Albatros Expeditions and Polar Latitudes have announced they are joining the same ownership group to coordinate and combine their Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruise business.

“Our ambition is to create the most trusted and reliable brand for all of our customers and business partners by learning from, and building on, each other’s strengths,” said Patrick Shaw, incoming CEO of Albatros Expeditions.

“This is a great step forward for both companies. Our combined resources and shared values will make us stronger as Polar tour operators and will lead to expanded offerings for our adventurous travelers,” said Polar Latitudes CEO John McKeon.

Søren Rasmussen, founder of Albatros Expeditions, said: “We are excited to combine our two companies’ deep expedition knowledge and long experience. It will strengthen us both and make us ready for future challenges. We look forward to seeing how the company will grow in this new constellation.”

Albatros said in a press release that the combined polar operations fleet as of the 2025/26 season will consist of the Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory, MS Seaventure and Ocean Nova.

Albatros Expeditions recently became the sole owner of its flagship newbuild vessel, the Ocean Albatros, a ship it operates year-round. In addition, the company has a long-term charter of the Ocean Victory for Antarctic operations.

These X bow ships are the newest in the Antarctic market, and they are distinguished by comparatively low emissions, the company added.

The press release said that both companies will initially operate under their existing brands and will combine expedition operations in time and in the best possible manner.