Hurtigruten taps Quark's Alex McNeil to develop 'next-generation' expeditions

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It will be important to integrate 'even more local expertise, local food and other local products and services than today,' Alex McNeil said of future expeditions
Hurtigruten Expeditions hired Alex McNeil as SVP expeditions product and guest experience.

He's tasked with developing Hurtigruten's next generation of expedition cruises, with more depth and destination partnerships at the core of the experience.

Fifteen years with Quark

McNeil joins after 15 years with Quark Expeditions, where he most recently directed expedition experience and innovation. He has completed more than 100 expeditions, including reaching the geographic North Pole on 14 occasions.

'Alex will play a significant role in developing the future of our expeditions as we continue to create new and exciting adventures for our guests,' said Asta Lassesen, CEO, Hurtigruten Expeditions. 'His extensive field experience combined with understanding of how to offer the most sustainable and inspiring expedition cruises makes me confident that he will help us redesign the future of adventure travel.'

Expedition chops

McNeil has sailed on more than a dozen expedition vessels and completed trips by land and aircraft. Hurtigruten said his 'creative and collaborative approach' has led to the creation of industry-first itineraries, immersive shore excursions and expedition cruise products developed in full partnership with indigenous communities.

His expertise in sustainable adventure travel is expected to help advance Hurtigruten Expeditions’ ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

Integrating more local expertise and sourcing

McNeil believes greater integration with the destinations is an important measure of success.

'We will explore nature and culture together with our guests and alongside those who live in the regions we visit. It will be important, for example, to integrate even more local expertise, local food and other local products and services than today,' he said.

Transforming expeditions into a 'regenerating and protective force'

'We want to present new generations of guests with next-generation expeditions,' Lassesen added. 'Building on our existing mindset and offerings, we will invite modern-day explorers to expedition cruises that are genuinely life-changing, where sustainability, true exploration, learning and quality always come before quantity.'

She continued: 'Our primary focus will be on creating increased value — in the guest experience, for our partners and for nature. Our quest is to transform expeditions into a regenerating and protective force in parallel with growing our presence to new corners of the world.'