Aurora Expeditions
Parent company: Aurora Expeditions (independent, Australian-owned; Aurora Travel Pty Ltd)
PremiumSee how Aurora Expeditions describes itself vs how we list it
What to say on a call
Best for
- 1Fare includes all meals, premium spirits, cocktails, beer and wine (from the 2026/27 Antarctic season), Starlink Wi-Fi, shore excursions and Zodiac cruises, port and landing fees, a polar jacket to keep and the first hotel night on Antarctic voyages; a USD $20 per person per day crew gratuity is added (included for suites).
- 2Three Ulstein X-BOW ships built 2019-2025, Ice Class 1A / Polar Code 6, carrying 130 guests on polar and discovery expeditions (up to 154 on Small Ship Cruises), with an expedition team at about 1:7.
- 3Itineraries in Antarctica (Peninsula, South Georgia, Falklands, Weddell Sea, Antarctic Circle, Ross Sea), the Arctic (Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Northwest Passage), Patagonia, Scotland, Norway, the British Isles and Ireland, the Mediterranean and Atlantic coast, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, and Indonesia.
- 4Certified B Corporation, IAATO and AECO member, founded in 1991 by Greg and Margaret Mortimer.
Payments & cancellations
Final payment
Per cruise lineSources differ
Aurora's pages differ on final payment. The Terms and Conditions (updated September 2026) say 'Final payment is due at least 120 days (or as otherwise stated by us in writing) prior to the departure date'; the Travel Advisor FAQ says 'Final payment is due 90 days prior to the voyage start date.' We show the Terms.Terms and Conditions Travel Advisor FAQ120 days before departure
Final payment is due at least 120 days before departure (or as Aurora states in writing); an invoice is sent. Bookings made within 120 days pay in full with the deposit. If final payment is late, Aurora may end the contract and keep the deposit. Insurance details must be supplied before final payment.
Applies to: All bookings (Aurora Expeditions Terms and Conditions, updated September 2026; same text on the US and Australian sites)
The Travel Advisor FAQ still says final payment is due 90 days before the voyage start date.
Deposit
Per cruise lineSources differ
Aurora's pages differ on the deposit deadline. The Terms say the 25% deposit is due 'within 7 working days' of booking (Sydney working days); the Travel Advisor FAQ says 'due within 7 days of booking', and the Special Offers terms 'within 7 days of reserved berth/s'. We show the Terms.Terms and Conditions Travel Advisor FAQ Special Offers terms25% within 7 working days of booking
25% of each ticket price (in the booking currency), due within 7 working days of booking (Sydney working days); the booking isn't confirmed until the deposit arrives. Each add-on activity (kayaking, diving, snowshoeing etc.) needs its own 25% deposit, refundable only if the activity is cancelled. The deposit is kept as the cancellation fee at 121+ days.
Applies to: All bookings (Aurora Expeditions Terms and Conditions, updated September 2026; same text on the US and Australian sites)
Deposits are held in the Aurora Passenger Trust and released 180 days before departure (Book with Confidence page). Promotions say a 'non-refundable deposit is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s'.
Cancellation penalties
Per cruise lineSources differ
Aurora's pages differ on when a booking becomes non-refundable. The Terms and Conditions charge 100% of the ticket price from 120 days before departure (with a future credit of 50% between 90 and 120 days); the Travel Advisor FAQ says 'The booking becomes non-refundable within 90 days'. We show the Terms.Terms and Conditions Travel Advisor FAQSee details below
Written notice to the travel agent or Aurora; effective when Aurora receives it. Fee per passenger: 121 or more days before departure, the deposit; 120 days or less, 100% of the ticket price. Voyage Assurance Program future cruise credit: 121+ days, credit equal to the deposit; 90-120 days inclusive, credit of 50% of the ticket price paid; under 90 days, no credit. Credits are valid 24 months, need a new deposit and need payments made in full and on time; no transfer fee.
Applies to: All bookings (Aurora Expeditions Terms and Conditions, updated September 2026; same text on the US and Australian sites)
The Travel Advisor FAQ says the booking 'becomes non-refundable within 90 days' (case-by-case moves to another voyage). Weather cancellations by Aurora give a full future credit, not a refund (Terms 8.3).
Onboard extras & packages
Prices are approximate, per person per day unless noted. Always confirm the current price with the cruise line.
- Gratuities (standard rooms)
- Not included: USD $20 per person per day added to the onboard account automatically (guests can remove or adjust it)Per cruise line
Sources differ
Aurora's pages differ on gratuities. Voyage pages and the Special Offers terms say USD $20 per person per day is added automatically (removable, included for suite guests); the Travel Advisor FAQ says US$15; the public FAQ says gratuities are not included and are at the guest's discretion. We show the voyage pages and the Special Offers terms.Spirit of Antarctica voyage page Special Offers terms Travel Advisor FAQ FAQs - Gratuities (suites)
- Included for suite guests (Junior Suites and Captain's Suite)Per cruise line
- Drink package
- Included (premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs, from the Antarctica 2026/27 season onward)Per cruise line
Sources differ
Aurora's pages differ on included drinks. The General Inclusions page, the Advisor Advantage page and current voyage pages include premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs (from the 2026/27 Antarctic season); the Douglas Mawson ship page still says 'house wines, beers, and soft drinks with dinner', and the Nov 2025 Antarctica 2027-28 release 'beer and wine with dinner'. We show General Inclusions.General Inclusions Advisor Advantage Douglas Mawson ship page - Premium drink package
- Included (premium spirits are part of the fare from the 2026/27 Antarctic season); some 'premium beverages' are still sold on board (no list or prices published)Per cruise line
- Soda package
- IncludedPer cruise line
- Non-alcoholic package
- Included (tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices; tea, coffee and snacks 24/7)Per cruise line
- Wi-Fi (basic)
- Included (complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi; connection can be unreliable in remote regions)Per cruise line
Sources differ
Aurora's pages differ on Wi-Fi. General Inclusions says 'Complimentary Starlink wifi onboard' and the FAQ says complimentary Wi-Fi is available; the FAQ on the Ships page still lists 'internet' among onboard purchases charged to the shipboard account. We show General Inclusions.General Inclusions FAQs Ships - Wi-Fi (premium)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi is included; no paid tier is listedPer cruise line
- Specialty dining package
- Not offered (all meals included; Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle also have a reservations-required second restaurant, Tuscan Grill, with no surcharge published)Per cruise line
- Specialty dining (avg per meal)
- Not applicable (no extra-charge dining published)Per cruise line
- Fitness classes
- Included (gym / fitness centre); no fitness class schedule publishedPer cruise line
- Spa / thermal pass
- Included: sauna, heated outdoor pool and two Jacuzzis. Massages and Wellness Centre services cost extra (prices not published).Per cruise line
- Air program
- Aurora sells air (IATA accredited). Flights named in the itinerary are included, e.g. Fly/Sail and Fly the Drake charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica, and Oslo-Longyearbyen charters on Svalbard voyages. Other flights are extra; airline tickets issued by Aurora are non-refundable.Per cruise line
- Other fees & perks
- Included: port surcharges, permits and landing fees; shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; polar jacket and Muck boots; first-night hotel and arrival transfer on Antarctic voyages (selected preferred flights); 'Your Choice' excursions on Small Ship Cruises and Cultural Expeditions. Extra: add-on activities (kayaking, diving, camping etc.; 25% activity deposit), gratuities, mandatory travel insurance, visas, laundry, credit-card merchant fees.Per cruise line
Accessibility & special needs
- How to tell the cruise line
- Tell Aurora about any pre-existing medical condition or disability that could affect your safety or the voyage, and report any change within 48 hours; complete the medical self-assessment form (sent 90 days out, due 45 days out). Per cruise line
- Wheelchairs & scooters
- Guests should be in good general health and able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain; those who struggle on rough ground can enjoy the scenery closer to shore. No accessible-cabin or wheelchair policy published. Per cruise line
- Medical equipment & pregnancy
- Doctor and fully equipped medical centre on every ship (24/7); initial consultation complimentary, further treatment and evacuation at the guest's cost. A medic accompanies each landing. Mandatory insurance with at least US$250,000 medical/evacuation cover. Per cruise line
Not on the line's site (or not confirmed yet): blind / low vision, deaf / hard of hearing, service animals, guests of size. Ask the cruise line's accessibility team.
Never promise an accommodation. Send the request to the line and let them confirm. How to handle these calls → Premium
Upgrade & suite ladder
entryAurora Staterooms (Twin, Triple, Superior, Superior Single and Single; Decks 3 and 7)
Per cruise lineWindow or porthole cabins with private en-suite; Deck 3 cabins sit near the mudroom and Zodiac loading platforms; Aurora Stateroom Superiors on Deck 7 of Douglas Mawson have French balconies. Singles and a triple are available.
midBalcony Staterooms (Category C, B, A and Superior, plus Solo A/B/C)
Per cruise lineMost cabins: private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite; Category A is the most common room, many Category B cabins interconnect; solo versions carry no single supplement within the 10 dedicated solo cabins.
topJunior Suites (four per ship, Deck 7) and the Captain's Suite (one per ship)
Per cruise lineSeparate lounge area and private balcony (Captain's Suite also a walk-in wardrobe). Suite Benefits: a free pair of binoculars, a stocked minibar (Junior Suites once, Captain's Suite replenished), a bottle of champagne, and crew gratuities included. Captain's Suite guests are the exception to the 'cabin may be changed' clause.
Loyalty program
Aurora Expeditions Loyalty Program (Bronze Adventurer, Silver Explorer, Gold Pioneer)Per cruise line
- 1Bronze Adventurer — 1 completed voyage
- 2Silver Explorer — 2 completed voyages
- 3Gold Pioneer — 3 completed voyages
Guests may say
“Bronze Adventurer”, “Silver Explorer”, “Gold Pioneer”, “Expeditioner”
None: Aurora Expeditions is an independent, Australian-owned line with no sister brands.
Military & veterans
We couldn't confirm a military rate on this line's official site. Don't promise one. If a guest asks, check with the line.
How military rates work → PremiumAirport transfers
Included where the voyage's Trip Notes say so: all Antarctic voyages include one pre-voyage hotel night and an arrival airport transfer on selected preferred flights; selected voyages include a pre-voyage hotel night, flights mentioned in the itinerary and luggage transfers to/from the ship. Otherwise transfers are not listed as included.
Which ports: Varies by voyage; see each voyage page.
What's offered changes by port and sailing. Check before you quote a price.
Cruise family
Aurora Expeditions (independent, Australian-owned; Aurora Travel Pty Ltd)
No sister cruise lines on this site.
Loyalty between brands: Standalone: the Aurora Expeditions Loyalty Program covers Aurora only.
No official shared program found. Check with the cruise line before promising anything.
See the whole family →Good to know
Travel insurance is mandatory (US$250,000 minimum)
Per cruise lineEvery guest must carry comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical, accident and evacuation worth at least US$250,000, and send the details before final payment or the booking can be cancelled. Aurora recommends higher, polar-evacuation cover.
Medical self-assessment form by 45 days out
Per cruise lineAurora sends a medical self-assessment form 90 days before departure; it must be returned by 45 days out (as soon as possible, and no later than 20 days out, for late bookings). Aurora may ask for a doctor's certificate. Missing forms let Aurora cancel the booking with all money forfeited.
Minimum age 6; pregnancy limit 16 weeks
Per cruise lineThe Terms and the Young Adventurers policy set a minimum age of 6 (the advisor FAQ still says 8). Under-18s must be with an adult at all times; ages 6-15 pay the adult fare unless a family offer applies. Pregnant guests must be 16 weeks or less at the end of the voyage, with an obstetrician's clearance.
Solo cabins with no single supplement
Per cruise lineEach sailing has 10 dedicated solo cabins with no single supplement (4 on Douglas Mawson per the offer terms). Solo guests can also share with a same-gender stranger at the twin rate, with no supplement if no roommate is found, or pay a 50% surcharge for any other stateroom.
Add-on activities must be pre-booked
Per cruise lineKayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, camping, snowshoeing, ski touring, Shackleton's Crossing, climbing and paddling are paid add-ons that must be booked well ahead, each with a 25% deposit. Polar divers need Advanced certification and at least 30 logged dry-suit dives. Zodiac cruises, landings, walks and lectures are included.
Fly the Drake: weather delays mean credit, not refund
Per cruise lineOn Fly/Sail, Fly/Fly and Sail/Fly voyages (charter flights between Punta Arenas and Antarctica), Aurora tries for up to 72 hours to fly after a weather delay; if it can't, the voyage is deemed cancelled and guests get a future voyage credit for the full amount paid, not a refund.
Your Choice excursions: reserve 60 days out
Per cruise lineOn Small Ship Cruises and Cultural Expeditions one 'Your Choice' excursion per person per port (and city stay) is included, but choices must be made in the passenger portal at least 60 days before embarkation and can't be changed afterwards.
Fleet
- Ships
- 3 ships: Greg Mortimer (2019; 130 guests on expeditions, 148 maximum), Sylvia Earle (2022; 130), Douglas Mawson (2025; 130 on expeditions, 154 on Small Ship Cruises)Per cruise line
Sources differ
Aurora's pages differ on Greg Mortimer's capacity. The Ships page and voyage pages say '148 Passengers Maximum (130 on Expedition)'; the Travel Advisor page says 'Capacity: 130 Passengers Maximum'. We show the Ships page.Ships Travel Advisor page - Newest ship
- Douglas Mawson (2025; named in Sydney on November 27, 2025). No further new ships announced.Per cruise line
- Ship classes
- Ulstein X-BOW expedition ships, Ice Class 1A / Polar Code 6 (Greg Mortimer 2019, Sylvia Earle 2022, Douglas Mawson 2025): 130 guests on Polar and Discovery Expeditions; Greg Mortimer up to 148 and Douglas Mawson up to 154 on Small Ship Cruises
Where they sail
Learn these regions
Last full review: 8 Oct 2026·Last updated: 2 Nov 2026
A full review is when we re-check every fact on this page.
"Last updated" is the most recent check or change to any single fact.
Something wrong or missing?
"Per cruise line" = confirmed on the line's own site.
"Unofficial tip" = from an experienced travel professional; helpful, but not confirmed by the cruise line.