14 January 2020 UK: Aurora Expeditions, Australia’s leading expedition cruising company has launched its 2021/22 program aboard both the Greg Mortimer and the Sylvia Earle, the world’s first passenger ships to feature the Ulstein X-BOW®. The new program includes a diverse and exciting variety of new itineraries and destinations, including Antarctica and the South Sandwich Islands, Ireland and Costa Rica.
Aurora Expedition’s Global Head of Marketing, Victoria Primrose notes “We’re thrilled to launch our new program that will be run across our two world-class, purpose-built expedition ships. The variety of our unique small group expeditions that allow passengers to experience otherwise extremely difficult to reach destinations has resulted in phenomenal demand.”
“With the delivery of our second purpose-built expedition ship launching in October 2021, we have the ability to widen our offering. Whilst polar voyages remain core to the program, we have introduced new itineraries and destinations such as Ireland and Costa Rica which will offer our customers breathtaking experiences in some of the most biodiverse and impressive places on the planet.”
“We’ll also continue to offer a broad range of adventure activities on all of our voyages, from sea kayaking to rock climbing and polar diving1, so our guests can customise their trips and get the most out of their time onboard.”
Launching with the new 2021/22 program is an exclusive early bird deal offering a saving of up to 30 per cent on new voyages booked and deposited by 31 March 2020, or until sold out, whichever comes first*.
Some of the main highlights of the new Aurora Expeditions 21/22 program include:
NEW South Georgia & Antarctica Odyssey ft. South Sandwich Islands – 25 Days
Sailing on the Sylvia Earle
On this epic voyage, not only will passengers explore the famed white continent and far-flung South Georgia, they will also sail to the South Sandwich Islands, a chain of remote and seldom-visited volcanic islands. Exploring with experts and by zodiac, this voyage is both unique and true to Aurora Expeditions’ spirit of adventure.
NEW Guanacaste, Costa Rica – 7 days
Sailing on the Greg Mortimer
Costa Rica is blessed with abundant nature, pristine beaches and immense biodiversity. In Guanacaste, passengers will explore a slice of Costa Rica rarely visited by expedition vessels including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Guanacaste Conservation Area, hiking in wildlife-rich rainforests and venturing to peaks in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where archaeological sites offer a glimpse into Costa Rica’s ancient past.
NEW Ireland’s West Coast – 13 Days
Sailing on the Greg Mortimer
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Ireland’s rugged west coast is a journey through hundreds of islands, enchanting peninsulas and fjords, soaring cliffs, crumbling castles and unique flora and fauna. With special guest Greg Mortimer himself, passengers can expect a truly memorable expedition.
NEW Sub-Antarctic Safari – 17 days
Sailing on the Sylvia Earle
Steeped in history, the Falklands~Malvinas is also a beacon for bird lovers. Expeditioners will marvel at the incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species including king, macaroni, rockhopper, magellanic and gentoo. Passengers should keep an eye out as black-browed albatross wheel overhead, with approximately 65% of their global population returning to the precipitous, craggy bluffs of the islands to breed.
NEW Solar Eclipse in Antarctica – 16 days
Sailing on the Sylvia Earle
In December 2021, a full solar eclipse will occur in the Weddell Sea region, offering passengers the rare and historic opportunity to witness this remarkable spectacle in Antarctic waters. This once in a lifetime voyage will visit the incredible white continent and the spectacular island of South Georgia.
The full 2021/22 program is available for download here.