Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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Exploring the world’s most remote and captivating destinations — from the icy wilderness of Antarctica to the rugged fjords of the Arctic — is a dream many travelers share. Aurora Expeditions, a pioneer in small-group adventure cruising, makes that dream possible through sustainable and immersive voyages.
If you’re wondering how to book an Aurora Expeditions trip, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step — from researching destinations and choosing the right expedition ship, to understanding booking policies, costs, inclusions, and travel tips to ensure a seamless adventure.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to plan, book, and prepare for your Aurora Expeditions journey — whether it’s to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley Coast, Patagonia, or beyond.
Founded in 1991, Aurora Expeditions is an Australian-based adventure travel company specializing in small-ship expedition cruises. The company was founded by mountaineer Greg Mortimer and his wife Margaret, both passionate about connecting people to the planet’s wildest corners through low-impact exploration.
With decades of experience, Aurora Expeditions focuses on immersive adventure travel, environmental responsibility, and expert-led experiences. Their fleet includes purpose-built expedition vessels like the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, designed for safety, comfort, and sustainability — equipped with X-Bow technology for smoother sailing in rough seas.
Aurora’s trips are not typical cruises; they’re adventure expeditions designed to bring travelers face-to-face with raw nature — from glaciers to wildlife encounters — guided by naturalists, scientists, and explorers.
Before booking, it’s essential to understand the diverse range of destinations Aurora Expeditions covers. Each region offers a different type of adventure:
Aurora’s most iconic destination, Antarctica is the ultimate adventure. Cruises range from 10 to 23 days and explore the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.
Expect encounters with penguins, seals, whales, and towering icebergs. Optional activities like polar plunges, sea kayaking, and photography workshops add to the experience.
In contrast to Antarctica, Arctic expeditions journey through Svalbard, Greenland, and the Canadian Arctic. Travelers witness polar bears, walruses, reindeer, and majestic glaciers, with midnight sun and Northern Lights adding to the allure.
Closer to home for Australian travelers, this rugged coastline offers ancient Aboriginal rock art, waterfalls, and dramatic sandstone gorges. These expeditions highlight cultural heritage and natural beauty in equal measure.
This expedition features dramatic landscapes of Andean peaks, glaciers, and fjords. Perfect for travelers wanting a combination of wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
For tropical explorers, these itineraries blend rainforest exploration, coral reefs, and wildlife spotting across Central America’s biodiverse landscapes.
These lesser-known voyages explore coastal heritage, remote islands, and marine wildlife, offering an offbeat yet stunning expedition.
Booking an Aurora Expeditions journey is straightforward — but planning carefully ensures you get the most out of your investment. Here’s how to go about it.
Each destination has its own travel season and weather conditions. For example:
Antarctica Season: November to March (summer in the Southern Hemisphere)
Arctic Season: May to September
The Kimberley: April to September (dry season)
Patagonia: October to March
Understanding when to go helps you align your travel schedule and expectations.
Aurora Expeditions’ website provides a detailed Voyage Calendar, which is a great place to start researching available trips by date, region, or theme.
Aurora offers several expedition styles:
Classic Voyages: Core expeditions focusing on wildlife and scenery.
Special Interest Voyages: These may feature photography, marine biology, or citizen science themes.
Activity-Based Expeditions: Include kayaking, snorkeling, mountaineering, diving, or trekking.
Shorter Fly-Sail Options: For those short on time, you can fly one way and sail the other — such as the Fly the Drake itinerary to Antarctica.
Choose an expedition type that suits your interests, adventure level, and travel goals.
Aurora operates two modern expedition ships:
Named after the company’s co-founder, this ship offers:
X-Bow design for smoother sailing
80 cabins (maximum 132 passengers)
Observation lounge and zodiac loading platforms
Advanced safety and environmental features
Named after marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, this newer vessel is equipped with:
Enhanced sustainability technology
Dedicated science center
Citizen science programs
Spacious cabins and panoramic viewing platforms
Both ships prioritize small-group exploration, ensuring a more personal and environmentally conscious experience.
Once you’ve chosen your destination and ship, visit the official Aurora Expeditions website (auroraexpeditions.com) and check voyage availability. Each trip page lists:
Dates and duration
Itinerary highlights
Cabin categories
Pricing (per person, twin share)
Inclusions and exclusions
Aurora offers early bird discounts, solo traveler specials, and bundle offers, so keep an eye out for promotions.
You can book directly through Aurora or use a certified travel advisor specializing in expedition cruises.
Visit auroraexpeditions.com
Choose your voyage and click “Book Now”
Fill in traveler details and select cabin category
Pay a deposit (usually 10–20% of total fare)
Receive confirmation and pre-departure documents
Aurora collaborates with travel agents worldwide who can help:
Find the best fares
Arrange flights, insurance, and transfers
Provide visa guidance and pre/post-tour options
Aurora Expeditions offers a mostly-inclusive experience. Standard inclusions:
Accommodation on board
All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
Zodiac excursions and guided shore landings
Expedition team lectures and briefings
Waterproof boots and outer jackets (for polar trips)
Port charges and landing fees
Exclusions:
Flights (unless part of a package)
Travel insurance (mandatory but separate)
Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
Optional activities like kayaking or diving
Personal expenses and gratuities
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Aurora Expeditions voyages. It must cover:
Medical evacuation from remote regions
Trip cancellation or interruption
Lost luggage or equipment
Adventure activities
This is vital because most destinations (especially Antarctica) are extremely remote with limited medical infrastructure.
Depending on your destination, you may need:
Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates)
Visas (for certain ports)
Vaccination certificates (like Yellow Fever or COVID-19, depending on regulations)
Medical forms (Aurora requires health questionnaires for safety)
Aurora’s operations team will guide you through all documentation well before departure.
Final payment is generally due 90–120 days before departure. Aurora Expeditions accepts:
Credit/debit cards
Bank transfers
Agency payments (if booked through a travel agent)
You’ll receive a Pre-Departure Kit once full payment is processed, which includes packing lists, embarkation details, and important expedition notes.
Preparation enhances your experience. Here’s what to consider:
Fitness: Aurora’s trips involve moderate activity. Walking on uneven terrain and getting in/out of zodiacs are common.
Clothing: Layered waterproof clothing is essential for polar trips.
Photography Gear: Bring protective cases and memory cards.
Reading Materials: Aurora often shares recommended reading lists about history, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Mindset: Be flexible — expedition itineraries may change due to weather or wildlife activity.
There are many cruise operators, but Aurora Expeditions stands out due to:
With fewer than 140 passengers, you get personalized attention, faster disembarkations, and deeper exploration.
Each trip includes naturalists, geologists, and photographers, ensuring you gain in-depth understanding of each destination.
Aurora is a leader in eco-friendly cruising:
Carbon-neutral operations
Banned single-use plastics
Active involvement in citizen science projects
Membership in IAATO and AECO for responsible polar tourism
You can participate in:
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Climbing
Camping on ice (Antarctica only!)
Ski touring
Aurora has consistently high guest ratings for hospitality, onboard comfort, and enriching experiences.
The cost of an Aurora Expeditions trip varies depending on destination, duration, and cabin type.
DestinationDurationStarting Price (USD)
Antarctica10–23 days$9,000 – $22,000
Arctic10–15 days$8,000 – $18,000
Kimberley Coast10 days$7,000 – $10,000
Patagonia12–15 days$9,000 – $15,000
Costa Rica9 days$6,000 – $9,000
Optional excursions and flight packages add extra cost. Early bookings often secure the best deals.
Book Early: Expeditions fill up 12–18 months in advance.
Look for Promotions: Aurora offers “Early Bird” and “No Solo Supplement” deals.
Join Mailing Lists: Stay updated on flash sales or new itineraries.
Compare Cabin Types: Balcony suites offer better views, but lower-deck cabins are more stable in rough seas.
Travel Off-Peak: Shoulder season voyages (early or late in season) are often cheaper.
Bundle Flights and Hotels: Booking through Aurora can simplify logistics.
Prepare for Flexibility: Weather and ice conditions may alter itineraries — embrace the adventure!
Sustainability is central to Aurora’s mission. Here’s how they contribute:
Scientific Partnerships: Passengers can assist in data collection for real research (Citizen Science Program).
Education: Lectures on climate, conservation, and wildlife.
Low-Impact Design: Ships are built for minimal fuel use and waste.
Community Respect: Aurora ensures cultural sensitivity in destinations like the Kimberley and Patagonia.
When you book with Aurora, you’re supporting ethical and eco-conscious exploration — a key differentiator from mass-market cruises.
Aurora offers optional add-ons before or after your voyage, including:
Buenos Aires city tours before Antarctica
Tromsø or Reykjavik stays before Arctic expeditions
Broome adventures for Kimberley voyages
Patagonia trekking extensions
These packages enhance your overall travel experience.
At least 12–18 months ahead for popular itineraries like Antarctica or the Arctic.
Yes. Aurora’s website allows you to check dates, cabins, and pay a deposit instantly.
Yes. Aurora offers flexible booking policies — cancellations are usually permitted with fees depending on timing.
Children over 8 years can join selected expeditions, though some itineraries have age restrictions due to safety.
No — Aurora welcomes first-time adventurers. Guides provide training for activities like kayaking or hiking.
Booking an Aurora Expeditions trip is more than securing a voyage — it’s the beginning of a life-changing adventure. From researching your ideal destination to preparing your gear and mindset, every step enhances the anticipation and joy of exploration.
Whether you’re kayaking alongside glaciers in Antarctica, photographing polar bears in the Arctic, or exploring Aboriginal heritage in the Kimberley, Aurora Expeditions ensures every moment is purposeful, authentic, and sustainable.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll confidently navigate the booking process and prepare for an unforgettable journey to the world’s most extraordinary frontiers.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
