Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is built on a legacy of exploration and a passion for discovery. Unlike larger cruise lines, Aurora operates small, purpose-built ships that allow you to go beyond the tourist routes and truly immerse yourself in nature. Their voyages are led by highly experienced Expedition Teams who share their deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the regions they explore. Every journey is designed to be personal, educational, and inspiring, connecting travellers with the planet’s most extraordinary places in the most respectful way possible.

Aurora’s Expedition Leaders and Specialists are among the most experienced in the industry. Many are scientists, naturalists, historians, photographers, and conservationists who have spent decades exploring the polar regions and remote coastlines. Their credentials and expertise are independently verified, and their passion for sharing knowledge ensures every voyage is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Wildlife encounters are one of the highlights of an Aurora voyage. Depending on your destination, you might witness penguin colonies, breaching whales, Arctic foxes, walrus haul-outs, or tropical birds. Because Aurora's ships carry fewer guests, they can make the most of every opportunity, adjusting itineraries based on local conditions and wildlife activity for the best possible experience, always with strict respect for wildlife and conservation guidelines.

Aurora’s ships combine the spirit of adventure with modern comfort. Each vessel features a range of beautifully appointed staterooms and suites, many with private balconies and ocean views. Designed for relaxation after a day of exploration, cabins offer premium bedding, ensuite bathrooms, and thoughtful touches like heated floors, making the journey both comfortable and memorable.

Aurora Expeditions offers exceptional value with most essentials included. Your voyage price covers all shore excursions, Zodiac cruises, meals, onboard briefings and lectures. On polar voyages, you’ll also receive an expedition jacket to keep as a memento of your adventure. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for staying connected, though guests are encouraged to embrace the rare opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Gratuities for ship crew and restaurant staff are not included and are appreciated at your discretion. There's no need to tip Aurora’s Expedition Team - they’re simply passionate about sharing their expertise and love of exploration with guests.

Yes. Aurora welcomes solo travellers and now offers 10 dedicated solo cabins on every voyage - with no single supplement. It’s part of their commitment to making exploration accessible to everyone, whether you’re travelling independently or with friends. Many Aurora guests join solo and leave with lifelong friendships.

Aurora’s ships carry an average of just 130 passengers on expeditions and 154 on small ship cruises, ensuring a truly intimate and personal experience. Smaller groups mean more time ashore, faster Zodiac embarkations, and a closer connection with the Expedition Team. Compared to larger cruise ships, Aurora voyages feel less crowded and more focused on exploration, learning, and connection.

Absolutely. Authenticity is at the heart of the Aurora Expeditions experience. Their voyages are shaped by real exploration, not mass tourism — from spontaneous Zodiac landings to flexible itineraries that follow wildlife activity and weather patterns. You’ll engage directly with Aurora’s expert team, explore remote regions up close, and gain a genuine understanding of the natural world.

Aurora’s Northwest Passage expeditions retrace the footsteps of history’s great explorers, sailing through the remote waterways of the Canadian Arctic. Voyages may explore areas such as Baffin Island, Devon Island, Beechey Island and beyond, depending on ice and weather conditions. These expeditions are highly sought after and space is limited. To register your interest or secure your place, reach out to the Global Journeys team.

If you’re seeking unforgettable hikes and powerful photography opportunities, Aurora’s Svalbard expeditions are ideal. Travelling on small, purpose-built ships gives Aurora the flexibility to:

• Make frequent shore landings
• Explore areas larger ships cannot reach
• Seek out wildlife such as polar bears, walrus, and Arctic fox
• Spend unhurried time in dramatic landscapes

Whether you're capturing calving glaciers, Arctic tundra, or golden-hour icebergs, Svalbard is one of the world’s most photogenic destinations — and Aurora’s itineraries are designed to make the most of every moment.

All of Aurora’s Antarctic expeditions offer incredible wildlife experiences, but voyages that include South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Weddell Sea offer some of the richest opportunities. Depending on the itinerary and conditions, you may encounter:

• Massive king penguin colonies in South Georgia
• Gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins on the Peninsula
• Breaching whales, Leopard and Weddell seals hauled out on ice floes
• Vast seabird populations overhead

Aurora’s small-ship approach and flexible expedition style mean they maximise time off the vessel, increasing your chances of extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Early-season Greenland, typically June and early July, offers quieter coastlines, dramatic ice, colourful tundra and excellent wildlife viewing before peak visitor numbers arrive. Aurora Expeditions offers Discovery-focused voyages designed for travellers seeking more time ashore, Zodiac excursions, and cultural insight, including:

• Explorations of Inuit communities
• Fjord country landings
• Photography and wildlife observation
• Visits to rarely explored bays and glaciers

Aurora’s Polar Plunge is one of the most talked-about moments of their voyages, but safety always comes first. Aurora aims to offer it on every suitable voyage, however it is dependent on weather and sea conditions, ice conditions, and operational safety. If conditions allow, the Expedition Team will make it happen - and cheer you on as you take the unforgettable leap!

Aurora Expeditions believes that visiting the world’s most remote and fragile environments is both a privilege and a responsibility. Their operations are guided by a strong commitment to sustainability — from minimising their environmental footprint onboard to supporting science and conservation projects in the regions they visit.

Aurora’s purpose-built ships feature the innovative Ulstein X-BOW® design, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions, and they work closely with local communities and scientific partners to leave a positive legacy wherever they explore.

Yes. Aurora Expeditions collaborates with respected independent organisations to ensure their sustainability efforts are transparent and effective. Their initiatives align with recognised global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and their partnerships — with Seatrees, Veritree and CleanHub — help them monitor, verify, and continuously improve their environmental performance.

Aurora’s ships are specifically designed for challenging polar and open-ocean conditions. The innovative Ulstein X-BOW® hull cuts through waves more smoothly than traditional bows, reducing impact and motion for a more stable, comfortable journey, even in rough seas. While smaller than traditional cruise ships, this advanced design offers exceptional seakeeping ability, safety, and guest comfort.

Safety is at the heart of every Aurora Expeditions voyage. All voyages operate under stringent international maritime safety standards, with comprehensive emergency procedures and regular crew training. Each voyage is staffed with highly qualified bridge officers, expedition leaders and medical personnel. Guests receive full safety briefings, and Aurora’s ships are equipped with modern navigation, communication and life-saving equipment to ensure peace of mind throughout the journey.

Travel insurance is not included in the voyage price but is a mandatory requirement for all Aurora Expeditions passengers. Your policy must include comprehensive medical, evacuation and trip interruption coverage suitable for remote destinations.

For your convenience, Global Journeys can recommend trusted insurance providers experienced in expedition travel to ensure you’re fully protected before you embark.

Each Aurora Expeditions ship carries a fully equipped medical centre and a qualified doctor experienced in expedition and remote medicine. Aurora’s medical team is available 24/7 to assist with any health concerns, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey.