Aurora Expeditions Will Cap Polar Expedition Cruises at 130 Passengers

Image: Guests view Gentoo penguins from a zodiac. (Photo Credit: Scott Portelli/Aurora Expeditions)
Image: Guests view Gentoo penguins from a zodiac. (Photo Credit: Scott Portelli/Aurora Expeditions)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:25 AM ET, Mon July 29, 2024

Aurora Expeditions is introducing a new maximum passenger capacity for its cruises to the polar regions.

The company, which is a certified B Corp, will limit trips to the Arctic and Antarctica to 130 passengers as part of its “responsibility to protect and preserve the remote places we travel to,” says Michael Heath, the company’s chief executive officer.

The new limits apply across its entire fleet, including the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle and the new Douglas Mawson

“With passenger landing limits in Antarctica and some areas of the Arctic, we wanted to reinforce our commitment to providing the small ship experiences our passengers know us for, with more time off ship and more immersive activities,” says Heath. “This change solidifies our position as one of the most intimate small ship offerings in our class for the polar regions.” 

The company’s 2024-25 season runs from October to early April 2025. Travelers can save up to 20 percent off on select 2024-2025 expedition itineraries during the “Small Ships, Big Adventures” sale, which runs through September 30, 2024. In addition to 20 percent savings, they’ll also receive an air credit of $2,000 for all Antarctica sailings or $1,500 for all Arctic sailings. 

“We are proud to be one of the few companies visiting Antarctica and the Arctic with under 150 passengers,” Heath adds. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible travel and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel.” 


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