66 in addition to pursuits like kayaking, snorkelling and paddle boarding, we also enjoyed incredible onboard hospitality, including yoga on the deck together.” As more people learn about the sector and the unique opportunities it provides for them to explore remote destinations and encounter rare wildlife in safety and comfort, the guest demographic is changing. “Clients are becoming a little younger and there are more solo travellers,” says Marozaite, explaining that expedition is increasingly appealing to adventurous travellers who may never have considered cruising before. “In certain ways, the pandemic had a positive effect, making people reassess various aspects of life, including the importance of taking a special holiday or being more adventurous now instead of waiting until later in life.” Marozaite is also helping to promote expedition cruising in her role as CEO of the Expedition Cruise Network (ECN). It was established in 2023 as a commercial business-to-business membership organisation to connect expedition cruise operators with travel trade professionals around the world. “We provide a voice for an incredibly dynamic sector which has grown exponentially – faster than any other type of cruising – over the past few years,” says Marozaite. “ECN members must meet certain criteria to ensure they embody the values of our network. They must offer a cruise-like onboard experience with a focus on exploration and the size of their ships must not restrict the destinations they can visit, or cater to more than 500 passengers. We also want to ensure the best possible guest experience, so their onboard teams must have intrinsic knowledge of the destinations and offer memorable onboard and onshore experiences and activities that cater to passengers’ interests.” ECN is also helping members to showcase the diverse destinations they visit. “At their core, expedition cruises have always been about exploring unique destinations,” says Marozaite. “There is a destination for everyone. It’s all about getting off the beaten path and exploring the best these places have to offer.” KEYNOTE The Sea of Cortez in the Gulf of California is one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins, says Akvile Marozaite Photos: UnCruise Adventures
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