Mystic Cruises has become a Full Member of AECO – the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators.
The transition was approved by AECO members during the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Oslo, following the completion of Mystic Cruises’ provisional membership period.
Mystic Cruises was one of five expedition cruise operators welcomed as new Full Members during the meeting, held as part of AECO’s Arctic Expedition Cruise Week.
The company was represented in Oslo by Amadeu Albuquerque, David Sagrista, Daniela Castelo, Didier Drouet and Jonathan Zaccaria.
For Mystic Cruises, Full Membership brings an important change: the company now has a formal vote within AECO and can participate more directly in its governance and future priorities.
Mystic Cruises representatives at the AECO Annual General Meeting in Oslo, including David Sagrista.
Photo: AECO/Johnny Vaet Nordskog
Provisional Membership is part of AECO’s pathway towards Full Membership for expedition cruise operators.
During this period, operators are already required to comply with the association’s applicable bylaws, guidelines and operational requirements within AECO’s geographical area.
Progressing to Full Membership follows completion of the provisional period and AECO’s membership process, which includes observation of the operator’s activities.
The transition therefore does not represent the introduction of an entirely new environmental, safety or operational framework.
Both Full and Provisional Members are required to follow AECO’s applicable operational requirements. The main difference lies in their role within the association.
AECO members during the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
Photo: AECO/Johnny Vaet Nordskog
As a Full Member, Mystic Cruises now has voting rights within AECO. This includes the right to vote on decisions presented to members and in elections for the association’s Executive Committee.
Full Members can also nominate candidates for eligible committees and participate with full speaking rights at the Annual General Meeting.
Provisional Members can participate in AECO activities and working groups, but do not have the same voting rights.
Full Membership therefore gives Mystic Cruises a more direct role in the decisions that shape the association’s work.
AECO is built around active participation from its members. Operators contribute through meetings, consultations, projects, committees and working groups, sharing operational experience on subjects relevant to expedition cruising in the Arctic.
These discussions can cover areas such as navigation in remote regions, wildlife, landing sites, community visits, regulations and emergency preparedness.
As a Full Member, Mystic Cruises can now contribute to this work with the voting and nomination rights associated with its new status.
The responsibilities that applied during Mystic Cruises’ provisional membership continue under Full Membership.
AECO’s framework includes requirements concerning the implementation of its guidelines, operational reporting, cruise and landing-site coordination, vessel tracking where applicable and participation in its Observer Scheme.
Full Members are also subject to periodic observation. The significance of Full Membership therefore lies primarily in participation and governance, rather than in the introduction of a new set of operational standards.
It is a membership status within AECO’s organisational structure and should not be interpreted as a separate environmental certification or as a claim that Arctic expedition operations are without impact.
During the same week in Oslo, Mystic Cruises also received an AECO Puffin Pin. AECO uses its Puffin recognition system to acknowledge members that provide additional support to the association and its community.
For Mystic Cruises, the recognition was associated with a two-document series prepared by the team and shared with AECO, contributing information and experience to the wider membership.
The Puffin Pin is separate from AECO’s annual Puffin Award trophy and recognises contributions made during the operational year.
Daniela Castelo (Mystic Cruises) with other AECO Puffin Pin recipients during Arctic Expedition Cruise Week in Oslo.
Photo: AECO/Johnny Vaet Nordskog
Becoming a Full Member marks an important step in Mystic Cruises’ relationship with AECO. The company continues to operate within the association’s established framework, while now having a formal voice in its governance.
Mystic Cruises can vote, participate more directly in decision-making and contribute its experience to discussions shaping AECO’s future work.
Together with the Puffin Pin received in Oslo, the new status reflects two different aspects of participation within the association: formal involvement in its governance and the sharing of knowledge with the wider member community.
What is AECO?
AECO is the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, an organisation that brings together expedition cruise operators and other organisations involved in Arctic tourism and develops guidelines, operational tools and coordination mechanisms for its members.
What is the difference between a Full Member and a Provisional Member?
Both categories are required to follow AECO’s applicable bylaws, guidelines and operational requirements. Full Members additionally have voting rights and greater participation in the association’s governance.
What does AECO Full Membership mean for Mystic Cruises?
Mystic Cruises can now vote on matters presented to AECO members, participate in Executive Committee elections and take a more direct role in the association’s committees and decision-making processes.
Does becoming a Full Member introduce new environmental or safety requirements?
Not as a result of the change in membership category alone. Provisional and Full Members are already required to follow AECO’s applicable operational framework.
What is the AECO Puffin Pin?
The Puffin Pin recognises additional contributions made by AECO members to the association or its wider member community. Mystic Cruises received its pin in connection with a two-document series prepared and shared with AECO.
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