar Farrera Over the last few decades, expedition cruising has transformed from a niche, specialist product into a clearly defined segment of the cruise industry. And it’s growing dramatically. According to the Cruise Lines International Association’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry report, there was a 22 per cent increase in passengers choosing expedition cruises from 2023 to 2024, significantly outstripping growth in the industry as a whole. Expedition Cruise Network, a commercial business-to-business association with nearly 30 expedition cruise line members, aims to promote the sector. CEO Akvile Marozaite has been working in the sector for over a decade and puts the recent growth down to a convergence of factors. “We’re seeing significantly increasing awareness about the sector among consumers, driven by several different sources,” says Marozaite. “As the travel trade talks more about expedition cruising, consumers hear more about it, become curious and realise it might fit their interests. Popular culture also plays a role – documentaries or other media can spark viewers to ask the question ‘Can I go there?’. Social media is playing its part too, with influencers making the remote destinations expedition cruise lines visit a more desirable and ‘cool’ option for their audiences. Once that curiosity is triggered, people start looking for ways to make it happen.” Consumers who might once have perceived expedition travel as a specialist pursuit now see it as an experiential form of luxury that offers unique itineraries, high staff-to-guest ratios and authentic shore programmes. “The luxury travel market itself is evolving,” says Marozaite. “In many ways, expedition cruising is a luxury product, and the profile of the luxury client is changing. A greater range of people are able to afford these kinds of trips now, and their interests are more diverse. This shift aligns well with what expedition cruising brands have to offer.” Increasing passenger demand is prompting more brands to enter the market with newer and more polished vessels. These ultra-luxury expedition yachts combine the expedition experience with high-end hospitality. Expedition cruises operated by brands such as HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) take guests to remote destinations like Orne Harbour in Antarctica
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=