Membership of the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has grown to 20 with the addition of Atlas Ocean Voyages and Poseidon Expeditions.
US company Atlas Ocean Voyages, which last month recruited ex-Oceania Cruises’ European boss Bernard Carter, runs a fleet of ships carrying fewer than 200 passengers.
UK-based polar cruise company Poseidon Expeditions offers “old-school” expedition cruising using 114-passenger ship Sea Spirit.
ECN chief executive Akvile Marozaite said: “We are delighted to have two such excellent small ship expedition cruise operators joining the Expedition Cruise Network, as their product is exactly what expedition cruising is about.
“They both offer small ship cruising to diverse, niche destinations and offer a unique and luxurious way of exploring the world.”
An Atlas spokesperson said: “With Bernard Carter, sales UK, Europe & MEA for Atlas Ocean Voyages now on board, we are excited about fostering stronger relationships with our UK trade partners.
“They play a pivotal role in establishing and promoting the Atlas brand in the UK.”
The Florida-based line’s president and chief executive James Rodriguez, former head of sales and marketing at Oceania, said: “We were impressed with the rapid growth of the Expedition Cruise Network and recognised its pivotal role in bridging the gap and showcasing the distinctive value of expedition cruises.
“This network has effectively addressed the need for comprehensive insights into what sets expedition cruises apart from traditional cruise experiences.
“Joining this organisation aligns seamlessly with our commitment to the burgeoning expedition cruise sector. We are enthusiastic about becoming a part of this network, guided by the expertise of the talented team at ECN.”
Poseidon Expeditions chief executive Angelica Vorea said: “As a well-established, albeit smaller, polar expedition ship operator, Poseidon needs to marshal its resources in ways that provides the trade with our scope on small ship cruising in polar regions.
“The ECN allows us to cut through the media clutter and focus our message to travel professionals who really want to understand what this type of cruising is all about, so they can assist their clients to make the best decision possible while choosing their once in a lifetime voyage.
“The ECN platform provides valuable information and an educational forum that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. This provides us with great visibility on par with others who have larger fleets, ships and budgets.”