Aurora Expeditions launch new 2015-2016 Expedition Guide

Aurora Expeditions have launched their 2015-2016 Expedition Guide. For the first time ever, the guide encompasses expeditions across all seven continents featuring 21 itineraries, 18 destinations and over 80 individual departures, and is jammed packed with a range of new bonus inclusions. 

The expanded program includes a new 15-day 'African Cruise Safari' to some of the most concentrated wildlife regions of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The expedition highlights include a four-day cruise on the Chobe River on board luxury riverboat Zambezi Queen, with game viewing from special excursion crafts, as well as nights in traditional safari lodges and game drives through Chobe and Hwange National Parks. 

In Scotland passengers will receive a 12-month National Trust membership and an onboard genealogist will assist passengers in tracing their Scottish ancestry. Free artist workshops along the Kimberley coast will allow budding artists to create their own Kimberley masterpiece.

Other inclusions include complimentary kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and polar snorkelling in Alaska and free camping in Antarctica. 

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Aurora Expeditions take on the big five with their new African Cruise Safari

Adventure travel specialists Aurora Expeditions will be adding Africa to their expedition programme in 2015 with a brand new, 14-day African Cruise Safari. Showcasing the best of Southern Africa, the expedition will travel by boat, bus and jeep to some of the greatest nature and wildlife experiences in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Passengers will experience the rich history of Cape Town, Table Mountain and its nearby wine regions before flying to Victoria Falls and delving deep into the heart of some of Africa’s greatest wildlife convergences.

From luxurious safari lodges in Hwange and Chobe National Parks, passengers will enjoy safaris, dusk and dawn, to observe some of the largest populations of roaming elephants, giraffes grazing on thorn trees, antelopes, bathing hippos, and lions, cheetahs and leopards stalking their prey.

The highlight of the expedition is a three-night river cruise along the Chobe River, the natural boundary between Botswana and Namibia, on board the glorious Zambezi Queen. Wildlife viewing opportunities are endless as animals  come to the river to drink and feed, day and night. Small excursion vessels allow for discreet water-based game viewing, or guests can sit back and enjoy the show from the comfort of shaded decks or the air-conditioned, mosquito-screened lounge.

Aurora Expeditions’ will run two departures in 2015, on 16 and 23 April. Fares include all accommodation, transport, excursions and most meals, and start from £4,392 per person, twin share.

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Aurora Expeditions Announces New Scottish Coast to Coast Voyage 2013

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions has launched its new 2013 ‘Wild Scotland’ voyage with a 10% Earlybird Offer. Going from coast to coast, the voyage will explore the heritage and wildlife of the beautiful Scottish Isles as few see them.

Carrying a maximum of 54 passengers, Aurora Expeditions ship Polar Pioneer will depart from the picturesque town of Oban on the west coast and end in Aberdeen on the east. The 11 day voyage departs 23 June - 3 July 2013.

Following in the footsteps of our Celtic and Viking forefathers, the historic and wildlife themed voyage will blaze a trail across Scotland’s beautiful coastline including the Highlands, western islands, Outer Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Aberdeen. Exploration from Polar Pioneer will be carried out using Aurora Expeditions' fleet of Zodiacs and landings ashore.

Aurora Expeditions’ Scottish historian Carol Knott will regale fascinating stories and provide enriching lectures to unlock the mysteries of this ancient coastline. Passengers will experience history firsthand, taking in Neolithic sites scarcely altered in 5000 years and pondering the mystery of huge monoliths that marked seasonal change. Passengers will visit remote crofting communities and iconic castles that were once strongholds of Scottish clans. A naturalist will also be among the team of expedition experts, all of whom provide fascinating talks to help interpret the day’s sightings.

The dramatic coastline of the western Islands and Highlands is peppered with many stunningly beautiful sea lochs piercing far inland, providing sheltered cruising waters amid spectacular scenery. Pretty villages and golden beaches extend towards the north western islands which dot the north Atlantic to create a wonderland of seabird-speckled cliffs, towering sea stacks, glorious mountains and windswept moors. The remote northern islands of the Shetlands and Orkneys are warmed by the Gulf Stream and abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life. The north eastern coast typifies a seaboard carved by the North Sea, creating a unique visual landscape and a haven for wildlife.

Adventure Activity Option

Kayaking is available on this voyage. Paddlers will enjoy an intimate experience of these intricate coastlines paddling beneath cliffs echoing the raucous cries of gulls and kittiwakes. Previous experience is essential and numbers are limited – contact Aurora Expeditions for more information.

Prices and Offer

Prices start from AU$6080 per person. *Earlybird offer - Book before 30 June 2012 and receive 10% off. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Terms and conditions apply.    All passengers will also receive a complimentary 12 month membership to National Trust of Australia (NSW), including entry into over 300 properties in the UK .

For more information on Aurora Expeditions' Scotland itineraries, please visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/scotland or contact + 61 2 9252 1033 (freecall 1800 637 688) www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Picture - Graham Morgan

Rare Deals on Aurora Expeditions’ Cruises to The Kimberley Coast, Russian Arctic and Scotland

For a limited time, Aurora Expeditions is offering the chance to travel on a number of its iconic expedition cruises to the Kimberley, Russian Arctic and Scotland in 2012 at special discounted rates.

Kimberley Coast - AU$500 Discount

$500 Discount on all new bookings on 11 day Broome – Broome voyages departing in 28 May - 7 June and 8 - 18 June, 2012*

To celebrate the $1 million refurbishment of their Kimberley ship Coral Princess, Aurora Expeditions are offering $500 OFF* all new bookings on Broome – Broome voyages departing in 2012. Voyages will be led by the original Kimberley Adventurer, Mike Cusack (of Australian Geographic’s first Wilderness Couple) and his experienced team including Art Historian Garry Darby and expert Naturalist Dan Balint.

Travelling aboard the newly refurbished Coral Princess with a maximum of 44 passengers, Aurora’s innovative itineraries ensure passengers explore new locations each day, discovering all the highlights (and a few hidden gems) of the Kimberley Coast. Activities include fascinating rock art interpretation, night time croc spotting, Horizontal waterfalls, bush walks, beach BBQ’s and shark feeding.

Prices start from AU$6490 (including discount)

Russian Arctic – 2 for 1 Deal! Prices from US$4,445 (including discount)

2 for 1 Discount on 14 day Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land ‘Voyage to the End of the Earth’ departing 8 – 21 September, 2012.

With only one other voyage being run to this region in 2012, Aurora Expeditions is the only ‘small ship’ tour operator visiting the undiscovered region of Novaya Zemlya in the Russian Arctic in 2012.

An area shrouded in secrecy, the ability to visit the far reaches of the Russian Arctic is almost impossible to most. Akademik Shokalskiy carries a maximum of 54 passengers, providing intimate exploration of this region. The Novaya Zemlya archipelago comprises one large island and many small, stretching 1000km in an elongated crescent between the Barents and Kara seas. A veritable feast of wildlife and history, it is the easternmost point in Europe and remains one of Russia’s most restricted regions; which is why so few operators have permission to travel there. Whereas, Franz Josef Land is an archipelago of 191 ice covered islands, the planet’s last major landmass to be discovered and the modern day realm of the polar bear. This spectacular voyage promises to deliver adventure by the bucket-load.

One night’s accommodation in Murmansk pre-voyage (7 September 2012) is included in the voyage price, along with airport transfers and a Murmansk city tour.

Prices start from US$4,445 (including discount)

Wild Scotland and Faroe Islands – Savings of up to AU$1,050

Receive 10% discount off the 14 day Wild Scotland and the Faroe Islands voyage departing 11 – 24 June, 2012 *

Seabird-speckled cliffs, towering sea stacks, mysterious standing stones, secret waterways, glorious mountains and windswept moors. From the mournful beauty of the Outer Hebrides to mountainous Skye, remote outliers Foula and St Kilda to the Orkney’s fertile farmlands and Shetland’s rocky shores, the Scottish Isles offer remarkable diversity. The Faroe Islands are all this, steeped in a Viking past that survives today. Kayaking and scuba diving are also available on this voyage.

Prices start from AU$6750 (including discount)

This 14 day voyage departs Oban, Scotland on 11 June 2012, return to Cophenhagen, Denmark on 24 June 2012. Price includes flight from Torshavn, Faroe Islands to Cophenhagen Denmark.

*Discounts valid to new bookings only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to availability. Other terms and conditions may apply. Offer ends 30 April 2012.

www.auroraexpeditions.au.com

Aurora Expeditions Pushes The Boundaries Of Arctic Exploration

 

Just announced a 2:1 deal on this voyage

Aurora Expeditions is the only 'small ship' tour operator visiting the farthest reaches of the Arctic in 2012. It's 14 day 'Voyage to the End of the Earth' cruise, departing from Murmansk on 8th September, 2012 explores the incredible polar oases of Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya - the latter being off limits to most operators. An area shrouded in secrecy, the ability to visit Novaya Zemlya, deep within the Russian Arctic, is almost impossible to most. Aurora Expeditions are delighted to be taking a maximum of 54 passengers on an intimate exploration of the region, aboard their expedition ship Akademik Shokalskiy. The Novaya Zemlya archipelago comprises one large island and many small, stretching 1000km in an elongated crescent between the Barents and Kara Seas. Providing a veritable feast of wildlife and history, it is the easternmost point in Europe and remains one of Russia's most restricted regions; which is why so few operators have permission to travel there. The voyage also explores Franz Josef Land - an archipelago of 191 ice covered islands, the planet's last major landmass to be discovered and the modern day realm of the polar bear. The remote northerly location of these stunning archipelagos supports diverse and prolific wildlife, reinforced by the creation of national parks in 2009. The privileged few who take this voyage will explore the shore and Zodiac cruise around these islands of fascinating beauty and history, witnessing spectacular displays of bird and wildlife. For the more adventurous souls, kayaking is also available. Voyage Highlights: Exclusive photography mentoring led by acclaimed photographer Martin Bailey. A true wildlife expedition: seek out the rarest bird species of the Arctic such as the Ross´gull and ivory gulls; Greenland whales, narwhals, polar bears and walruses. Explore rarely visited historic sites, explorers' and hunters' huts and camps. Encounter stunning sunsets and a chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Why travel with Aurora Expeditions? For nearly 21 years, Aurora Expeditions have pioneered small group adventures to remote coastlines. A passion for adventure - Each voyage aims to provide guests with the experience of a lifetime. Taking a maximum of 54 passengers, the expert team seek out the best landing opportunities to ensure passengers maximise their time in the wilderness. Flexible itineraries, numerous daily Zodiac landings, 24hr open bridge policy and fascinating educational lectures all contribute to ensuring the voyage of a lifetime. Voyage prices start from US$8,890 per person. Voyage inclusions: Transfer from Murmansk airport to hotel, overnight accommodation in Murmansk, city tour and transfer to ship and transfer from ship to Murmansk airport

Aurora Expeditions Reaches Commonwealth Bay, 100 Years After Sir Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions Reaches Commonwealth Bay, 100 Years After Sir Douglas Mawson

Aurora Expeditions' Akademik Shokalskiy has become the first ship to sail into Commonwealth Bay this Antarctic season, making it within 10 nautical miles of Mawson's Hut to commemorate Sir Douglas Mawson's arrival 100 years ago. The ship sailed into the bay on the evening of 10 January 2012, just two days after the estimated centenary of Mawson's landing in 1912. Access to the region has until now been block by fast ice and a 150 kilometre iceberg, known as B9B. Other highlights of the commemorative Antarctic expedition so far have included a three kilometre walk out over the fast ice to a grounded, cavernous iceberg, Zodiac cruising around the enormous, 150 kilometre long, 30 metre high, walls of the B9B iceberg, and watching hundreds of inquisitive and charismatic Adelie penguins playing on the ice. Aurora Expeditions is an Australian-owned and operated expedition cruise company who have been operating expeditions to Antarctica for two decades. This season they will run three commemorative voyages to East Antarctica to celebrate the Mawson Centenary, as well as 10 voyages exploring the Antarctic Peninsula from Argentina. Their 2012/13 Antarctic brochure is now available online at www.auroraexpeditions.com.au In the UK visit the expedition crusing specialists. The Cruise Line

Kakyaking at Both Ends of the Planet and Between with Aurora

Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to refresh any adventurer’s soul. From the icy waters of Antarctica and the European Arctic, to the remote, forgotten shores of Russia, and the tropical fjords of Papua New Guinea, Aurora Expeditions’ kayaking journeys bring you up close to a maze of wildlife and nature.

Exploring the fascinating, wildlife-rich waters of our world’s most untouched continent – Antarctica - is an experience hard to beat. We glide silently past ice floes topped with sleeping seals and pondering penguins. Seabirds soar above us, while curious leopard seals and agile Adele penguins play around our small crafts as we paddle the pristine bays and hidden channels. Cracking ice falls from glaciers and small waves rock our kayaks gently as we sit patiently to witness a whale blow.

Paddling the subantarctic islands of South Georgia is a rare privilege and a wildlife lover’s dream. Kayak amongst thousands of breeding king penguins, and lively fur seals. We journey deep into glacial bays as black-browed and wandering albatross, prions, terns and petrels soar overhead, and elephant seals loll on beaches watched over by multitudes of macaroni and rock hopper penguins.

The icy waters of Greenland and Spitsbergen are a maze of massive sculpted icebergs, ice-choked fjords and sheltered bays. As we paddle the pack ice we keep watch for polar bears, walrus, whales and narwhale. We float beneath souring sea stacks filled with nesting seabirds, and on land we spot wildlife such as musk oxen, reindeer and Arctic fox.

From gazing at sea-life through crystal-clear waters, to paddling among uninhabited tropical islands, sea kayaking around Papua New Guinea is an unparalleled experience. Discover hidden waterways and the quiet of this tropical paradise. We come face-to-face and paddle with locals who live daily on the water with paddle in hand.

All Aurora Expeditions kayaking expeditions are led by experienced guides. Paddling in small groups of no more than 12 provides us with the opportunity to gain intimate access to beautiful coastlines in some of the world's most remote destinations. Kayaking prices are not included in the voyage price and start from US$850 in Antarctica, AU$995 in the European Arctic, US$995 in Russia and AU$995 in Papua New Guinea.

Prices include use of kayaks and paddles, dry suites and guide. Intermediate experience is required. Advice on gaining kayaking experience can be provided for you to practice your techniques prior to your voyage.

For more information or to order a brochure visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au, email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Aurora Expeditions doubles capacity to Antarctica in 2012/2013 Plus, 10% Early Bird discount!

Expedition cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, has released their exciting new 2012/13 Antarctica program. With 20 voyages encompassing the highlights of Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, this season is set to be their biggest ever.

The 2012/13 season has a variety of new features, including a choice of two ships, with the addition of Akademik Shokalskiy to the Antarctic Peninsula program. The increased capacity also allows for a greater variety of voyage lengths (8 to 20 days), and more opportunities for adventure activities with kayaking offered on 16 voyages. 

With successful uptake of the Fly & Sail options in 2011/12, Aurora Expeditions have increased their Fly & Sail options in 2012/13, allowing passengers to see more in a shorter amount of time, and cutting out one sea crossing. These voyages will include either a flight in from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile, or a flight out from King George Island or Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

Prices for the 2012/13 Antarctic season start from US$6365 per person based on a triple cabin for an 8 day cruise. Bookings made before 31 December 2011 will receive a 10% early bird offer. Valid on the first 15 bookings on each voyage only. Direct bookings only and not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

For more information, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or Polar adventure cruise experts The Cruise Line.

Aurora Expeditions’ Makes History on Russia’s North East Passage

Australian expedition-cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, has become one the first companies to ever complete Russia’s North East Passage in an ice-strengthened passenger vessel.

On board Russian vessel, Akademik Shokalskiy, the 50 passengers, 10 staff and 23 crew departed Murmansk on 10 August 2011, taking 26 days to traverse Siberia’s vast north coast and crossing nine time zones to arrive in Anadyr on 5 September 2011.

The inaugural voyage was Aurora Expeditions most adventurous in scope and duration, visiting places where few people have ever been before. Passengers had the chance to visit military restricted Novaya Zemlya, name peaks on mountainous Severnaya Zemlya, midnight cruise around the Novosibirskie Islands, and have a special tour of polar bear haven, and World-Heritage listed, Wrangel Island.

Reaching 80 degrees north, the voyage offered attractions such as abandoned Russian polar stations and working meteorological huts, 10,000 year-old fossils of mammoth tusks and teeth, and thousands of birds, hundreds of walrus, whales and polar bears.

Lisa Bolton, Aurora Expeditions CEO, said that the voyage was a real modern-day exploration and adventure. Aurora Expeditions is a leader in adventure cruising, having pioneered a range of adventure cruises and activities in some of the world’s wildest and remote places.

Aurora Expeditions 2012 ‘Across the North East Passage’ has already sold out.

For moe information on  2013 program or check out their two new 2012 Russian voyages ‘Arctic Ocean Discoverer – Wrangel Island’ and ‘Treasures of the Russian Far East’ at www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or in the UK The Cruise Line 

Photo Micheal_Hart_Courtesy_of_Aurora_Expeditions

Papua New Guinea

Aurora Expeditions has launched a special commemorative voyage to Papua New Guinea next April, to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in Papua New Guinea during WWII. The voyage will encompass visits to historical sites from Alotau to Rabaul, ending with a special dawn ANZAC day service in Rabaul.

Lost in Paradise – Our fallen heroes will depart Alotau on 14 April 2012 landing at key historic sites such as Samarai Island, Linden Harbour, Jacquinot Bay, Tol and Rabaul. Our onboard historian will interpret the significance of these areas and shine a light on the courage and tragedy of Australia’s unsung heroes– The Lark Force – in the Battle of Rabaul, and the ensuing loss of lives, both troops and civilians, on the Montevideo Maru.

The voyage will also include opportunities to snorkel the pristine reefs, witness traditional sing-sings and simply take in the beauty of this natural paradise.

For families wishing to explore PNG, Aurora Expeditions has created Islands of Smiles. Exploring the islands and coastline of New Guinea, this voyage will visit Milne Bay and its surrounding islands, Lababia, Tami and Tuam islands, Madang and the mighty Sepik River. Parents and children alike can expect to be greeted with friendly smiles, and a diverse array of vibrant customs through sing sings, complex rituals and spectacular costumes.

Islands of Smiles will depart Alotau on 2 April 2012 and expeditioners will have the opportunity to explore Papua New Guinea, either by snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, bird watching, village walks, or sharing a beach football match with playful locals.

Prices for both 13-day expeditions start from AU$5,690 per person quad-share, including all meals on board, shore excursions and lectures. Sea kayaking surcharge is AU$995 and scuba diving stops will be organised on board. Aurora Expeditions can also organise all flight, accommodation, transfer and pre and post touring in Papua New Guinea.

Aurora Expeditions is renowned for travelling to wild and remote areas of the world, with the aim of creating life long ambassadors to the environment. They attract small groups of like-minded, enthusiastic people, passionate about our destinations people, wildlife and history.

For further information  visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au.

To download or order the brochure online visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/brochures.

Centenary of Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition

Aurora Expeditions have three exciting voyages to commemorate the centenary of Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition. In January 1912, explorer Douglas Mawson and 17 others landed at Commonwealth Bay. For the next year, they braved appalling conditions, when the wind speed averaged nearly 80 km/h, occasionally peaking above 320 km/h. Their expedition ranks as one of the most successful in polar exploration history.

Each of Aurora Expeditions’ Centenary voyages visits three outstanding regions: Macquarie Island, where Mawson set up a communications base; the East Antarctic coast, a vast region where the polar plateau offers a dramatic backdrop to Mawson’s Hut; and New Zealand’s exquisite subantarctic islands.

Passengers departing on the first Mawson’s centenary voyage will mark the departure from Hobart of the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) led by Sir Douglas Mawson on Dec 2 1911—exactly 100 years to the day after the AAE sailed for Macquarie Island.

“The Mawson’s Huts Foundation is looking forward to welcoming all passengers to the Sir Douglas Mawson Centenary dinner in Hobart on Thursday Dec 1. Over 500 guests are expected to attend the dinner which is being supported by the Federal and Tasmanian governments and a flotilla of hundreds of ships will farewell your ship as you sail down to the Derwent on the first leg of your voyage to Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison.

Patron of the Foundation the Governor General of Australia Ms Quentin Bryce AC has been invited to attend the dinner which will also mark the beginning of the “heroic era” celebrations for Antarctic exploration which saw the Norwegian Amundsen reach the South Pole ahead of the British Explorer Robert Falcon Scott, his demise and then Mawson’s own incredible feat of survival after the loss of two colleagues”. David Jensen, Mawson Hut Foundation.

These 26-day voyages are Aurora Expeditions’ most adventurous in scope, with extended sea crossings and the chance to explore the pack ice edge, where much of Antarctica’s marine life, including whales, seals and penguins, can be found. The voyages will visit Mawson’s Hut and the abandoned French base at Port Martin, and the working research station of Dumont d’Urville. Prices start from US$17,475 per person twin share.

The voyage, “Emeralds of the Subantarctic” is a 13-day expedition, which takes you to Macquarie Island and Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands and, depending on sea conditions, a rare Zodiac cruise of the Snares Islands. This region contains the greatest diversity of seabirds in the world, often in astounding numbers. It’s a tremendous opportunity to visit a wildlife wonderland. Prices for this voyage start from US$7,325 per person twin share.

Aurora Expeditions will be utilising their ship Akademik Shokalskiy for the East Antarctica voyages The decision to use small, ice-strengthened ships allows Aurora Expeditions to visit areas that other large cruise ships can't. For many years, Aurora Expeditions has been a leading expedition cruise company specialising in Antarctic and European Arctic expeditions. Since the early 1990s, Aurora Expeditions have shared their love of Antarctica with small groups of adventurous individuals keen to explore one of the wildest places on Earth.

Aurora Expeditions’ dynamic team all share a great respect for natural and cultural environments. Aurora Expeditions continues to approach expedition travel as a catalyst for making a difference in one’s life, and in the world.

For more information or to order a free brochure, visit http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/.

Arctic Russia and the Russian Far East

Aurora Expeditions is once again pushing the boundaries of expedition travel with voyages to the Russian Arctic and Russian Far East; a land of complex history, unique cultures, inspiring landscapes and astounding wildlife.

 

Aurora Expeditions ‘Voyage to the End of the Earth’ is a 14-day adventure to the Russian Arctic departing Murmansk. Prices start from US$8,080 per person.

 

Discover a region so remote and wild, that few have ever been. The 191 pristine islands that make up Franz Josef Land were the planets last major landmass to be discovered. Uninhabited, minus a few Russian border guards, this is the realm of the polar bear, walrus, seals and the elusive beluga whale. Only accessible by sea, the region has been open to foreigners since 1991. This geological wonder really is the world’s last frontier, virtually untouched and waiting to be explored.

Last Minute offer : Receive 15% off “Voyage to the End of the Earth”

‘The Ring Of Fire’ will unlock the mysteries of the Kurils, taking you deep into a wildlife and geological wonderland. Departing Petropavlovsk-Kamchatasky, this 13-day voyage will showcase the lush valleys, lakes and rivers, and snow capped volcanoes of Kamchatka’s east coast. Brown bears feast on berries and salmon. Our fleet of Zodiacs will carry you to intimate viewings of spectacular seabird, Stellar sea lions, whales and otters and seal colonies. Prices start from US$7,250 per person.

Special offer: Receive 10% off “Ring Of Fire – Kuril Islands

Both voyages will set sail on Aurora Expeditions brand new ship, Akademik Shokalskiy. This ice-strengthened research ship was built in Finland in 1982. Fully refurbished in 2008, the ship provides accommodation for a maximum of 54 passengers as well as two dining rooms, lounge bar, lecture theatre, sauna and an ‘Open Bridge’ policy.

Aurora Expeditions’ Russian Coastline voyages are staffed by premium expedition leaders, naturalists, historians and geologists and the Russian crew are keen to show off their country’s natural beauty – delivering some of the finest expedition cruises in Russia.

Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions' philosophy is to respectfully visit these wilderness areas, in turn creating ambassadors for their protection.

More information http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or The Cruise Line.

Image Sue warner, Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Antarctica with Aurora

Aurora Expeditions voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula for next season are filling fast, buoyed by the popularity of their brand-new fly-sail options to Antarctica and South Georgia. Departing South America, they have been designed to reduce sea time and increase time at the destination. Also popular are their voyages with exciting adventure activities, including sea kayaking, camping, photography, climbing and scuba diving.

Next season, the Australian adventure cruise company will also celebrate the centenary of renowned Australian explorer Sir Douglas Mawson and his first Australasian Antarctic Expedition. A milestone in Australian Antarctic history, this special occasion is being marked with three 'Mawson Centenary Celebration' voyages to Mawson Huts and Commonwealth Bay, departing both Australia and New Zealand.

Aurora Expeditions, the pioneers of ship-based adventures in this part of the world, are committed to small, low-impact groups keen to experience the Antarctic in many ways, whether by walking, scuba diving, kayaking or just sitting quietly and absorbing the surrounding magnificence.The 2011/12 itineraries reflect this commitment. Voyages start from $5,900, with trips to East Antarctica from $6,500.

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