AE Expeditions' sales chief expects UK market growth as fleet expands

When asked about Turner’s role, which he began on 8 April, Tanguay said: “Andrew’s primary objective is to increase the number of trade partners we work with. There are a lot of agents that want to promote expedition cruising. We want to educate these agents so that they understand the key differences [between the lines]. 

“It’s about providing the right level of education. Expedition cruising is the fastest growing sector in the cruise industry – and it’s becoming a lot more competitive.” 

Douglas Mawson deployment 

To stand out in the market, the Australian-owned line has made some changes to its product and destination offering following the announcement that it would launch 154-passenger Douglas Mawson in December 2025.

“We continue to do things in our own way,” Tanguay said. “We’re bringing Douglas Mawson into different parts of Antarctica. 

“That is exciting because the core majority of passengers go to South Georgia, the Falklands or the peninsula of Antarctica, but trade partners say they want to go to new places.”

In addition, AE Expedition is including activities such as camping, kayaking, snowshoeing and snorkelling people into the cruise fare on selected voyages, whereas before passengers would incur an additional cost. 

Douglas Mawson will be able to carry slightly more passengers than AE Expeditions’ existing 132-passenger vessels – Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer. 

Douglas Mawson, Tanguay said, will feature different cabin types including “several” solo cabins. “Solo travel is growing in this industry,” explained Tanguay. “We’re really excited to welcome more solo travellers onto our ships.”