Expedition operator Albatros Expeditions has partnered with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to support its presence in Australia and New Zealand, joining as a Regional Cruise Line in Australasia.
The partnership brings Albatros Expeditions into CLIA’s wider Australasian cruise community, made up of cruise lines from around the world, travel agent members, and executive partners representing ports, destinations, tourism operators, and industry suppliers.
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the addition of Albatros Expeditions to CLIA’s membership highlighted a growing interest in expedition cruising and its place within the wider tourism industry.
“Albatros Expeditions is part of an innovative class of expedition cruise lines catering to travellers who want close-up encounters with rich cultures, pristine landscapes and extraordinary wildlife,” Mr Katz said. “Expedition cruising is one of the most dynamic and exciting areas of cruising, and we’re delighted to have Albatros Expeditions join our community at such a time of innovation and development in this sector.”
Albatros Expeditions Sales Director EMEA, Australia & New Zealand, Craig Upshall, said the company looked forward to an even stronger collaboration with the Australasian trade and CLIA community.
“Albatros Expeditions is excited to join CLIA, recognising the crucial role that trade engagement and travel agents play in shaping the future of the cruise industry,” Mr Upshall said. “We look forward to collaborating and contributing to its growth and innovation.”
Mr Upshall said the Australian & New Zealand travel community played an important part in delivering relevant guests onboard Albratros Expeditions’ new purpose-built X-Bow vessels, specifically designed for Polar exploration.
“As we look forward to developing our online booking tool in 2025, this will bring our product closer to our travel partners, making it easier to book and work with Albatros Expeditions,” Mr Upshall said.
Albatros Expeditions is part of the family-owned Albatros Travel Group, established in 1986 by Søren Rasmussen, a biologist and expedition leader. Stemming from a passion for remote regions, the travel group now operates globally, covering destinations from Greenland to Africa and the polar regions, offering sustainable small ship expeditions with state-of-the-art eco-conscious vessels.
For more information visit albatros-expeditions.com.
