Warm water destinations set for “strong” expedition cruise growth in 2025, predicts ECN

A survey conducted by the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) reveals that warm-water destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Africa, Seychelles, India, and the Pacific Islands are expected to see "strong growth" in expedition cruise visits by 2025. The survey was released during ECN's first conference in London and indicates that while places such as Antarctica, Svalbard, Alaska, and Greenland are predicted to have the most significant growth in cruise calls from ECN members, there is a rising interest in warmer locations.

The Galapagos Islands are recovering after a decline in cruise traffic due to Ecuador's state of emergency declared in May 2024. In response to demand, ECN members are launching new itineraries in Southwest, West, and East Africa in 2025. Additionally, new expedition voyages to the Seychelles are in the works, and one operator anticipates growth in the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Vanuatu is also collaborating with ECN members to attract more expedition cruise ships in the future.

Akvile Marozaite, CEO of ECN, noted that the travel trends for 2024-2025 highlight the diversity within the expedition cruise industry. While the sector is recognized for exploring polar regions, interest in warm-weather expedition cruises is beginning to ignite consumer enthusiasm.

During the conference, Marozaite reported that the UK's expedition cruise sector is thriving, estimating that between 25,000 and 35,000 UK guests embark on expedition cruises each year, with the market valued at approximately £200 million ($262 million) to £280 million ($367 million). According to the autumn survey, all responding ECN members either maintained or increased their business through travel trade partners compared to 2023, with growth rates ranging from 5 to 40 percent; one operator even reported a three-figure percentage increase. The survey also indicated that UK travel trade partners now account for 45 to 98 percent of bookings for ECN members, with some operators depending entirely on this sales channel.

The average price for a seven-night expedition cruise is reported at £7,300 ($9,573), with a range from £500 ($657) for a two-night river cruise in India to £48,000 ($63,000) for a 28-day journey from New Zealand to Antarctica. Martin Johnson, co-founder and chair of ECN, highlighted the diversity of products in the expedition cruise industry, which is reflected in the pricing.

Operators noted that the average booking window for expedition cruises is nine months, with some reporting bookings as close as 30 days before departure, while others experience booking windows of up to two years. Expedition operators with a diverse range of itineraries have achieved repeat booking rates between 40 and 50 percent.

Marozaite also emphasized the numerous initiatives that ECN's 26 expedition cruise operator members are undertaking to foster relationships with local communities and enhance environmental sustainability. She highlighted one cruise company as the first to achieve B Corp status and another that has initiated a marine debris removal program.