Award winning Australian expedition operator, Aurora Expeditions, will send both its purpose-built expedition ships to Antarctica next summer and to help more Australians get onboard, Australia’s leading small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, has released an exclusive fly, stay and sail package that offers savings of A$12,770 per couple for bookings made by April 30, 2024.
Cruise Traveller’s new 15-night package – ‘The Aurora of Antarctica’ – offers two departure dates this November and December aboard one of Aurora Expeditions’ 132-guest sister ships – Greg Mortimer, named after the renowned Australian mountaineer and explorer who founded the company in 1991, or Sylvia Earle, named after noted American oceanographer and conservationist, Dr Sylvia Earle.
The summer journey takes adventure seekers so far south that they can experience Antarctica’s majestic splendour amongst 18 to 24 hours of daylight a day.
The journey begins with a flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Buenos Aires for a three-night stay with city tour and on to Ushuaia for another night and scenic tour before boarding one of Aurora Expeditions’ 132-guest sister ships – Greg Mortimer, or Sylvia Earle. Each deluxe ship offers sea-level Zodiac launching platforms, two jacuzzis on the top deck, expansive observation decks, lounges and a gym, with all cabins offering an ocean view and 80 per cent boasting a private balcony.
Aurora Expeditions has won multiple awards including the world’s best expedition cruise line, leading polar expedition operator and is also a global leader in sustainable expedition travel, receiving accreditation in January, 2024, as a Certificied B Corporation, a worldwide standard of social and environmental values and responsibility.
The 10-night voyage from Ushuaia in Cruise Traveller’s package takes in the wild grandeur of the South Shetland islands and the Antarctic Peninsula with their snow-capped peaks, dramatic glaciers, rich wildlife, pristine waters and huge icebergs. The journey offers opportunities to explore and hike ashore with nature guides to see seals and penguins, as well as the chance to take the famous polar plunge into the icy sea for a bracing, quick dip to remember.
After returning to Ushuaia, guests will fly back to Buenos Aires for a one-night stay before the flight back to Australia, ending the holiday.
Snapshot of inclusions and features – ‘The Aurora of Antarctica’ package
* 15-night package, with two departure dates – November 19 and December 5, 2024
* Flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Buenos Aires and on to Ushuaia, and return
* Three nights in Buenos Aires pre-cruise and one post-cruise
* Half-day tour of Buenos Aires
* One night in Ushuaia pre-cruise with half-day city tour
* 10-night Antarctica voyage, return from Ushuaia, aboard Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle
* Onboard beverages with dinner and Zodiac and land excursions are included in the cruise
The fly, stay and sail package is available from A$25,995 per person, twin-share, in a Balcony Cabin – a saving of A$8685 per person if booked by April 30, 2024 (fare based on November 19, 2024 departure).
Call Australian small ship specialist, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.