Aurora Expeditions is one of the world’s leading adventure cruise companies, offering small-ship expeditions to remote and breathtaking destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic, Patagonia, and the Galápagos. As thrilling as these voyages are, sometimes life throws unexpected curveballs — health issues, work obligations, or personal emergencies — that force travelers to adjust their plans.
If you’ve already booked an Aurora Expeditions cruise and are wondering, “Can I reschedule my Aurora Expeditions cruise?” the answer is yes, in most cases you can — but it depends on when you make the change, your fare type, and the terms of your booking.
This in-depth 2025 guide will explain how to reschedule your Aurora Expeditions cruise, what fees or policies may apply, how to protect your booking with travel insurance, and everything you need to know to reschedule smoothly.
Aurora Expeditions understands that travel plans can change. The company’s policy allows passengers to reschedule, defer, or transfer bookings, but flexibility depends on several factors:
The time remaining before departure
The fare type or promotion you booked
Availability on alternative voyages
Whether you booked directly or through a travel agent
Aurora Expeditions’ commitment to flexibility increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The cruise line introduced new measures to help passengers postpone their journeys without losing deposits or paying heavy penalties. While not all of those pandemic-era rules remain active, the brand continues to prioritize traveler confidence and adaptability.
Yes, you can reschedule your Aurora Expeditions cruise, but the process and cost depend on how far in advance you request the change.
More than 120 days before departure:You can usually reschedule with minimal or no penalty, subject to availability.
Between 91 and 120 days before departure:A change fee may apply, often a percentage of your deposit or fare.
Within 90 days of departure:The cruise may be considered non-changeable or may incur significant fees.
After final payment or within 60 days:The cruise is typically non-refundable, but Aurora Expeditions may allow you to transfer your fare as a credit for future travel, depending on the circumstances.
These policies are subject to change based on the specific terms and conditions of your fare and region. Always check your confirmation invoice and Aurora’s official website for the most current details.
If you’ve decided to postpone your expedition, follow these steps to ensure a smooth rebooking process.
Start by checking your:
Booking confirmation
Terms & conditions of your fare
Travel insurance coverage
This will clarify whether your cruise is refundable, transferable, or date-changeable.
You can reach out to:
Aurora Expeditions directly via email: info@auroraexpeditions.com.au
Your travel advisor or booking platform if you used a third party.
Explain your situation clearly, including your original travel date and desired new timeframe. The Aurora support team will check availability and applicable fees.
Aurora offers expeditions to a wide range of destinations across both hemispheres. Depending on when you reschedule, you might even choose a different destination — for example, switching from Antarctica to the Arctic season.
If the new cruise date is more expensive, you may need to pay the fare difference. Conversely, if your new voyage costs less, you could receive a travel credit for future use.
Once Aurora Expeditions confirms the reschedule, you’ll receive a revised booking confirmation with your new voyage details, itinerary, and payment summary.
While Aurora strives to be flexible, certain fees may still apply. Below is a general breakdown of what you can expect:
Days Before DepartureChange PolicyTypical Fees or Penalties
180+ daysNo penalty or small admin feeFree or $250 AUD per person
120–179 daysStandard date change allowed10% of total fare
91–119 daysChange allowed with moderate fee25% of total fare
61–90 daysHigh flexibility reduced50% of total fare
Less than 60 daysNon-changeable (unless emergency)100% cancellation fee applies
Note: Fees can vary by itinerary, season, or promotion. Always confirm with Aurora Expeditions’ current terms.
Aurora Expeditions often offers early-bird, seasonal, or limited-time promotional fares, which sometimes come with stricter rules. For instance:
Early-bird fares may have non-transferable deposits.
Promotional discounts might not carry over if you move your date.
Complimentary offers (like cabin upgrades or onboard credits) could be lost when rebooking.
If you booked a flexible fare, however, you’re more likely to be allowed to rebook without losing benefits.
Aurora Expeditions recognizes that emergencies can happen. If you need to reschedule due to:
Medical reasons
Family emergencies
Natural disasters
Travel restrictions or visa issues
You may qualify for special consideration or a credit note toward a future voyage. Supporting documentation (such as a doctor’s note or proof of event) is often required.
In these cases, Aurora usually works compassionately with passengers to find an appropriate solution, especially if contacted early.
If you canceled your previous Aurora Expeditions cruise and received a Future Cruise Credit (FCC), you can use it to reschedule your voyage.
FCCs can typically be used within 12 to 24 months of issue.
They can be applied toward a new booking, including upgrades.
FCCs are non-transferable (unless explicitly stated).
You must pay any fare difference if the new voyage is more expensive.
To use your FCC, contact Aurora’s customer service with your credit reference number and preferred new travel dates.
If you booked through a travel agent, you’ll need to contact them directly rather than Aurora Expeditions. The agent acts as your intermediary and can handle:
Date change requests
Updated invoice management
Coordination of travel insurance adjustments
Agents may also offer exclusive rescheduling support, especially if your booking was part of a larger package including flights and hotels.
Having comprehensive travel insurance can make a big difference when you need to reschedule. Many policies include:
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
Medical emergencies and evacuation
Travel delay and missed connection coverage
Some travel insurers partner directly with Aurora Expeditions or have cruise-specific coverage options. Make sure to:
Read the policy’s fine print about “change of plans”
Confirm whether your insurer reimburses change fees
Notify both the insurer and Aurora Expeditions promptly if you need to postpone
This ensures your financial protection remains intact.
During extraordinary situations such as:
Global travel restrictions
Weather-related disruptions
Political instability in certain regions
Aurora Expeditions typically provides enhanced flexibility — often allowing guests to rebook at no additional cost or receive future travel credits.
The company’s history of customer care during the pandemic and regional closures demonstrates its commitment to ethical, traveler-first policies.
When rescheduling, you don’t necessarily have to stick to your original destination. Aurora Expeditions operates expeditions in regions such as:
Antarctica & South Georgia
The Arctic (Spitsbergen, Greenland, Iceland)
Patagonia & the Chilean Fjords
Costa Rica & Panama
Scotland, Ireland, and wild Atlantic islands
You might use this opportunity to try a completely new adventure. If your change is made far enough in advance, Aurora’s team can help you transfer your deposit to another destination seamlessly.
When rescheduling, any onboard credit (OBC) or prepaid items such as:
Excursions
Kayaking or diving programs
Premium beverage packages
Cabin upgrades
…will typically transfer to your new cruise booking, as long as the reschedule occurs before the penalty period. However, these add-ons are always subject to availability on your new sailing.
Waiting too long – If you delay notifying Aurora until just weeks before sailing, fees rise dramatically.
Ignoring fare rules – Promotional fares may not allow rescheduling.
Not confirming availability – Aurora expeditions often sell out a year in advance.
Overlooking insurance – Always update your insurance policy after rebooking.
Assuming automatic transfers – Credits and perks must be re-confirmed manually.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures a smoother process and maximizes your chances of keeping your preferred benefits.
Plan early: Contact Aurora at least 6 months before your departure if possible.
Stay flexible with dates: Broader date options improve your chances of rebooking successfully.
Consider seasonality: Expedition seasons differ between hemispheres — Antarctica runs from November–March, while the Arctic runs May–September.
Stay informed: Subscribe to Aurora Expeditions’ newsletter for updates on new itineraries and rebooking offers.
Ask about credits vs refunds: Depending on your fare, credits may give more long-term flexibility.
Many passengers who have rescheduled Aurora Expeditions cruises describe positive experiences.For example:
Travelers who postponed Antarctic voyages during illness received future travel credits without penalty.
Guests affected by flight disruptions were assisted with rebooking for a later date.
Others used credits to upgrade to longer or premium expeditions.
These stories highlight Aurora’s commitment to maintaining customer satisfaction and long-term relationships.
Q1. Can I reschedule my Aurora cruise for any reason?
Yes, you can, but fees may apply depending on timing and fare type.
Q2. How many times can I reschedule?
Usually once per booking, though Aurora may allow more in exceptional cases.
Q3. Will I lose my deposit if I reschedule?
Not if you do it before the penalty period — deposits are often transferred to your new voyage.
Q4. Can I transfer my booking to someone else instead?
In some cases, yes. Aurora may allow passenger substitutions with administrative approval.
Q5. Can I change from one destination to another?
Yes, subject to fare differences and availability.
Q6. How soon should I contact Aurora to reschedule?
Ideally at least 120–150 days before your scheduled departure.
If you need to contact Aurora Expeditions to reschedule your cruise, use the following channels:
Phone (Australia): +61 2 9252 1033
US Office: +1 833 499 8787
UK Office: +44 (0)800 856 8827
Website Contact Form: https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
Be sure to have your booking reference number, passenger name, and original travel date ready when you contact them.
Rescheduling your Aurora Expeditions cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. With early planning, clear communication, and an understanding of Aurora’s flexible travel policies, you can easily move your voyage to a later date without losing your investment.
Whether you’re chasing penguins in Antarctica or spotting polar bears in the Arctic, Aurora’s dedicated team strives to ensure every traveler experiences their dream expedition — even if plans change along the way.
The key takeaway is: yes, you can reschedule your Aurora Expeditions cruise, and with timely action, you’ll retain your benefits, minimize fees, and keep your adventure alive for another day.