Aurora Expeditions is celebrating 35 years of pioneering small‑ship exploration with a global anniversary offer, featuring savings of up to 35% on select 2026 and 2027 voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic and culturally rich coastlines around the world.
Founded in 1991 by Australian mountaineer Greg Mortimer, the company has built a reputation for immersive, expert‑led expeditions that prioritise responsible travel and deep connection to remote environments. Travellers can learn more and browse anniversary itineraries on the official Aurora Expeditions website.
35 Years of Purposeful Exploration
From its beginnings as Australia’s first polar charter operator, Aurora Expeditions has specialised in small-group journeys to some of the world’s most remote and remarkable destinations.
Purpose‑built expedition ships, a high guide‑to‑traveller ratio and a strong focus on education and sustainability sit at the heart of the company’s ethos, offering guests more time off the ship and richer, hands‑on experiences.
The 35th anniversary savings of up to 35% reflect Aurora’s long‑standing philosophy of “exploration with purpose,” rewarding curious, adventure‑minded travellers looking to go further, deeper and with a lighter footprint.
Antarctica: Big Savings on Bucket‑List Voyages
Aurora’s anniversary offer applies to a selection of 2026–27 Antarctic expeditions, giving guests the chance to experience one of the world’s most wildlife‑rich and dramatic regions at significant savings.
“Highlights include “Spirit of Antarctica” (12 days, Feb 27–Mar 10, 2027), a comprehensive Antarctic Peninsula journey with daily Zodiac outings, towering icebergs and abundant wildlife, now from AUD 19,059 per person (previously from AUD 29,321).
“Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea” (13 days, Mar 2–14, 2027) offers rare access to the remote Weddell Sea and enhanced scientific insight via Aurora’s partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours, now from AUD 22,387 per person (previously from AUD 34,442).
For guests seeking extended exploration, “South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey” (21 days, Mar 9–29, 2027) combines penguin‑packed South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula from AUD 32,676 per person (was AUD 50,270).
History enthusiasts can choose “In Shackleton’s Footsteps” (20 days, Nov 8–27, 2026), which retraces elements of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary journey and now starts from AUD 33,886 per person (previously AUD 48,408).
Across these voyages, guests benefit from Aurora’s polar expertise, diverse activity program and emphasis on time ashore, often with two to three excursions per day when conditions allow.
Arctic & “Beyond”: North Atlantic, Iceland and Coral‑Rich Raja Ampat
The anniversary savings also extend to a curated selection of Arctic and “beyond” expeditions, combining polar wilderness with cultural discovery. “Historical Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland” (13 days, May 17–29, 2026) traces Viking history, rugged coasts and remote island communities from AUD 14,297 per person (reduced from AUD 21,995).
“Iceland: Into the Westfjords” (7 days, Jun 9–15, 2026) focuses on Iceland’s wild Westfjords—think steep fjords, seabird cliffs and geothermal sites—from AUD 9,747 per person (previously AUD 14,995).
For autumn colour and aurora‑spotting, “Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights” (17 days, Aug 18–Sep 3, 2026) combines Arctic landscapes with Northern Lights opportunities, now from AUD 20,732 per person (down from AUD 31,895).
Warmer‑water adventurers can opt for “Idyllic Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay” (10 days, Oct 5–14, 2026), exploring one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions with coral reefs, snorkelling and potential whale shark encounters, also from AUD 20,732 per person (previously AUD 31,895).
Small Ship Cruises: Culture‑Rich Coasts and Iconic Seas
Beyond the polar regions, Aurora’s small‑ship journeys apply its expedition style to history‑ and culture‑rich coastlines closer to home.
“Madrid to Marrakech: An Atlantic Adventure” (15 days, Jun 10–24, 2026) links Europe and North Africa via historic ports and scenic Atlantic coasts, now from AUD 13,907 per person (down from AUD 21,395).
“A Mediterranean Masterpiece” (13 days, Jun 30–Jul 12, 2026) weaves together art, history and gastronomy across iconic and lesser‑visited Mediterranean ports from AUD 13,062 per person (previously AUD 20,095).
Film lovers can choose “The Godfather” (12 days, Jul 8–19, 2026), a cinematic journey through Sicily and southern Italy inspired by the landscapes and villages of the famous films, now from AUD 12,217 per person (was AUD 18,795).
“An Adriatic Renaissance” (12 days, Jul 17–28, 2026) showcases medieval towns, island‑dotted coasts and Venetian‑influenced ports from AUD 11,372 per person (previously AUD 17,495).
“Sailing the Greek Islands” (12 days, Aug 29–Sep 9, 2026) offers an in‑depth Greek island experience from AUD 13,452 per person (down from AUD 20,695).
How to Access the 35th Anniversary Savings
The 35‑year anniversary savings are available on select 2026 and 2027 departures, with discounts of up to 35% off published fares when booked within the promotional window noted on Aurora’s site.
Travellers interested in Antarctica, the Arctic or small‑ship cultural journeys are encouraged to secure preferred cabins early, as many itineraries feature limited capacity and expedition‑style ships. To explore the full list of eligible voyages, detailed itineraries and current pricing, visit the official Aurora Expeditions anniversary savings page.
