Aurora Expeditions -

ra joe

We had an amazing first trip with Aurora aboard the Sylvia Earle Jewels of the Arctic in June 2024. We had high expectations and these were well and truly met in all respects. We had only 85 passengers (max 130) from all over the world - largest contingents from Australia, USA and China. All like-minded and ready for fun and adventure. The ship is beautiful - 5 star - we had a Stateroom A Cabin with balcony - just perfect - very comfortable size for us. All areas of the ship - bars, 2 restaurants, lecture room, lounges are tastefully decorated. The entertainment aboard is lectures from the fabulous expedition team - scientists, historians, naturalists, botanists, marine biologists, professional photographer etc. We learned so much and they even showed us some videos of their own personal adventures. True to an expedition, our itinerary need to change. We were to go to East Greenland however, the pack ice was such that we got close but could not make land - in lieu of this and with much negotiation by the Expedition Leader (Howard Whelan) with the Norwegian military, we were able to go ashore on the very amazing Jan Mayen. Also a few extra days along Iceland coast in lieu. The team worked very hard to ensure we all had fun and an amazing adventure. We did and saw things that we never imagined we would in our life - saw polar bears and walrus in the wild, kayaked with seals, saw whales and the most amazing birds. Hiked in a polar desert. We had signed up to do sea kayaking - just fabulous - could not believe what we were seeing from the water in these stunning locations. We got off the ship twice per day (except on the 4 sea days) to kayak, zodiac cruise, make landings for hikes etc. Food and service on board was top class - so fresh with tremendous variety - the hospitality team could not do enough for you. Housekeeping staff fantastic. Such a professional outfit - we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on board - no dressing up in fine clothes needed. Met some amazing other guests. We highly recommend Aurora for this type of travel. We feel absolutely privileged to be able to see these remote and stunning areas for ourselves. Yes, these are expensive trips but so worth it - once in a lifetime experiences. We have booked with Aurora to do Antaractic/South Georgia/Falklands in December 2024 - can't wait!

Karen Rivers

What an amazing experience to travel to Antartica, made even more special travelling with Aurora. The ‘Sylvia Earle’ is luxurious but the people from Aurora are what makes this adventure so incredible. Everyone has so much knowledge that they are will to share, they are all so friendly and so much fun. All this even before you sight your first wildlife or iceberg. Also their understanding and care for the environment is outstanding. Highly recommend travel with Aurora, we will be back.

J “Finediner” Geh

About a year ago, my in laws wanted to see penguins in their natural environment. Despite being really sick on boats, I obliged to travel with them. They were, after all, over 80, and who knew what could happen?
This meant the whole year worrying about new health conditions, insurance, worsening mobility, and memory loss (not me!). To make a dream come true, someone had to be brave. So I offered to go, and my husband began the hugely complex plan of getting 6 family members together from across 3 continents to go to South America.
This expedition is a well catered semi- cruise on the Sylvia Earle. Three decent meals a day. Two were buffet, and alcohol included in the evening meal was more than enough. Coffee/teas and cookies/fruit kept constantly in supply. Twice a day cleaning of rooms and explicit protocols for landings via zodiac rides were included. We all felt very safe all the time. The ship's captain and crew and the expedition leader kept us on course during the 11-day trip. The worst part is Drake's passage, where choppy waters are the norm. 2 days there and back with antisickness jabs got me through.
The landscape was chilly, but they provided the jackets. Take some Salapettes. Maybe 2 pairs and ski gloves/hats/goggles/sun protection (a must). Take swimwear for the sauna and the polar plunge. Take gym kit for the ship's gym.
I never saw such happy, polite, and well trained staff as these. It was a joy and a pleasure to have been there. The 4 days of throwing up wouldn't put me off as the ship's doctor was very obliging. But I will not have to do it again now! Amazing, peaceful landscapes, wildlife, and pure air will greet you in Antarctica. There are educational, entertaining lectures and a quiz! You also get your own water bottle.
What's not to like?

Mark Luttinen

Fantastic experience starting with a voyage through the straights of Magellan and a quick trip through Drakes Passage. Best part of the trip was getting up in the morning to see what new sites and adventures were in store for the day. Definitely got out to see more unique locations in Antarctica than I would expect. The expedition staff was a delight to be around and helped get us out to see whales, seals, penguins and fantastic displays of ice. Hotel staff catered to our needs and made us feel welcome, comfortable and somewhat pampered. Always met with a smile and cheerful greeting any time.

John Fison

We had an amazing trip on the Greg Mortimer in February 2023. The Aurora team on the ground in Punta Arenas (Tomas and crew), Expedition Team (led so well by Ashley) and the HQ team in Australia looked after us perfectly, from start to finish. We shared so many wonderful experiences with friends and the team could not have done any more for us. Highlights include seeing the wonderful forms of icebergs south of the Antarctic Circle, the shoreline landscape, wildlife and birds (inquisitive leopard seals being our favourite), the polar plunge, volcanic island and the genuine desire of the crew, every day, to make it the trip of a lifetime. Thank you Aurora!

Te Shan Liang

To Antarctica. On Greg Mortimer. An expedition ship that I want to return to, or at least, with the company that runs it and her(his?) sister ship, the Sylvia Earle.
Plus points: superb crew, staff and expedition guides. Fabulous rooms. Excellent food and beverage selections. Comprehensive programs that cater to kayakers, trekkers, snowshoers, skiers, photography buffs, citizen scientists, nature lovers, historians.
Minus: The Crossing. Which needs to be experienced once.

KandE Traveling

We just completed our Northwest Passage cruise on the Greg Mortimer. It was our first cruise, as being packed in with thousands of people was not our idea of a holiday. We were looking for opportunities for hikes and wildlife viewing.
Aurora provided an excellent boat, service people, and an exceptional expedition team. Two professional photographers rode in the zodiacs and gave lectures on improving your camera skills whether you own professional-grade equipment or just your smart phone. The nature videographer had clips of animals filmed for Nature and Richard Attenborough's shows. A geologist explained how old the rocks were and the unusual basalt formations. The kayak guide got hooked on the botanist's study of plankton, and shared his excitement with the passengers. Several guides are proficient long-distance sailors; have experience with dog sleds, or are paramedics. The shore landings were inspected by a group of guides who made us safe by ensuring no polar bears were present. The reception, housekeeping, and meal servers were very personable and never left us disappointed. Food offerings were varied and plentiful, and dinners were served a la carte.
We look at our pictures and trip notes, and still can't believe what a fabulous experience we had.

Adrian Bass

Our trip with Aurora Expeditions to Antarctica was one year ago, and it continues to be the highlight of all of our travels. We fell in love with the penguins and the cruise.

Although we will miss the penguins, we valued traveling with Aurora so much, that we have booked a trip for June 2023 on the Greg Mortimer to Svalbard and Greenland, the Jewels of the Arctic. We look forward to more peak adventures.