Strengthening Arctic Connections — AECO and Swan Hellenic Engage Local Communities Through Stakeholder Cruise
In an ongoing effort to build stronger ties between Arctic communities and the expedition cruise industry, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and member Swan Hellenic recently concluded a stakeholder voyage aboard the expedition ship SH Vega.
The initiative brought together local stakeholders, tourism leaders, and environmental representatives from across Iceland to foster dialogue and collaboration.
AECO’s Stakeholder Cruise program invites community representatives aboard to discuss opportunities, concerns, and visions for sustainable expedition cruising. The SH Vega, an advanced ice-class vessel, made key stops in Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Hrísey, and Húsavík before continuing to Jan Mayen and Svalbard.
“Our goal is for Arctic expedition cruising to create meaningful benefits for the communities we visit,” said Gyða Guðmundsdóttir, head of Community Engagement at AECO. “These cruises help us better understand local perspectives, while identifying opportunities for economic and cultural exchange. For example, by gathering information about what is available in our Made in the Arctic database we make it easier for our members to buy local products and services.”
Community Insights and Collaboration
In Ísafjörður, representatives from Visit Westfjords, the Nature Conservation Agency, and the Port Authority came on board. Discussions centered around both the promise and the challenges of hosting expedition ships. While cruise traffic has brought tangible benefits—including infrastructure improvements, and the creation of a community fund—new regulations, and shifting booking trends have created uncertainty in the region.
“There are many opportunities in the Westfjords to develop services for expedition ships. But we are concerned about booking trends and the outlook for the coming years,” said Sölvi Guðmundsson, director of Visit Westfjords.
Last year, there were 30 ship calls in Patreksfjörður, but only 10 this year. The Sheep Farming Museum in Strander had eight visits last year and none this year. Similarly, Bolungarvík saw three ship calls last year, but none this year.
“The implementation of new infrastructure fees and sudden changes in tax practices, has created uncertainty in the industry, which is affecting the decisions of cruise companies. This is a challenge we must take seriously,” added Sölvi Guðmundsson.
In Hrísey, known for its birdlife and artisanal offerings, local tourism stakeholders, guides, and business owners were invited aboard SH Vega.
“We are very positive about welcoming expedition ships to Hrísey, and it was great to get to know Swan Hellenic and AECO so we can build connections with cruise companies,” said Linda María Ásgeirsdóttir, chair of the local tourism association.
“Hrísey has a lot to offer, and we can ‘sort things out’even with short notice,” she added.
Unnur Sæmundsdóttir, a local guide and eider farmer, is no stranger to expedition vessels, having worked as a guide for an expedition cruise company.
“This is an incredibly exciting way to travel, and it’s fun to meet the people onboard. I also enjoy sharing information about Hrísey and our way of living.”
Showcasing Arctic Sustainability
The cruise began with a reception aboard SH Vega in Reykjavík, where AECO and Swan Hellenic hosted ambassadors, Icelandic tourism leaders, and the Icelandic Coast Guard to highlight a shared commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and safe Arctic operations.
“We want these visits to be welcomed and appreciated, not only by the traveler, but also by the communities,” said Frigg Jørgensen, AECO’s executive director.
Swan Hellenic’s CEO, Andrea Zito, expressed pride in SH Vega as a symbol of responsible Arctic tourism.
“We have always been committed to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, ecosystem respect and collaboration with coastal communities in our operations.”
(Strengthening Arctic Connections — AECO and Swan Hellenic Engage Local Communities Through Stakeholder Cruise)
