Inaugural Expedition Cruise Network Awards - Winners

Winners Announced at the First-Ever Expedition Cruise Network Awards

The inaugural Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) Awards took place on Tuesday, 1 October, at the Bankside Hotel, London, celebrating excellence across the expedition cruise industry. Held as part of the Expedition Cruise Conference, the event recognised the outstanding contributions of operators, sellers, and individuals who have shaped the sector.

The awards ceremony included a variety of categories, highlighting both expedition cruise lines and travel trade professionals. Seven categories focused on the achievements of expedition cruise operators, five categories recognised excellence within the travel trade, and two special recognition awards were also presented.

Expedition Cruise Operator Categories – Winners:

Best Expedition Cruise Operator for Polar Destinations – Oceanwide Expeditions

Best Expedition Cruise Operator for Warm Weather Destinations – HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Best Expedition Cruise Operator for Luxury – PONANT

Best Expedition Cruise Operator for Sustainability – Oceanwide Expeditions

Best Large Expedition Cruise Operator (600+ berths) – HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Best Medium Expedition Cruise Operator (150-599 berths) – Oceanwide Expeditions

Best Small Expedition Cruise Operator (up to 149 berths) – Polar Latitudes

Travel Trade Categories – Winners:

Best Expedition Cruise Agency – Polar Tracks

Best Expedition Cruise Tour Operator (ATOL bonded) – Swoop Antarctica

Best Individual Expedition Cruise Seller/Travel Advisor – Lucy Yeoman

Best Newcomer to Expedition Cruise (Agency or Tour Operator) – Kenwood Travel

Best Individual Newcomer to Expedition Cruise – Sarah Meadowcroft

Special Recognition Awards:

Lifetime Achievement Award – John McKeon

Significant Achievement Award – AE Expeditions

ECN Chairman, Martin Johnson, commented on the event:

“It’s an honour to champion the outstanding members of the sector at our first-ever dedicated awards for the expedition cruise industry. Our goal is to recognise, celebrate, and share the hard work of these expedition cruise operators, sellers, and individuals with the wider travel industry. My congratulations go out to each of the winners, and I hope they continue to build on their success for next year’s awards.”

This landmark event marks a new chapter in recognising the contributions of the expedition cruise sector, showcasing the dedication of those committed to advancing the industry.