Aurora Expeditions Reaches Sustainability Milestone, Achieves B Corp Certification

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Glacier Shelf Aerial Ice Landscape in Svalbard with Sylvia Earle
Image Credit: Mads Peter Iversen

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, Feb.1, 2024 – Aurora Expeditions, an award-winning pioneer of polar travel, has reached a new milestone in its sustainability journey, and is now a Certified B Corporation™ in a definitive step in its vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel. 

B Corps are certified businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, and who have made a legal commitment to balance purpose and profit. 

This certification is a culmination of Aurora’s efforts to embed sustainable practices across all areas of its business. The company was assessed on its impact across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers. Part of this is its portfolio of sustainability programs, working to protect ‘Planet’ and ‘People’ through initiatives such as its 100% Climate Neutral status, emissions reduction strategies, conservation and climate change education, support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and more. 

“We are exceedingly proud to join the B Corp community following a rigorous, but rewarding process,” said Aurora Expeditions’ CEO, Michael Heath. “We have been taking passengers on small-ship expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and untouched wilderness destinations for more than three decades, and we acutely recognize our responsibility to inspire, educate and advocate for the preservation of these important ecosystems.

“Furthermore, through this process we have learned that sustainability is so much more than our environmental impacts, though these play a hugely important part. Much of the work we were already doing in other areas such as policy and governance has also been formalized, and we are now meeting a higher level of accountability, ensuring we consider the impact of business decisions on all stakeholders. 

“This has been a powerful step for our business. As a B Corp in the expedition travel space, we’re counted among businesses that are leading a global movement for change, and we hope to inspire others in our industry to do the same.”

B Corp Certification has been a natural progression as part of Aurora’s overall portfolio of sustainability programs, whose actions and measures have the overarching goal of reducing negative impacts on the environment and communities and contributing to building a more sustainable world for future generations. This certification also follows the release of the company’s inaugural Impact Report in mid-2023. 

Learn more about Aurora Expeditions at www.aurora-expeditions.com 

Learn more about the B Corp Movement at https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/ 

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Aurora Expeditions’ Two Ships, the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, Meet for the First Time

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Photo by Bailey Robertson

Greg, let me introduce you to Sylvia

Sydney, Australia - Feb. 1, 2023 - Aurora Expeditions’ two ships met for the first time this week while in Antarctica, looking majestic in the icy landscape. Greg Mortimer, which launched in 2019, has visited the region for several Antarctic seasons. Sylvia Earle’s maiden voyage was in December 2022, and she recently departed on her fifth voyage in Antarctic waters. 

The world-renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the ship’s namesake, will be christening her ship on Feb. 15, 2023 before she departs on the inaugural Antarctic Climate Expedition, a world-first nine-day voyage with Ocean Geographic, Aurora Expeditions and a collection of renowned thought leaders.

Each of Aurora Expedition’s purpose-built, small ships takes an average of 132 passengers with an average of over 20 Expedition Team members. Aurora was the first to use the ULSTEIN X-BOW® in a passenger ship. Its inverted bow design cuts through the swell minimizing vibrations, enabling faster transits through sea passages and helping reduce fuel consumption. This, in combination with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilizers, offers unrivaled stability and comfort on ocean crossings. 

With over 32 years of experience, Aurora Expeditions is founded on the guiding principles of endless exploration while traveling with the utmost consideration of the environment. Aurora is deeply committed to responsible, respectful and safe travel, and it offers one of the highest Expedition Team-to-passenger ratios in expedition cruising. Their expertise brings to life the beauty and fragility of this spectacular polar region.  

Aurora’s guide experience is imperative for ensuring passengers have a safe, fascinating, immersive and enjoyable expedition. Education and enrichment are at the center of the brand’s experience, and the seasoned Expedition Team has always shared their knowledge and insights so that travelers leave richer than they did when they came onboard, ultimately creating lifelong ambassadors for the planet.

About Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is an award-winning, Australian-owned expedition company pioneering experiential travel for over 30 years. A pioneer in Polar Expeditions, Aurora is deeply committed to environmentally respectful travel to preserve the beauty and majesty that mother nature possesses, and we take real actions for the care of the planet.

Founded on the guiding principles of adventure and endless exploration, the small ship experience is intimate and friendly. Aurora Expeditions takes travelers on perspective-altering experiences to some of the most remote and incredible places on the planet.

Aurora’s two purpose-built ships, Greg Mortimer and our brand-new small expedition ship Sylvia Earle are designed for global discovery. Our new ship is named after acclaimed marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr Sylvia Earle.

The tech gear we travel with when we cruise.

AURORA EXPEDITIONS LAUNCHES NEW SHIP – SYLVIA EARLE

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Inaugural Voyage to Antarctica: December 2022

Photo Credit: Aurora Expeditions / Benjamin Tan

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (Nov. 10, 2022) – Today, award-winning expedition travel company Aurora Expeditions has launched its second purpose-built small ship, Sylvia Earle, which will embark on her inaugural voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina to Antarctica on Dec.10, 2022.

Named after the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle, this state-of-the-art expedition ship will be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet.

“We are beyond thrilled to announce our newest ship, Sylvia Earle, is in the water and on her way to Antarctica,” says Aurora’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Heath. “We cannot wait to introduce her to our loyal trade and consumer partners worldwide and, of course, a new generation of global expeditioners in search of adventure, discovery and extraordinary life-changing experiences.”

With its strong focus on education and conservation, the new Sylvia Earle is designed to accommodate an average 132 passengers per voyage in a relaxed, fun and informal onboard setting.

Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, an inverted bow designed for smoother and faster ocean crossings which helps to reduce fuel consumption, the ship offers stylish and comfortable staterooms and suites, most with private balconies.

Public spaces include multiple restaurants and bars, social relaxation and wellness areas, an outdoor heated swimming pool and jacuzzis, a gym, spa and sauna, a library lounge, lecture theatre, and expansive decks offering panoramic views of wilderness and wildlife, making it the ideal ‘base camp’ for exploring.

Zodiac docks, a changing room and mudroom prepare passengers for off-ship and on-shore activities, while a dedicated Science Centre is the hub for a variety of participative and educational Citizen Science programs.

A highly experienced Expedition Team guides passengers in small groups on myriad excursions by water and land, with exciting activities ranging from Zodiac cruises to walks and hikes, sea kayaking, scuba-diving, snorkelling, paddling, skiing, photography and birdwatching, among others.

“Our goal is to immerse our expeditioners in some of the world’s most remote and fascinating places and, in doing so, create lifelong ambassadors for the planet,” says Chief Marketing Officer, Hayley Peacock-Gower. “More than 30 years in the making, Aurora Expeditions has a track record for pioneering adventure and discovery – and respectful travel is at the core of our ethos.”

A sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, launched in 2019, the Sylvia Earle is named after one of the world’s leading ocean conservationists, the first female Chief Scientist of the US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

Dr Earle has been a National Geographic explorer-in-residence since 1998 and was named by Time magazine as its first ‘Hero of the Planet’. Her own conservation initiative Mission Blue is creating a global network of marine protected areas known as ‘Hope Spots’.

Each of the new ship’s decks is named after six other pioneering female conservationists – Jo Ruxton (MBE), Dr Carden Wallace (AM), Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo – with a deck dedicated to Dr Earle herself.

In February 2023, Dr Earle, in partnership with Ocean Geographic will lead a world-first ‘Antarctic Climate Expedition’ on the new ship to raise public and government awareness of the environmental importance of the Antarctic. This special voyage aims to deliver resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emission by 2035 from an ocean perspective.

“Female scientists are leading the way in global conservation initiatives, and we want to honour these seven extraordinary women who work tirelessly to make the world a better place,” says Peacock-Gower.

“We invite you to ignite your curiosity, passion and care for the natural world, and join us on board the new Sylvia Earle for a true Aurora experience of a lifetime - and travel for good,” she adds.

** For more information on the new Sylvia Earle including departures, visit here. 

For more information, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au.

My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Mars

Aurora Expeditions hosts a variety of new itineraries

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Photo courtesy of Michael Baynes Photography

Antarctica is the destination on everyone’s bucket list right now, and luckily the best time to visit is quickly approaching. From November to March, Antarctica’s summer season, the days in Antarctica are at their longest and wildlife is most active. This year, adventure fanatics should choose to travel to the great white continent with Aurora Expeditions, where they’ll be fully immersed in this new world with innovative itinerary combinations and activities, such as polar scuba diving, not offered by others.

During this season, the temperature in Antarctica is regularly above zero, so wildlife enthusiasts will have a chance to spot an abundance of animals, such as polar bears, penguins and more. The sun is also in a perfect position for photographers to capture incredible sunrises and sunsets, and the long daylight hours make the weather much more favorable for land excursions. The beauty doesn’t end at night, because of zero light pollution coming through, travelers will be surrounded by millions of glistening stars at night and even catch a glimpse of the beautiful northern lights, as well as the milky way!

Aurora Expeditions hosts a variety of new itineraries that will appeal to anyone interested in visiting. Please see below for details.

Falklands~Malvinas and Antarctic Peninsula: 

  • Perfect for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers, this is an in-depth, five-day exploration of the Falklands~Malvinas and Antarctic Peninsula in mid-spring when it is at its most pristine and ideal for landscape photography. Expect to find no less than six species of breeding penguins, seals, and 23 annual migrants of birds.

South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey featuring South Sandwich Islands

  • Wildlife lovers will also enjoy this epic voyage discovering the Falklands~Malvinas, encountering the animal haven in South Georgia, and sailing to the South Sandwich Islands, along with an adventure seeking voyage to a chain of seldom-visited volcanic islands located 460 miles south-east of South Georgia. The South Sandwich Islands is in a corner of the world that very few people reach, making this is unique opportunity to become one of those few. 

Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

  • This is the ultimate expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula that includes visits to well-known locations and opportunities for surprise discoveries, with nine full days to discover the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula in the peak of summer. Those who love an adrenaline rush should opt for this voyage as it also sails through the Drake Passage.

Antarctic Explorer Express

  • This expedition is the younger sibling to the fully-grown Antarctic Explorer voyage, featuring a condensed version of the longer itinerary for travelers who might be short on time. Take a break from taking the Drake Passage on the way back and use your time to explore Antarctica with Zodiac cruises, polar plunges and more.

Deep Weddell Following Nordensköld

  • History enthusiasts will be astounded by the Weddell Sea region, which is renowned for vast amounts of ice – sea ice, pack ice and gigantic icebergs. For adventurous expeditioners, a visit to the area can be rewarding, most notably for its historical associations surrounding the abandonment of Ernest Shackleton’s ship, The Endurance, after it was trapped in ice. The area  is also well known to be rich in geology and paleontology. Travelers can scour for ancient fossils of gastropods, large clams and spiral-shaped ammonites.

Circle and Weddell

  • Antarctic adventurers can aim to tick two boxes off their bucket list on this voyage. Here,  travelers have the opportunity to visit regions in Antarctica that most people who have visited the region have never experienced – below the Antarctic Circle and attempting to forge a path through the ice in the Weddell Sea.

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Aurora Expeditions Announces Patagonia Treks  

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Image credits: Patagonia Trekking, Aurora Expeditions Credit Leila Melina Soto  

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Aug. 17, 2022 - The award-winning Australian adventure travel company, Aurora Expeditions, has announced new treks in Patagonia, with the first voyage setting sail on Nov. 19, 2022. The two 10-day itineraries, Patagonia Discovery Trek and Torres Del Paine Explorer, dovetail seamlessly with Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic sailings.

The treks weave their way through the Patagonian wilderness, providing insight into this barren, but vibrant environment filled with fascinating flora and fauna. Sweeping across the border of Argentina and Chile, trekkers will experience the beauty of Patagonia, encountering everything from the dramatic mountain ranges and valleys with cascading rivers, to the glittering glaciers and azure lakes.

“Our highly experienced team has curated several fascinating treks in Patagonia, showcasing the region’s little-explored corners ensuring our travelers see incredible locations and experience nature at its finest,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer of Aurora Expeditions. “Many of our Antarctic passengers wish to extend their time in the South American region and these new itineraries are designed to make the most of their schedule. The Patagonia experience complements our comprehensive range of Antarctic itineraries, and now with two ships, the Greg Mortimer and the soon-to- launch, Sylvia Earle, the 2022/23 season is able to meet the increasing demand for people to take that once in a lifetime trip.”

The Torres Del Paine Explorer stays within the Chilean border and the Patagonia Discovery Trek offers travelers three options, enabling them to combine an Antarctic sailing with a timely trek: an Argentina return trip; an Argentina to Chile itinerary and a Chile to Argentina version.  

Patagonia Discovery Trek Los Glaciares & Torres del Paine 

Explorers will discover the vast Patagonian wilderness on this unique guided walking trip, taking in two of Patagonia’s most iconic national parks and the famed Perito Moreno Glacier. During this 10-day experience, travelers will hike rugged trails overlooking iridescent blue glacial lakes, as Andean condors soar overhead among the towering ice-capped peaks.

Torres del Paine Explorer Torres del Paine 

Immerse oneself in the treasures of Chilean Patagonia. Here, travelers will discover the dramatic alpine scenery and fascinating wildlife of the Torres del Paine National Park with four full days of hiking with a local guide. Then, they will ascend through the Ascencio Valley along the renowned W Trek and take in the stunning views on the lesser known Lazo-Weber trail while keeping their eyes peeled for rheas, flamingos and guanacos.

Each guided trek is priced from $5,145 per person twin share and limited to a maximum of 20 hikers, ensuring immersive, life-changing small-group opportunities in the spectacularly scenic Patagonia region of South America. 

Passengers can save up to five percent when booking a trek with an Antarctic cruise. Trek price includes nightly accommodation with ensuite, most meals, private ground transport and all guide fees and national park entrance fees.

For more information on the Patagonia treks, including departure dates visit https://www.aurora-expeditions.com/destination/patagonia/


My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Countdown to Antarctica 2022/23: Last Chance to Receive Up to 20% off with Aurora Expeditions 

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Greg Mortimer in Antarctica; Credit: Tyson Mayr

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - July 21, 2022 - Today, Australia’s award-winning adventure travel company, Aurora Expeditions, has announced fantastic last chance deals for its upcoming Antarctica 2022/23 season, beginning in three months’ time with the South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey on Oct. 21, 2022. 

In anticipation of this milestone season, Aurora is offering travelers some unbeatable offers, with up to 20% off all Antarctica voyages for the 2022/23 season, for bookings made by Aug. 31, 2022. 

After a hugely successful resumption of operations to the region earlier this year, Aurora Expeditions will be returning to Antarctica and operating two ships for the first time – its purpose-built vessels, the Greg Mortimer and the brand-new Sylvia Earle. Voyages will be operating from the ports of Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile. 

“We are incredibly excited for the start of the upcoming season, where we will be operating two ships in Antarctica for the first time,” said Hayley Peacock-Gower, chief marketing officer of Aurora Expeditions. “In anticipation of this season, we wanted to give travelers looking for a life-changing experience the opportunity for some extraordinary savings for the trip of a lifetime. There is so much variety on offer throughout our October to March season, including our industry leading activity program and our authentic expedition experiences encouraging passengers off the ship as much as possible.” 

“Adventurous travelers may want to try specific activities, like camping or alpine trekking early in the season, take advantage of fly/sail itineraries from January, or have their hearts set on visiting more intrepid destinations, such as the Weddell Sea on one of our February or March voyages,” added Peacock-Gower.  

Highlight voyages include: 

The inaugural voyage of the brand-new Sylvia Earle, this itinerary is a must for wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Steeped in history, the Falklands~Malvinas is also a beacon for bird lovers. Discover an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species including King, Macaroni, Rockhopper, Magellanic and Gentoo. Watch as black-browed albatross wheel overhead, with approximately 85% of their global population returning to the precipitous, craggy bluffs of the Falklands~Malvinas to breed. In South Georgia, jagged peaks and glaciers create a breathtaking backdrop for beaches crowded with elephant and fur seals, and countless penguins.

Available Activities: Shackleton’s Crossing on Foot, Sea kayaking, snorkeling 

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.

Available activities: Camping, Snowshoeing, Ski/snowboard touring, Sea Kayaking and more 

Famed for its tremendous tabular icebergs, year-round sea ice, fascinating fossils and the pivotal role it played in Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, the Weddell Sea offers unsurpassed opportunities for exploration. Embark on a true Antarctic expedition as we not only explore the west Antarctic Peninsula, but also attempt to venture east towards the icy perimeter of the Weddell Sea, often guarded by impenetrable pack ice and home to awe-inspiring tabular icebergs.

Available activities: Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling 

Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica yourself, reducing your time on the high seas by flying across the Drake in at least one direction. Immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill.

Available activities: Sea kayaking, Snorkeling 

To assist in planning for the ultimate adventure to the white continent, the expedition operator has also released a digital Antarctica mini-brochure, featuring all of its upcoming voyages between 2022-24. 

For more information visit https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/

*Terms and conditions apply


My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion