The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has expanded its membership, now totaling 24, by welcoming Antara Luxury River Cruises and Maple Leaf Adventures.
These new members bring unique itineraries and geographical diversity, enhancing the ECN’s mission to offer exceptional cruising experiences and uncover hidden cultural and natural destinations.
Founded in 2003, Antara Luxury River Cruises operates a fleet of nine ships across South Asia. The company’s focus is on sustainable river cruising in India, an emerging market with vast potential. Through its collaboration with the ECN, Antara aims to bring its thoughtfully designed and luxurious cruising experiences to a global audience, aligning with ECN’s commitment to unique travel itineraries.
Maple Leaf Adventures, established in 1986, operates three ships in Canada and Alaska, focusing on creating memorable experiences with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. The company has recently launched new itineraries that include eco-action programs, allowing passengers to actively participate in conservation efforts such as removing marine debris from coastlines. This innovative approach resonates with ECN’s goals of promoting sustainable and impactful travel.
These new members also extend the geographical reach of the ECN. Antara brings South Asian river cruising to the forefront, while Maple Leaf enhances offerings in North America. This expansion not only broadens the network’s portfolio but also enriches the experiences available to travellers, providing them with opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems and cultures.
The departure of Seabourn from the ECN has made room for these fresh perspectives, highlighting the dynamic nature of the travel industry. This shift allows the ECN to continue evolving, ensuring that it remains responsive to changing consumer preferences and environmental imperatives.
Raj Singh, CEO and founder of Antara, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the untapped potential of river cruising in India. He envisions bringing these niche experiences to a broader audience, in harmony with ECN’s vision of offering unparalleled travel opportunities.
Maureen Gordon, co-owner of Maple Leaf, emphasised the line’s mission to give back to the environment. By offering itineraries with eco-action elements, she hopes to inspire travellers to actively participate in conservation, fostering a deeper connection between guests and the natural world.
The ECN’s membership growth with the addition of Antara and Maple Leaf sets a precedent for future expansion. The network aims to continue building a robust platform for innovative and sustainable cruising options, reflecting a commitment to evolving with industry trends and consumer desires.
Expanding its membership, the ECN now offers more diverse and responsible travel experiences. As the network grows, so does its potential to shape the future of expedition cruising, balancing adventure with sustainability.
