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Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent. Sail across the famed Drake Passage, admiring spectacular seabirds and approaching the ice as the explorers of old did: by sea. With a chance to Zodiac-cruise through pack ice, set foot on the continent, choose from a range of adventure options and even perhaps camp under pastel polar skies, this is the quintessential Antarctic voyage for adventure lovers.
Highlights
• Hone your ice and wildlife photography skills
• Search for orcas and minke whales in the icy bays
• Observe busy penguin colonies building their nests, and perhaps catch a glimpse of penguin chicks as they hatch
• Join the exclusive polar plunge club and dive into the beautiful antarctic waters
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Day 1 Arrival airport transfer and overnight in Ushuaia
Arrive in Ushuaia, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to your group hotel (preferred flights only). Upon arrival at your included hotel, kindly remind hotel check-in staff to provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number.
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Day 2 Embarkation Day
This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Please take your cabin luggage down to hotel reception by 8.00 AM. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day. Once you have checked out of your hotel by 11.00 AM, you have free time before meeting back in the hotel lobby at 2.00 PM to commence a tour of Ushuaia. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure and make your own way to Prison Museum carpark by 3.45 pm to rejoin the group and transfer to the pier for embarkation. Ushuaia, capital of Tierra del Fuego is located at the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial Mountains giving you a unique landscape in Argentina, which is the combination of mountains, sea, glaciers and forests. On this introductory tour, you will visit “La Mision” neighbourhood, the old Government House, and the upper area of the city, which offers beautiful panoramic views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. During the excursion you will see the antique houses that belonged to the first families settled in Ushuaia. The excursion ends with a visit to the Old Prison Museum before transferring to the pier for embarkation at approximately 4.00 PM. After embarkation, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner. (Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch is at own expense)
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Day 3 Drake Passage Crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures, and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment. Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following in our wake. They rise and fall skilfully, using air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
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Day 4 Drake Passage & South Shetland Islands
Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks, watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.
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Day 5-9 Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever. Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You’ll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula. While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you’ll have the option to do that whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting! In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
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Day 10-11 Drake Passage crossing
Today, our landings come to an end as we enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.
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Day 12 Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature. A transfer to downtown Ushuaia before continuing to the airport is included in the cost of the voyage. NOTE: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
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Please Note:
In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.
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19 November, 2025 to 30 November, 2025
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8 m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² - 24.8m²
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 - 37.7m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 - 43.5m2
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
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10 December, 2025 to 21 December, 2025
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8 m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² - 24.8m²
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 - 37.7m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 - 43.5m2
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
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07 December, 2026 to 18 December, 2026
Special Departure
Book nowIn Partnership with New Scientist New Scientist is the number one destination for anyone interested in science and technology. Founded in 1956, it covers international news from a scientific standpoint and asks the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human. If someone in the world has a good idea, you will read about it in New Scientist. Its travel wing, New Scientist Discovery Tours, offers a unique way to explore the world. The science-inspired tours, cruises, expeditions and short breaks are perfect for anyone who is driven by curiosity. Being surrounded by like-minded travellers and accompanying experts from New Scientist enhances the experience, allowing for rich discussions and a deep understanding of the destinations. Aurora Expeditions has teamed up with New Scientist Discovery Tours to deliver polar cruise experiences where you will not only explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife, but also enrich your understanding through expert-led talks, workshops and floating safaris. Whether you are up close with a glacier, observing a polar bear or sailing around an iceberg, New Scientist’s engaging experts will help you make the most of the experience.
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 22.57m² (242.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin size: 13.97m² - 16.17m² (150.4ft² - 174.1ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
French balcony
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 9.85m² (106ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3 & 7
Cabin size: 10.97m² - 15.18m² (118.1ft² - 163.4ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 27.77m² - 36.27m² (298.9ft² - 390.4ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible)
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin and balcony combined size: 41.47m² - 41.87m² (446.4ft² - 450.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4
Cabin and balcony combined size: 45.22m² (486.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
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29 December, 2026 to 09 January, 2027
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8 m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² - 24.8m²
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 - 37.7m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 - 43.5m2
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
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17 February, 2027 to 28 February, 2027
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 22.57m² (242.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin size: 13.97m² - 16.17m² (150.4ft² - 174.1ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
French balcony
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 9.85m² (106ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3 & 7
Cabin size: 10.97m² - 15.18m² (118.1ft² - 163.4ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 27.77m² - 36.27m² (298.9ft² - 390.4ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible)
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin and balcony combined size: 41.47m² - 41.87m² (446.4ft² - 450.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4
Cabin and balcony combined size: 45.22m² (486.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
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27 February, 2027 to 10 March, 2027
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 22.57m² (242.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin size: 13.97m² - 16.17m² (150.4ft² - 174.1ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
French balcony
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3
Cabin size: 9.85m² (106ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 21.07m² - 26.77m² (226.8ft² - 288.2ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 3 & 7
Cabin size: 10.97m² - 15.18m² (118.1ft² - 163.4ft²)
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Porthole window
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4 & 6
Cabin and balcony combined size: 27.77m² - 36.27m² (298.9ft² - 390.4ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible)
Private balcony
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 7
Cabin and balcony combined size: 41.47m² - 41.87m² (446.4ft² - 450.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
Deck: 4
Cabin and balcony combined size: 45.22m² (486.7ft²)
King bed
Twin beds
Private en-suite
Private balcony
Full size window
Separate lounge area
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Room safe
42" flat-screen TV
Mini bar
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13 March, 2027 to 24 March, 2027
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8 m2
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² - 24.8m²
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 - 37.7m2
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 - 43.5m2
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
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Douglas Mawson
Douglas Mawson
Vessel Type: Small Ship Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 154
Lenght: 104.4 m
Built: 2025
Designed for global discovery
Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, our new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising.
Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, our new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins.
The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.
While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, you can rest assured that our aim to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible through our unique activities program remains unchanged.
Newest Ulstein X-BOW®
The Douglas Mawson features the newest streamlined Ulstein X-BOW®, designed for global discovery. The revolutionary design cuts through the swell, offering unrivalled stability on ocean crossings and helping to reduce fuel consumption. It’s just one of the many sustainability features that helps us travel more responsibly.
Heated Pool, Jacuzzis & Sauna
In between landings, enjoy access to the onboard gym or unwind in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis, watching the world go by.
Leading Technology
The Douglas Mawson is at the cutting edge of nautical technology, fitted with industry-leading technology including world-class return-to-port equipment. The ship also features a medical clinic designed for use in remote areas.
Built for Adventure
The Douglas Mawson features Zodiac access points and an activities platform, making boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer. In our mudroom you will have access to lockers to store gear & boots and rapid drying areas for clothing.
More Cabin Choices
The Douglas Mawson features 11 different types of cabins, including a range of spacious single berth cabins – all adorned with elegant Nordic interior design features.
Multiple Observation Areas
As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow is a fantastic place to sit and watch for wildlife – with a drink in hand. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside!
Lecture Theatre
On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to enhance your appreciation of the destination you are exploring.
Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest, from history and culture to biology and climate change. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet.
Citizen Science Center & Lounge
Learn more about the world and the unique destinations Aurora visits by visiting the onboard naturalist and Expedition Team in the world-class Citizen Science Center. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.
Library
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, use a public laptop to organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.
Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.
Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.
Mudroom
No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.
The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.
Swimming Pool & Jacuzzis
There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside, a heated outdoor pool surrounded by sun beds you can relax on after a long day of exploring, and a pool bar.
Gym & Sauna
During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!
Restaurants
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 our 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.
We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
Bars & Lounges
Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.
The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.
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Sylvia Earle
Sylvia Earle
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 104 meters
Passenger Capacity: 126
Built / Refurbished: 2020/2021
Launching in October 2021, the Sylvia Earle honours renowned oceanographer and marine conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of NOAA and a Time Magazine Hero for the Planet, Sylvia’s legacy lives on through this state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for sustainability and exploration.
Built for challenging waters like the Drake Passage, the Sylvia Earle features the cutting-edge Ulstein X-BOW® for smoother sailing, reduced fuel consumption, and better speed through rough seas. Inside the bow, the stunning Glass Atrium Lounge offers panoramic views.
Between landings, enjoy the heated saltwater open-air pool, jacuzzis, gym, sauna, and optional massages in the Wellness Centre. The ship is fitted with advanced safety features, including dual propulsion systems and a fully equipped medical clinic for remote travel.
A champion of responsible travel, the ship runs one of the world’s cleanest marine engines, reducing emissions by up to 80%. Virtual anchoring protects delicate seabeds by avoiding traditional anchors.
Expedition-ready, the Sylvia Earle includes four sea-level Zodiac platforms for fast and safe transfers to shore. Adventure gear is prepped in spacious, expert-designed activity areas with lockers and drying zones for wetsuits and dry suits—perfect for kayaking, diving, and other optional activities.
Sea Kayaking
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes and across Antarcticas soft, powdery snow a breeze.
Snorkelling
Discover the underwater world of Antarctica and the Arctic! Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
