60 KEYNOTE “There are more ultra-luxury expedition ships than before, with beautiful interiors and Michelin-standard food and beverage options,” says Marozaite. “But they are still very much expedition ships because of the types of experiences they provide. The expedition teams onboard are highly professional and very good at what they do.” These new vessels contrast with the older, traditional ships that retain a rough-edged but intimate feel. However, Marozaite still sees room for them alongside the luxury options. “There’s absolutely a place for older ships and more traditional expedition cruise companies,” says Marozaite. “Those smaller ships have more of a close, family feel onboard, reminiscent of the experience onboard the original Soviet research ships that were the first used for expedition cruises. There’s less of a distance between the crew and guests, which some consumers love. It’s about understanding the differences in those experiences and communicating them to guests so they can identify what’s most important to them. There’s an expedition ship for everyone.” With sector growth comes greater attention, however. Operators, suppliers and destinations are now adjusting to a market that is being subjected to tougher rules and clearer environmental commitments. New operating limits are already influencing the way in which expedition cruise lines are portraying themselves, suggests Marozaite. “From this year, ships carrying more than 200 passengers are no longer allowed in certain areas, which impacts some operators more than others,” she says. “However, this can also be viewed as a positive shift because it puts the focus on places like Svalbard in Norway as extraordinary, exclusive cruise destinations that are special because of their entire ecosystem – landscapes, flora, migratory birds, marine life and more. It will encourage the industry to present a more realistic, balanced narrative.” Protecting these sensitive ecosystems is also a priority for an industry that faces significant scrutiny about its environmental sustainability credentials. “It’s important to acknowledge that maritime travel has a significant environmental footprint,” says Marozaite. “Fuel use in particular is a major challenge for our sector. Canada’s Maple Leaf Adventures has an ongoing project to remove marine debris from the British Columbia coast “ It’s exciting to see the industry exploring new destinations” Photo: Jordan Lambe/Maple Leaf Adventures
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=