Apply for Membership
Members of AECO wish to contribute to ensuring responsible, environmentally-friendly and safe cruise operations in the Arctic.
AECO welcomes applications from expedition cruise operators, tour operators, port agents, travel agencies, and others involved in Arctic cruise operations who support AECO’s objectives and agree to follow the guidelines.
Application Deadlines
- Applications for Provisional membership must be submitted by June 1.
- Applications for Associate membership are due by January 1 or July 1.
Member Responsibilities
AECO members shape the associations work and set the organizations priorities. This is done through committees, working groups, in consultations and meetings, and through participating in projects and collaborations.
Members are required to operate in compliance with national and international laws, regulations, and agreed-upon Bylaws. Additionally, they must follow a comprehensive set of guidelines, tools, and measures established by the membership.
Observations
AECO’s Observer Scheme includes the requirement for Provisional members to host an observer on board a vessel before qualifying for full membership. Full members must undergo observation every five years, while companies operating vessels with 12 passengers or fewer can opt for a dockside observation.
AECO’s Responsibilities
AECO advocates for the members by participating in regulation and policy development with national and local authorities and other stakeholders, and collaborates with groups like the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
AECO offers members strong industry influence, a broad network, operational coordination, tools, industry meetings, regulatory updates, and stakeholder collaborations, among other advantages.
Member Categories
Full members are companies that operate commercial cruises on yachts or expedition vessels, including those holding full operational responsibility under sub-charter agreements.
Provisional members are companies who are in the process of applying for full membership. They adhere to the same regulations, guidelines, and bylaws as Full Members.
Associate members Companies, organizations, and others who support AECO’s objectives and are affiliated with Arctic expedition cruise activities, but do not conduct cruise operations.
Membership Fees
Full and Provisional members: Annual dues are NOK 300 per berth available for sale, and NOK 100 per passenger (2024/2025).
Associate members: The annual dues are NOK 20,000 (2024/2025).
Dues and Fees for Upcoming Years
Entries in NOK
| Entries in NOK | 24-25 | 25-26 | 26-27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Berth for Sale | 300 | 400 | 450 |
| Per Pax (Operational Fee) | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Minimum Annual Due | 16,000 | 20,000 | 22,000 |
| Associate Member | 20,000 | 23,000 | 25,000 |
| Associate Member (Not-for-Profit) | 6,500 | 7,000 | 8,000 |
More Information
Our Membership Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of member responsibilities, benefits, and requirements.
Last update: 11. April 2025