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Albatros Expeditions successfully closes 2024 Arctic seasonAlbatros Expeditions successfully closes 2024 Arctic season

Ocean Albatros departed Reykjavik and is heading to Ushuaia, signalling the end of Albatros Expeditions' 2024 Arctic season which saw the vessel cruise 23,844 nautical miles, visiting 11 countries on 18 voyages, and hosting over 2,400 guests from 56 countries.

Mary Bond, Editor in Chief

October 3, 2024

1 Min Read
Over 27 polar bear sightings recorded by Ocean Albatros in 2024 Arctic seasonPHOTO: ALBATROS EXPEDITIONS

2024 was the first Arctic season in over three years that the expedition operator successfully completed 'without any significant external disruptions or COVID cases, a positive sign indicating a healthy return to normal in the small ship cruising industry.’ it noted.

Polar bears and blue whales

Wildlife spotting highlights included over 27 polar bear sightings during the Svalbard season and three more on the Canada trip and a breathtaking appearance of a blue whale near Ocean Albatros in Qarajaqs Isfjord, Greenland.

Over 25 years' Arctic expedition experience

'The Albatros family is extremely proud of our latest Arctic season,' said Jens H. Rasmussen, COO and board member of Albatros Travel. 'Sailing on our newly built Infinity-Class ship Ocean Albatros for an entire season in the Arctic is yet another milestone in our company’s history,' he added.

Albatros has been exploring the Arctic regions for more than 25 years building up collaborations with local communities.

Working with local communities

Its efforts are particularly strong in Greenland, where the company prioritises hiring local guides and staff, supporting traditional crafts and businesses, and working with communities to protect their cultures and traditions.

‘The Arctic is deeply rooted in our heritage,' continued Rasmussen, 'This is where our expedition brand first began in the mid-1990s with voyages to Svalbard and Greenland. Over the years, our Arctic venture has grown to a comprehensive hospitality network, including hotels, transportation, and boat services in Greenland, and a strong Destination Management Company in Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat.'

Albatros reported its highest ever Arctic guest satisfaction results with overall NPS score of 79, a 21.5% jump from last year.

2025 Arctic season is 'selling out fast' and Arctic 2026 programme will launch soon.

About the Author

Mary Bond

Editor in Chief

Mary Bond is Group Director, Seatrade Cruise a division within Informa Markets and responsible for the Seatrade portfolio of global cruise events, print and online cruise publishing.

Mary is also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Seatrade Cruise News and Seatrade Cruise Review magazine.

Mary has worked in the shipping industry for 39 years, first for Lloyd’s Register of Shipping before joining Seatrade’s editorial team in 1985.

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