Expedition-Cruises: Albatros Expeditions and Polar Latitudes to Join Forces

Albatros Expeditions and Polar Latitudes are joining forces under the same ownership group to coordinate and combine their Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruise business.

The combined polar operations fleet as of the 25/26 season will consist of Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory, MS Seaventure and Ocean Nova, pedestalling their strong experience in immersive polar journeys across diverse market sectors, while prioritizing low-emission voyages.

Albatros Expeditions (AE) recently became the sole owner of their flagship newbuild vessel, Ocean Albatros, a ship they operate on a year-round basis.

In addition, Albatros Expeditions have a long-term charter of the Ocean Victory for Antarctic operations. These X bow ships are the newest in the Antarctic market, luxuriously appointed and distinguished by their comparatively low emissions. These strengths complement those of Polar Latitudes (PL), a US based expedition travel company recognized for their industry leading operations. Polar Latitudes is known for its deeply immersive Antarctic experiences, strong leadership in Citizen Science, and ongoing support of NGOs committed to protecting the polar region’s fragile environment.

“This is a great step forward for both companies. Our combined resources and shared values will make us stronger as Polar tour operators and will lead to expanded offerings for our adventurous travelers,” says Polar Latitudes CEO John McKeon. Søren Rasmussen, founder of Albatros Expeditions added, “We are excited to combine our two companies' deep expedition knowledge and long experience. It will strengthen us both and make us ready for future challenges. We look forward to seeing how the company will grow in this new constellation.”

Initially both companies will operate under their existing brands and will in time and in the best possible manner combine the heritage, culture and product offerings of these two great expedition operations. “Our ambition is to create the most trusted and reliable brand for all of our customers and business partners by learning from, and building on, each other's strengths,” says Patrick Shaw, incoming CEO of Albatros Expeditions

About Albatros Expeditions:

With its state-of-the-art eco-conscious vessels, Albatros Expeditions provides sustainable small-ship expeditions inspired by its Nordic heritage. The company is dedicated to crafting life-changing memories for its guests while delivering unbeatable value. Albatros Expeditions goes beyond Polar explorations: every expedition is curated to maximise guests' appreciation for the cultures, traditions, and delicate environments they visit. With Albatros Expeditions, every guest, staff, and crew member is part of its extended family, fostering a warm and welcoming environment that is unique in the cruise industry.

About Polar Latitudes

Recognized as Best Expedition Cruise Operator 2024 by Expedition Cruise Network (ECN), Polar Latitudes is the established leader in the Antarctica cruise industry, focused on delivering a small ship, highly immersive experience, in an atmosphere of exploration, camaraderie, and shared fun. We remain founder-owned and operated, and we are committed to supporting critical scientific organizations and research in Antarctic waters. Our passenger satisfaction NPS score of 91% rating is something we take great pride in. Polar Latitudes is proud to be a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and is a founding member of the Polar Science Collective. To learn more, visit www.polar-latitudes.com