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Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is an Australian adventure cruise company that has been at the forefront of expedition-style travel since its founding in 1991. It was established by renowned mountaineer Greg Mortimer and his wife, Margaret, with a pioneering vision to take small groups of travelers to some of the world’s most remote and untouched regions. Specializing in immersive, small-ship expeditions, Aurora offers voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Northwest Passage, and beyond—including destinations like Patagonia, Costa Rica, Greenland, and the British Isles. 
Aurora’s fleet includes state-of-the-art purpose-built expedition ships such as the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, both featuring innovative X-Bow designs for smoother, more comfortable navigation in rough seas. These vessels are designed to maximize exploration, equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings, dedicated science centers, and observation decks for wildlife viewing. Each expedition is led by highly qualified experts, including naturalists, historians, photographers, and marine biologists who help guests engage deeply with the landscapes and wildlife they encounter.
In recent updates, Aurora Expeditions continues to expand its itineraries, offering new programs in Central America and remote island chains like Raja Ampat. Sustainability remains central to their operations, with initiatives such as carbon offsetting and partnerships with conservation organizations. The company also recently launched a Citizen Science Program, encouraging guests to contribute to global research during their voyages.

Aurora Expeditions - Destinations

  • Antarctic Circle An Antarctic Circle expedition offers a true spirit of adventure, navigating narrow, ice-filled channels and stunning ice formations, with the journey shaped entirely by the dynamic forces of nature.
  • Antarctic Peninsula An Antarctic Peninsula expedition offers a quintessential introduction to the White Continent, serving as the most common and iconic first experience of Antarctica for the majority of expedition travelers.
  • Atlantic Coast Sail historic Atlantic routes once navigated by legendary explorers, uncovering vibrant cities, coastal villages, tulip-filled landscapes, rich culinary markets, and the intertwined cultural legacies of Western Europe and North Africa.
  • Australia Explore historic bays and breathtaking landscapes while creating unforgettable memories in this extraordinary and untamed region, known for its rich heritage and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
  • British Isles & Ireland These voyages offer a captivating exploration of Celtic heritage, tracing the legacies of monarchs, saints, and clans across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, and beyond—from ancient traditions to modern influence.
  • Costa Rica An expedition cruise in Costa Rica offers an activity-rich adventure—hiking through lush rainforests, exploring vibrant underwater worlds, and kayaking alongside playful dolphins in a tropical paradise.
  • Falklands & Islas Malvinas Known as Islas Malvinas to Argentines and the Falkland Islands to the British, these islands offer rich history and diverse wildlife, attracting many travelers en route to Antarctica.
  • Greenland A cruise to Greenland’s remote coastal regions offers travelers a rare opportunity to explore the untouched Arctic wilderness, featuring pristine landscapes and an environment found nowhere else on Earth.
  • Iceland Aurora Expeditions offers immersive Icelandic cruises designed for adventurous explorers seeking to experience the full natural wonders of the "Land of Fire and Ice,” from volcanic landscapes to icy fjords.
  • Indonesia & Borneo Discover the remote wonders of Indonesia—from Raja Ampat’s rich marine life and surreal landscapes to Java’s ancient temples and Kalimantan’s orangutans—offering unmatched adventure, biodiversity, and cultural immersion.
  • Mediterranean Once considered the center of the ancient world, the Mediterranean now borders 22 nations and blends diverse seas, cultures, and landscapes, offering immersive cruises with expert-led, enriching experiences throughout.
  • Northwest Passage Northwest Passage cruises trace early explorers' routes, offering immersive experiences in Inuit culture, Arctic landscapes, and history—guided by expert expedition teams through glaciers, remote communities, icy channels, and rich wildlife.
  • Norway Norway cruises explore the country’s dramatic coastline, including Arctic gems like Svalbard and Jan Mayen, offering adventurous travelers year-round wildlife, glaciers, fjords, and potential Northern Lights sightings.
  • Panama Panama, part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, boasts rich biodiversity with lush rainforests, 1,200 orchid species, and nearly 1,000 bird species—alongside the engineering marvel of the iconic Panama Canal.
  • Patagonia Spanning Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a remote frontier of glaciated peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast plains. It offers expedition cruises, treks, and expert-guided adventures through its dramatic wilderness.
  • Ross Sea & East Antarctica This extraordinary expedition traces the paths of legendary explorers like Scott, Shackleton, and Mawson. Travelers will discover historic huts, witness towering Antarctic ice shelves, and encounter wildlife including albatross, sea lions, orcas, and emperor penguins.
  • Scotland Two distinct voyage styles explore Scotland: Small Ship Cruises visit iconic cities from Edinburgh to Inverness, while Discovery Expeditions reveal wild isles, ancient lore, and Scotland’s remote natural wonders.
  • South Georgia South Georgia Island is a popular stop for travelers en route to Antarctica or the Falkland Islands, known for its rich history, remarkable wildlife, and breathtaking, dramatic landscapes.
  • Subantarctic islands Aurora Expeditions introduces travelers to the Subantarctic Islands of Australia and New Zealand—remote wildlife-rich outposts offering rare encounters with penguins, albatross, sea lions, and stunning Antarctic gateway landscapes.
  • Svalbard A Svalbard cruise offers an unforgettable journey through pristine polar wilderness, featuring breathtaking Arctic landscapes and rare opportunities to observe diverse wildlife in their untouched natural habitat.
  • Weddell Sea Explore the rarely visited regions south of the Antarctic Circle on an expedition navigating the ice-laden Weddell Sea, offering a true spirit of adventure and discovery in remote Antarctica.

Cruise Reviews

Read reviews posted by CruiseBay clients on their cruise experience.

Our Ships

Douglas Mawson blends elegant Nordic interiors with panoramic decks, heated pool, two Jacuzzis, sauna and gym. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, enriching talks, a citizen science centre, library lounge and easy Zodiac boarding—crafted for immersive polar adventures in comfort and camaraderie.

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The Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet and altering voyages to some of the most remote, unique and spectacular places. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views. They offer a range of Extra Add on Adventure activities making the cruising experience a notch higher.

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Greg Mortimer is the redefining the future look for Expedition cruise ships with its X BOW design and state of art technology. The Panoramic Expedition deck with floor to ceiling windows is always displaying the prefect scenery for the eyes to explore. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym, sauna, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.

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