AE Expeditions to host 280 agents on ship visits in 2026

AE Expeditions has revealed it will host 280 travel agents on ship visits this year in Portsmouth, Lisbon and Reykjavik. 

The small-ship expedition operator will hold a lunch event on Douglas Mawson in Portsmouth on June 4, followed by an overnight experience on Sylvia Earle in Reykjavik on September 19 and another overnight experience in Lisbon on Douglas Mawson on October 13.

Additionally, the brand will host 45 agents on sailings in the Arctic and Antarctica.

Andrew Turner, AE Expeditions’ sales director for EMEA, said offering agents firsthand experiences is central to AE’s trade engagement strategy.

He added: “As we celebrate 35 years of expedition travel, inviting agents onboard is an important way to share our heritage, our ships and our approach to exploration with the partners who help bring these experiences to travellers.

“Expedition travel is best understood by experiencing it – from meeting the expedition team to seeing how our ships operate in destination, these visits give agents a true understanding of the experience they are recommending to their clients.

“Douglas Mawson represents the next chapter for AE Expeditions, and we’re thrilled to introduce her to the UK trade community.” 

The brand has started inviting agents to register expressions of interest.