Aurora Expeditions
An experience with Aurora is life changing. Founded by legendary adventurer Greg Mortimer, expert Expedition Teams have been sharing their knowledge and understanding of some of the most remote and unspoiled destinations on our planet - Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.
Aurora Expeditions Ships
| Ship Name | Star Rating | Year Built | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Mawson |  |
2025 | |
| Greg Mortimer |  |
2019 | |
| Sylvia Earle | |
2022 |
3 Aurora Expeditions Ships
Aurora Expeditions Overview
On an Expedition, Aurora follows the experience, purpose-built small ships, Zodiacs and immersive activities can take you to undiscovered areas. Because if you want to see something you've never seen, you have to go somewhere you've never been.
Discovery voyages take you to the heart of nature and they are full of adventure as well as history and cultural experiences. Sometimes, going off the beaten path and on others visit a combination of less discovered and more populated areas. Because when you disembark, Aurora wants you to be richer in your knowledge and understanding of the planet than you were when you stepped aboard.
Aurora Expeditions Cruise Ships
Aurora vessels are small enough to go where others simply can't. Designed in close consultation with the expedition team, Aurora drew on centuries of collective experience to map out their ships: purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth.
With the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW to cross oceans more comfortably, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, Aurora ships offer the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration. Accommodating an average of 132 passengers per voyage, our fleet is redefining expedition cruising for the future.
Designed for rugged, remote areas
Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, expeditions face some of the most extreme conditions. These ships are at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.
The ULSTEIN X-BOW is an inverted bow design that has been used on over 100 vessels in commercial shipping industry, and we are excited to have the first passenger vessels to incorporate this innovative marine technology.
The bow cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations, make quicker transits through sea passages and helps reduce fuel consumption. This, in combination with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilisers offers unrivalled stability and comfort* on ocean crossings.
Designed for active expeditions
Our ships are built to world-class polar standards and designed in close consultation with our expedition specialists, to ensure that every aspect of the ship's design enriches your expedition experience.
The zodiac loading platforms and activities platform allows for faster disembarkation from the ship - to get out on your adventure quicker, whether by zodiac or by kayak.
In the mudroom you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions. You will also have access to lockers and rapid drying areas for wetsuits, to give your gear the best chance to dry between excursions.
Designed for education & learning
On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you're visiting.
Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day's destinations and wildlife, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.
Aurora Expeditions Destinations
Find yourself in connection with the natural world on an expedition cruise, and travel to remote coastlines where few others venture. Sail to the icy ramparts of Antarctica, avoid the crowds off the rugged Icelandic coast or explore the lush rainforests, turquoise waters and incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica.
With Aurora Expeditions, you can choose from a range of destinations that span the globe, each selected for their natural beauty, remarkable biodiversity, geological wonders and fascinating archaeological sites. You are in good hands with Aurora experts, international expedition team as you journey to some of the most remote corners of this planet, where polar bears roam across the sea ice in the Arctic, and ancient Neolithic and Viking sites stand sentry over the North Atlantic Ocean on the wild isles of Scotland.
- Antarctica
- Northwest Passage
- The Arctic
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Canada
- Greenland
- Ireland
- Scotland
- England
- Patagonia
- Panama
And more!
Aurora Expeditions Dining
One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs. Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask the expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.
Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild. Aurora invites you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
Aurora Expeditions Activities
Whether it's adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, Aurora has a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth. Make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on adventures to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered more adventure activities than any polar expedition cruising company to help you explore in your own way.
Activities Ashore
- Photography
- Camping
- Sea Kayaking
- Snowshoeing
- Sky/Snowboard Touring
- Scuba Diving
- Snorklling
- Trecking & Climbing
- Paddleboarding
And more!
Onboard Activities
- Informative Lectures
- Wildlife Watching
- Gym, Spa & Sauna
