ECN Conference: The Future of Expedition Cruising
The second edition of the Expedition Cruise Network Conference took place in London from September 30 to October 1, 2025, an event that, only two years after its creation, has already established itself as one of the most significant gatherings in the expedition cruise industry.
The chosen venue, the elegant Glaziers Hall overlooking the Thames, provided the perfect setting for two intense days of discussions, dialogue, and idea exchange, bringing together operators, managers, travel agents, experts, and innovators from around the world.
ECN_credit Gregg Brown_
ECN_credit Gregg Brown_
Organized by the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), the conference was not only a professional development opportunity but also a moment of reflection on the sector’s ongoing transformation. ECN’s main goal is to connect expedition cruise operators with the international travel trade network, promoting this segment as one of the most authentic and meaningful travel experiences in contemporary tourism. Its mission is to build a cohesive and passionate community capable of fostering growth and representing the sector authentically and credibly within—and beyond—the wider travel industry.
The 2025 edition opened on the morning of Tuesday, September 30, with a welcome address that emphasized the importance of creating a shared vision for the future of the sector, grounded in innovation and sustainability. The opening panel, dedicated to industry leaders, featured prominent figures such as Belinda Hindmarsh (Ponant Explorations), Frigg Jørgensen (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), James A. Rodriguez (Atlas Ocean Voyages), and Nathaniel Sherborne (HX Expeditions), moderated by Lyn Hughes, founder and editor-in-chief of Wanderlust Travel Media.
The discussion explored key issues for the industry—from balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility to crew training and the evolving expectations of travelers. Speakers agreed that the expedition cruise audience is changing: travelers now seek not just comfort or exclusivity but authentic, educational, and environmentally respectful experiences. Hindmarsh noted that today’s true luxury lies not in opulence but in living meaningful, mindful moments in contact with nature, while Jørgensen highlighted the need for strict regulations to protect polar regions and the work of AECO in setting shared standards among operators.
ECN_credit Gregg Brown_
ECN_credit Gregg Brown_
The morning continued with a panel on Exploration Innovators, moderated by April Hutchinson, Editor of TTG Luxury. Speakers included Captain Dan Blanchard (UnCruise Adventures), Francesco Galli Zugaro (Aqua Expeditions), Sophie Galvagnon (Selar), and Dr. Verena Meraldi (HX Expeditions), who discussed the role of technology, scientific research, and community engagement. Blanchard explained how onboard environmental monitoring systems now allow valuable ocean data collection during voyages, while Zugaro emphasized the importance of collaborating with local communities to create opportunities for mutual growth rather than mere tourism exploitation.
The afternoon was devoted to B2B meetings, where operators and trade professionals connected through one-to-one sessions arranged via digital platforms, fostering new collaborations and a strong sense of belonging to a global, forward-thinking community. Midday, Richard Vevers, photographer and founder of The Ocean Agency—famous for the documentary Chasing Coral—delivered an inspiring talk featuring stunning coral reef imagery and a powerful message: “Expeditions should not only show the world, but help protect it.” The evening culminated in the Expedition Cruise Awards Ceremony at Butler’s Wharf, celebrating outstanding projects and innovations of the year amid applause, toasts, and genuine enthusiasm.
The second day, Wednesday, October 1, welcomed an even broader audience, including newcomers to the sector and trade representatives eager to deepen their understanding of expedition cruising. The morning began with the presentation of the Wanderlust Expedition Cruise Consumer Survey by George Kipouros, Editor-in-Chief of Wanderlust, revealing that travelers increasingly value educational, authentic, and sustainable experiences, with ethics, knowledge, and awareness shaping their choices.
The subsequent Travel Trade Panel brought together experts such as Heather Thorkelson (Polar Tracks), James Cole (Panache Cruises), Jarrod Kyte (Steppes Travel), Alex Mudd (Swoop), and Karl Kannstadter (Signature Travel Network). The discussion focused on distribution strategies and the importance of training travel agents to effectively communicate and sell the complex expedition cruise product. Cole stressed that “selling an expedition cruise isn’t just about selling a trip—it’s about conveying a dream of discovery and awareness,” underlining the importance of storytelling and staff expertise.
ECN_credit Gregg Brown_
ECN_credit Gregg Brown_
One of the most engaging sessions, Pioneering Places: Personal Highlights from Expedition Leaders, featured captains and expedition directors sharing their personal stories. From Niek van Eck (HX Expeditions) to Mark Fifield (Coral Expeditions) and John McKeon (Polar Latitudes), tales emerged of the beauty and fragility of destinations—from Antarctica to the Pacific, Africa’s coasts to the world’s most remote islands—conveying not only adventure but a deep respect for ecosystems and local communities.
In the afternoon, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, expert in gender balance and generational diversity, offered an inclusive perspective, emphasizing the importance of embracing difference and promoting female leadership in the industry. “Diversity isn’t a symbolic goal but a strategic driver of innovation,” she reminded attendees, calling on the sector to be a model of equity and inclusion—even in the planet’s most remote regions.
The final hours of the conference were devoted to networking sessions that strengthened connections and laid the groundwork for future partnerships. The event closed with a Closing Drinks Reception at The Arches at Glaziers Hall, a moment of celebration and gratitude where speakers and participants toasted the success of the conference.
The venue itself, Glaziers Hall, contributed to the memorable atmosphere: located on the south bank of the Thames near London Bridge, it combines the historic elegance of London architecture with modern, functional spaces, bright halls, and riverside terraces—an inspiring setting that perfectly merged business, knowledge, and creativity.
By the end of the Expedition Cruise Network Conference 2025, one message stood out clearly: the future of expedition cruising will be increasingly defined by sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. Industry professionals are not merely travel promoters—they are ambassadors of a new way to explore the planet, grounded in respect, education, and responsibility.
Expeditions are not simple geographical journeys but paths of awareness that connect people with one another and with nature. In a rapidly changing world, the ECN Conference proved that tourism can still be a positive force, capable of inspiring and building bridges between culture, science, and the environment.
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