TORONTO — Signature Travel Network, a member-owned travel cooperative of more than 7,000 global members, has added PONANT as a Preferred Supplier, giving the cruise line access to its network of luxury travel advisors.

The two companies have entered into a preferred partnership agreement, which Alex Sharpe, CEO of Signature Travel Network, says will benefit its members and clients.

“Signature is pleased to welcome PONANT as a Preferred Supplier. Expedition cruising is one of the fastest growing segments of the luxury market and I know our members and their clients will enjoy working with and sailing onboard PONANT’s growing fleet,” he said.

Edie Rodriguez, Americas Brand Chairman at PONANT, added that the agreement is particularly notable for the cruise line in its 30th anniversary year.

“This adds strength to our program of strategic growth, particularly in the American market, as we expand from five ships to 12 by 2021,” she said. “Our first Explorer ship, Le Laperouse, just launched last week, highlighting that we have the youngest fleet of ships in the luxury yacht expedition cruise space, concurrently with the most experience sailing through unchartered territories.”

Rodriguez also noted that with this new agreement, PONANT’s Canadian partners at Cruise Strategies will work alongside Signature travel advisors to “grow our business together”.