Our expeditions are designed for a sustainable future.

From the very beginning, we pioneered an approach to travel that helped preserve the communities and unspoiled locales we visited. Today, it remains our mission to actively protect and care for every environment we touch.

We Sail on Sustainable Small Ships Utilising Innovative Technology

Each vessel we charter features energy-efficient engines, reduced fuel consumption using only environmentally compliant fuel types, and computerized dynamic positioning systems that minimise the need to anchor in fragile marine reserves. All carbon emissions from our cruises are 100 percent offset, and an Environmental Officer oversees each voyage to make sure all environmental protocols are observed to the letter.

We Practice Conservation and Minimise Waste

On A&K Luxury Expedition Cruises, we provide a complimentary reusable water bottle for every guest and significantly reduce other single-use plastics (such as straws, water bottles, laundry bags, cups and food portion containers). More than half of all packaging is recycled on board while the rest is fully tracked, ensuring nothing ends up in the water or on land. Onboard wastewater is treated without chlorination or other chemical processes, and supply chains for food and provisions are deliberately kept short, further reducing the overall environmental impact of your voyage.

Our Chartered Ships Are Certified Sustainable

All of our chartered vessels have been awarded the CLEANSHIP or CLEANSHIP SUPER label by Bureau Veritas, certifying their ecologically responsible operations and allowing you to explore with peace of mind.

“There is a spirit to travel, especially in pristine natural environments, that triggers reflection on balance: How to find it between exploring and sustaining, between providing access and safeguarding the same opportunities for future generations. A&K embraces our role as stewards of this experience and proactively partners with our ship owner to support this underlying tenet of conservation.”

— Keith Sproule, Executive Director, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy

We’re Proactive Leaders and Partners in Protecting Fragile Environments

The polar ships we charter exceed every environmental protocol, including those set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Antarctic Treaty, Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), National Science Foundation and Environmental Protection Agency. A&K has been a full operating member of IAATO since 1992 and AECO since 2012, and has served on the executive committees for both.

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators

IAATO has established best practices to ensure that ship-based tourism has minimal impact on the Antarctic environment. A&K has been an active IAATO member for numerous years, with our Expedition Team remaining a steadfast advocate for the preservation of Antarctica’s delicate ecosystems.

The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators

Like IAATO, AECO is dedicated to managing safe, responsible and environmentally friendly travel in the Arctic. A&K is also an active member of AECO, whose core mission is preserving and protecting the endangered wildlife, delicate landscapes and remote villages of Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland, Arctic Canada and Iceland.