Aurora Expeditions vs Heritage Expeditions

Why should we cruise with Aurora Expeditions?

We asked Aurora Expeditions why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Aurora Expeditions are best for active, curious travellers who want a true small-ship expedition experience — particularly in Antarctica and the Arctic — with strong guiding, science, sustainability and adventure credentials, rather than a traditional luxury cruise experience.

What destinations are Aurora Expeditions exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Aurora Expeditions from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Brand new to Global Journeys' portfolio of cruise lines, Aurora Expeditions combines 35 years of expedition heritage with modern, purpose-built small ships, expert guides, Zodiac exploration, citizen science and sustainability-led travel — giving you a more intimate, active and immersive way to explorethe Polar regions, along with Europe, Asia and the Bristish Isles.

Who cruises with Aurora Expeditions?

Curious, adventurous travellers drawn to remote destinations, wildlife, nature and active exploration. Voyages attract couples, friends and solo travellers, with a diverse international guest mix.

What are Aurora Expeditions known for?

Small-ship expedition cruising to Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote destinations, with expert expedition teams, extensive off-ship exploration and a strong program of active adventures.

Are Aurora's fares all-inclusive?

Semi-inclusive. Fares include accommodation, all meals and snacks, daily shore excursions and Zodiac cruises, expert lectures, WiFi, many onboard amenities and selected beverages.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs can include optional excursions and activity surcharges, alcoholic drinks outside included service, onboard crew gratuities, laundry, spa treatments, ship shop purchases and other personal expenses.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites during included excursions are covered. Onboard crew gratuities are not included, except as a benefit for selected suites.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. Daily shore excursions, guided walks and Zodiac cruises are included. Some optional excursions and specialist activities cost extra.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary Starlink WiFi is included, although connectivity can be unreliable in remote regions.

Does Aurora Expeditions have a loyalty program?

Yes. Aurora Expeditions has a free loyalty program with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Membership begins after your first completed voyage and includes benefits such as discounts on future voyages and onboard credit.

Is Aurora Expeditions a family friendly cruise-line?

Suitable for adventurous families with children aged eight and over.

Are any onboard activities included?

Expert lectures, wildlife viewing, the gym, sauna, Jacuzzis and communal observation areas are complimentary. Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson also have heated outdoor pools.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Optional specialist activities and excursions can incur additional charges, as can spa treatments and other personal services.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Aurora's ships?

Yes. Ships offer a main dining venue plus additional reservation-required restaurants on selected vessels, including Tuscan Grill, Rockhopper and other specialty dining venues.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices are included, with tea, coffee and snacks available around the clock.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Beer and house wine are included with dinner, along with selected drinks at the Captain's Farewell reception.

Do Aurora Expeditions sell any beverage packages?

-

Do Aurora Expeditions offer room service?

-

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Wellness and spa treatments such as massages and facials are available on selected ships for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Aurora's ships?

Yes. Complimentary fitness centres are available onboard Aurora's ships.

Are fitness classes available onboard Aurora's ships?

No.

Do Aurora Expeditions offer personal training?

No.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Aurora Expeditions offer a laundry service?

Yes. An onboard laundry service is available for an additional charge.

Why should we cruise with Heritage Expeditions?

We asked Heritage Expeditions why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Pioneers in environmentally friendly, authentic small ship expedition cruising Heritage Expeditions has been exploring some of the world's most unique and remote islands, coasts and shorelines with intrepid travellers for more than 40 years.

Contributing to conservation through experiential learning and providing funds for research and management, each expedition is meticulously planned and led by an expert team of botanists, ornithologists, naturalists and historians who interpret the natural and human history discovered during each voyage. read more Our ships are equipped to ensure every guest has the opportunity to maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of their visit and becoming an ambassador for these special places.

What destinations are Heritage Expeditions exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Heritage Expeditions from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Heritage Expeditions cruises are best described as small-ship expedition cruising with a New Zealand backbone, specialising in remote, wildlife-rich journeys - most notably cruising the New Zealand & Australian Subantarctic Islands and Ross Sea Antarctica. With two ships - the Heritage Explorer caters for only 18 passengers offering you a new way to discover the coastal shores of New Zealand. If you want a true expedition cruise onboard a true pioneering expedition vessel - the Heritage Adventurer's itineraries focus on nature, learning and exploring hard-to-reach destinations.

Who cruises with Heritage Expeditions?

Adventure-minded travellers interested in wildlife, nature, conservation, photography, birding, history and exploring remote destinations.

What are Heritage Expeditions known for?

Conservation-focused small-ship expedition cruising to remote and rarely visited destinations, particularly Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Are Heritage's fares all-inclusive?

Semi-inclusive fares include onboard accommodation and meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, expedition shore excursions and a programme of expert lectures.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include gratuities, laundry, drinks outside the included selection and optional activities such as kayaking or helicopter excursions.

Are gratuities included?

No. Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. Expedition shore excursions and activities are included, including Zodiac excursions and landings. Some optional activities, such as kayaking or helicopter excursions, cost extra.

Is there WiFi on board?

-

Does Heritage Expeditions have a loyalty program?

-

Is Heritage Expeditions a family friendly cruise-line?

Heritage Expeditions is primarily designed for adults rather than families. Mature teenagers may be suitable, but travellers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Are any onboard activities included?

Onboard facilities vary by ship. Heritage Adventurer offers expert presentations, a library, observation lounge and deck, pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Heritage Discoverer has daily expert lectures, observation lounge, panoramic decks, an Open Bridge, gym, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzis. Heritage Explorer offers a library, panoramic dining and lounge areas, wildlife-viewing decks, plus kayaks and fishing equipment for expedition use.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

-

Are there specialty restaurants on board Heritage's ships?

-

Are there dining packages for purchase?

-

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

House beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner. Other alcoholic drinks cost extra.

Do Heritage Expeditions sell any beverage packages?

No.

Do Heritage Expeditions offer room service?

Complimentary in-room dining is included for Worsley and Heritage Suite guests on Heritage Adventurer.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Heritage Adventurer has a health, wellbeing and beauty area, while Heritage Discoverer has a wellness centre with a sauna and massage room.

Are there gyms onboard Heritage's ships?

Yes. Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Discoverer have onboard gyms.

Are fitness classes available onboard Heritage's ships?

-

Do Heritage Expeditions offer personal training?

-

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

-

Do Heritage Expeditions offer a laundry service?

Yes. Laundry normally costs extra, while Heritage Suite guests on Heritage Adventurer receive complimentary laundry.