Quick answer
Aurora Expeditions is a expedition cruise line based in Sydney, Australia. Australian expedition line with X-BOW ships for smoother crossings of the Drake Passage and a strong outdoor-activity programme. Best for: expedition, adventure. Fares start from roughly US$2,050 per person per night (indicative).
- Cruise type
- Expedition & polar cruises
- Headquarters
- Sydney, Australia
- Price level
- Luxury · from ≈ US$2,050 pp/night
- Fleet (selected)
- 3 ships listed
- Typical length
- 8–24 nights
- Ship size
- 100–500 guests
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Sails to
- Antarctica, Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland, Africa & the Indian Ocean islands, Australia & New Zealand, South America, Patagonia & the Panama Canal
- Best for
- Expedition, Adventure
- Official website
- aurora-expeditions.com
Why choose Aurora Expeditions
- X-BOW hulls for calmer crossings
- Scuba diving and kayaking options
- Small 130-guest ships
Ships
- Greg Mortimer
- Sylvia Earle
- Douglas Mawson
Selected ships; fleets change as ships join and leave. Ask us for deck plans and cabin details.
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Where Aurora Expeditions sails
Antarctica
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec. Best: Jan, Dec.
Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland
Season: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Best: Jul, Aug.
Africa & the Indian Ocean islands
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec. Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec.
Australia & New Zealand
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec. Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec.
South America, Patagonia & the Panama Canal
Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec. Best: Jan, Feb, Dec.
What is included
Usually included
Cabin, meals, landings and Zodiac cruises, expert lectures. Kayaking, camping and charter flights may cost extra.
Dress code
Practical outdoor layers; parkas and boots are often provided or loaned.
Food & dietary needs
Vegetarian meals are available on every sailing. Jain, vegan, halal and allergy requests are sent to the line in writing when you book — see our food guide.
Visas for Aurora Expeditions itineraries
Depending on the itinerary you may need: Australia visitor visa, New Zealand, Schengen visa (Europe). When you book, our Visa Desk checks every port for your passport and gives you apply-by dates.
Similar cruise lines
Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
The pioneer of expedition cruising, partnered with National Geographic, with naturalists, photographers and undersea specialists on every…
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Norwegian expedition line with hybrid-powered ships, science centres and a long polar heritage. Separate from Hurtigruten's coastal…
Silversea Expeditions
Silversea's expedition fleet: luxury polar ships with butler service, plus Silver Origin in the…
Quark Expeditions
Polar specialist offering Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic; Ultramarine carries two helicopters for…
Poseidon Expeditions
Polar specialist known for Svalbard, Greenland and Antarctica voyages on a small, sociable expedition…
Atlas Ocean Voyages
'Luxe-expedition' yachts with drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included, sailing the poles and the…
Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora Expeditions good for families?
Aurora Expeditions is better suited to expedition, adventure than to young families. Wildlife lovers, photographers and once-in-a-lifetime travellers who are reasonably mobile.
What is included in a Aurora Expeditions fare?
Cabin, meals, landings and Zodiac cruises, expert lectures. Kayaking, camping and charter flights may cost extra.
Where does Aurora Expeditions sail?
Aurora Expeditions sails to Antarctica, Arctic, Svalbard & Greenland, Africa & the Indian Ocean islands, Australia & New Zealand, South America, Patagonia & the Panama Canal.
How much does a Aurora Expeditions cruise cost?
As a guide, Aurora Expeditions fares start from about US$2,050 per person per night, so a 8-night trip starts around US$16,400 per person before taxes and extras. Exact fares depend on ship, date and cabin.
Can I book Aurora Expeditions through Xciting Cruising?
Yes. Xciting Cruising sells Aurora Expeditions sailings worldwide, with prices in your currency (including INR), a free 48-hour hold, low deposits, and visa, insurance, shore excursions and forex handled in the same booking.
What is the dress code on Aurora Expeditions?
Practical outdoor layers; parkas and boots are often provided or loaned.