Aurora Expeditions’ Biggest Year Yet: New Ship, New Markets

Aurora Expeditions’ Biggest Year Yet: New Ship, New Markets

Photo Credit Spacejunkie2-Flickr https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

Aurora Expeditions closed out 2025 as its biggest year ever and is building on that momentum as the company recently expanded to three ships with the new Douglas Mawson, according to an interview with Chief Marketing Officer Katie Malone featured in the 2026 Expedition Report by Cruise Industry News.

There is also a charter deal with Lindblad for Alaska and a Mediterranean deployment that puts the newest vessel somewhere most polar operators don’t go.

Aurora operates the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle, and the Douglas Mawson. All three ships are part of the SunStone Infinity-class series on long-term charter deals.

The Douglas Mawson maxes out at 130 passengers for expedition cruises; however, the ship can accommodate more guests on small-ship cruises in the Mediterranean and British Isles.

The Mediterranean deployment kicks off this year with itineraries focused on storytelling.

Each sailing features a “Master Storyteller” with historians, genealogists, art experts or cultural specialists, alongside Aurora’s expedition team. Guests also receive all-inclusive “Your Choice” excursions at each port.

It’s a test of whether Aurora’s expedition DNA translates to warm-water cruising.

The company bills it as “Vantage Explorations,” distinct from traditional expedition cruising but using the same ships and operational philosophy. Aurora acquired some assets from bankrupt Vantage in 2024.

Meanwhile, the company made headlines in December 2025 when Lindblad Expeditions announced it would charter the Greg Mortimer for Alaska cruises starting in 2027.

The deal will run for three years and covers the Northern Hemisphere summer season.

That’s one-third of Aurora’s fleet capacity gone for six months a year, but Malone said not to worry.

“The Greg Mortimer will be chartered for six months during the Northern Hemisphere summer in 2027 and 2028, with an option for 2029,” Malone said. “This forms part of our long-term fleet and growth strategy, designed to optimize seasonal deployment and align all our capacity with the demand that is out there.”

With the Greg Mortimer in Alaska with Lindblad, Aurora will operate Europe, Arctic and expedition programs using the Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson.

The Greg Mortimer continues operating in Antarctica and other geographies outside the charter window.

The Lindblad deal solves a deployment problem, too, as it maximizes utilization without Aurora needing to build its own Alaska sales infrastructure.

HX Marks 130 Years Since First Polar Expedition

HX is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its first expedition voyage on July 8, 2026.

On that date in 1896, steamship DS Lofoten sailed from Hammerfest to Svalbard. It was a time when the Arctic North was barely mapped and guests landed on the icefields of Bjørnøya.

To mark the occasion, CEO Gebhard Rainer thanked the cruise line’s guests in an anniversary video message, wishing the company another 130 years of successful exploration.

“From those beginnings to today’s purpose-built expedition ships, one thing has remained constant: a passion for real exploration, led by those who know these places best,” the company said in a statement.

“This anniversary celebrates 130 years of changing the way people see the world. And while we’re proud of where we’ve been, our greatest discoveries still lie ahead.”

130 years later, the company is still sailing polar waters, bringing guests to the same glaciers that captivated the first explorers in a more sustainable manner – using Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered expedition ship.

In celebration of the anniversary, guests can select one of two offers: up to 25 percent off all-inclusive expeditions, with discounts varying by destination, or a free suite upgrade.

Aurora Expeditions Completes Largest Antarctic Season

Aurora Expeditions Completes Largest Antarctic Season

Photo credit Spacejunkie2 - Flickr photostream https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

Aurora Expeditions has completed its largest Antarctic season to date, operating 30 voyages, facilitating an estimated 819 landings and welcoming a 30 percent increase in expeditioners representing 56 nationalities, according to an announcement.

“This season represents a significant milestone for Aurora Expeditions,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer at Aurora Expeditions.

“Delivering 30 voyages to Antarctica, including a return to East Antarctica, and operating three ships in the region for the first time reflects both our heritage and how we continue to evolve.”

The 2025-26 program included the launch of the company’s third expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson, in Sydney in November ahead of its inaugural Antarctic season.

This was the first time in the company’s 35-year history that Aurora operated three ships simultaneously in Antarctica.

The season marked a return to East Antarctica after 15 years, alongside the introduction of Active Antarctica voyages featuring 14 included activities.

The Douglas Mawson reached 78 degrees 44.405 minutes south, marking the southernmost voyage in history, the company said.

Aurora also recorded 2,835 polar plunges, delivered 269 on board lectures and saw expeditioners contribute thousands of hours to on board citizen science programs supporting initiatives such as whale and seabird monitoring, oceanographic data collection and polar ecosystem observation.

The program introduced AI-powered routing technology and microplastic filtration systems to Antarctica.

The season also marked the introduction of drone-supported scouting used to assist bridge teams with real-time ice and landing site assessment.

 

Alma Cruceros Reveals First Details of its New Cruise Line

Alma Cruceros Reveals First Details of its New Cruise Line

Alma Cruceros has revealed the first details of its new cruise operation.

The startup brand is set to operate SunStone’s Ocean Victory during summer seasons starting in 2025.

According to its website, Alma is based in Málaga and plans to become the first luxury cruise line based in Spain.

The company is led by Elisardo Sánchez Burgos, who also serves as Executive President of the Premium Hotels Group.

“An idea that was conceived in May 2018 soon became a dream and is now becoming reality thanks to the enthusiastic and persevering efforts of a wonderfully talented team,” he said in a social media update.

Alma Cruceros is set to embark on its maiden season in April 2025. The maiden voyage sails from Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, to Málaga, in the Western Mediterranean.

According to Burgos, the ship will operate primarily from Málaga, offering itineraries to ports in the region of Andalucía, as well as Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish ports on the North African coast.

“Our project is very important to support the growth and consolidation of the cruise industry in these ports. In some of them, we will be the first shipping company in terms of number of calls,” he said in a LinkedIn post.

Bookings for the maiden season opened in June, with 16 cruises currently on sale for departures between April and October 2025.

In addition to Málaga, the Ocean Victory is also set to offer cruises departing from Barcelona and Tarragona for itineraries to different regions of Spain, including Costa Brava, Costa Azul and the Balearic Islands.

The 186-guest vessel will also sail to international destinations, with planned visits to ports in Corsica, France, and Sardinia, Italy. According to the company’s website, prices for a seven-night cruise start at 3,570 euros per person.

With an all-inclusive product, Alma Cruceros plans to offer an “oasis of sustainability and luxury experiences,” according to its website.

Originally designed for upscale cruises in remote parts of the globe, the Ocean Victory represents the “perfect fusion of modern luxury and eco-responsibility, offering an unparalleled onboard experience,” the company added.

Alma also said that its product will focus on the Spanish identity, with a celebration of the local culture that will resonate with Spanish-speaking guests.

Different aspects of the onboard experience, from gastronomy to entertainment, were tailored to reflect the Spanish heritage.

Part of SunStone’s Infinity Class, the Ocean Victory will operate for Alma Cruceros as part of a charter agreement announced back in April.

The 2021-built vessel also offers winter seasons in Antarctica for Albatros Expeditions as part of a different charter deal.

HX Announces MS Maud’s Return In April

HX Announces MS Maud’s Return In April

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) announced the return of the Maud to service in April 2024, according to a press release.

After necessary repairs due to weather damage in late December, the Maud will set sail on an expedition around the British Isles. 

Guests will explore diverse coastlines and remote islands, led by HX’s Expedition Team. The ship will welcome Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood on its second British Isles sailing, where guests can expect insightful talks and Q&A sessions while sailing from Douglas to Dover.

In July, HX’s Maud will venture into the Arctic, exploring Greenland and Iceland, with itineraries that bring guests closer to the local communities and wilderness of the north.

Starting in October, the ship will head south to Antarctica for a series of new expeditions combining the majestic Patagonian fjords with Antarctica. Highlighted itinerary is the 17-day Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica expedition. Additionally, the Maud will embark on 23- and 24-day sailings exploring South America, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in a single adventure.

Zito: Swan Hellenic Ready for Strong Start-Up

The CEO of Swan Hellenic, Andrea Zito, said that the company is in a good position ahead of its launch in 2021.

“We are receiving only positive comments from the former customers of Swan Hellenic. The sector is reacting very well to the fact that Swan Hellenic is being resurrected in a way,” Zito told Cruise Industry News.

The first of two new expedition ships, the m/v SH Minerva, debuts into service for the brand in 2021.

The revived Swan Hellenic launched earlier this year. However, the brand is actually 70 years old and was acquired in December 2020.

“One and a half [years ago], the group started the negotiation and placed the order for two ships with Helsinki shipyard for delivery at the end of 2021 and mid-2022. And then the pandemic came. This was not really planned,” Zito said.

The coronavirus pandemic caused Swan Hellenic to postpone any announcements from spring to July. However, otherwise, Zito’s company had adjusted to the challenging conditions.

“It’s a little bit slower, but we are doing things very efficiently. It is amazing to realize how many things you can accomplish without travelling continuously,” he said, describing the challenges of having offices in different European countries.

Zito said that Swan Hellenic offers what seasoned travellers look for.

The company will sail to destinations in New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Russia, and, Zito said proudly, the semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica.

“Our ships are some of the very few ships that have Polar Class 5 ... So we can stay longer, we can go deeper in the environment and, most importantly, we can go safer because the characteristics of the ships are of higher safety standards to ensure that passengers are well protected,” he said.

According to Zito, Swan Hellenic’s ultimate goal is to cover the whole world.

“It's not just a box-ticking exercise, it caters to people who are thirsty for knowledge: they are curious and they want to discover various parts of the world. And the world is still very big.” 

Hurtigruten Cancels Remaining 2020 Cruises

The MS Roald Amundsen ship, operated by Norway’s Hurtigruten line, is seen after its crew members were diagnosed with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at a port in Tromso, Norway.

OSLO, Sept 17 (Reuters) – Norway’s Hurtigruten has called off its remaining cruises this year due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Europe and the Americas, the company said on Thursday.
“Our goal is to resume operations in January 2021,” the company said in a statement.

The decision affects Hurtigruten’s so-called expedition cruises, which often take passengers into Arctic or Antarctic waters, though its business of shipping goods and people between ports along the Norwegian coast will continue.

The company was the first cruise operator worldwide to return an oceangoing cruise ship to service in mid-June, touting reduced passenger capacity, social distancing and strict rules on hygiene.

But dozens of crew and passengers onboard a Hurtigruten ship tested positive for the coronavirus following an Arctic cruise in July, triggering a police investigation into the circumstances. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik)

Two Le Boreal cruises canceled to repair ship

Ponant has canceled the Nov. 30 and Dec. 10 departures of Le Boreal, a yacht that was damaged by a fire on its previous cruise.

Ponant evacuated all of the passengers from Le Boreal after a fire “of a technical nature” broke out as the ship was cruising near the Falkland Islands. The passengers were repatriated last weekend, Ponant said.

The ship is now at the quay in the East Cove Military Port in the Falkland Islands, and will be towed in the next few days to Punta Arenas’ shipyard in Chile for repairs.

The 264-passenger ship had just started a 15-night round trip Antarctica sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, on Nov. 15. The itinerary included a visit to South Georgia before landing in Antarctica and touring Deception Island. 

Silversea ship to join its expedition fleet

The Silver Cloud will be converted into an ice-class ship.

Silversea Cruises said it will shift its Silver Cloud vessel to expedition itineraries starting in November 2017.

The 296-passenger Silver Cloud will be converted into an ice-class ship during an extensive refurbishment scheduled to start in August 2017.

Silversea is scheduled to take delivery of a new ship, the 596-passenger Silver Muse, for its luxury fleet in April 2017. 

The Silver Cloud, which entered service in 1994, is Silversea’s oldest ship. After conversion to an expedition ship, it will carry 260 passengers at double occupancy, and will be limited to 200 in polar regions. It will still be three times as large as the biggest expedition ship now in Silversea’s fleet.

Silversea currently has three ships in expedition service and five in luxury service.  

The last cruise frontier?

Maldives: The last cruise frontier?

By Tom Stieghorst

 In a recent interview, I asked Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman Richard Fain what travel destination was on his bucket list, and after a moment’s thought he said, “the Maldives.”

The islands in the Indian Ocean are so remote that Fain felt like he could get away from everything by going there.

Indeed, the Indian Ocean may be the most out-of-the-way cruise destination you’d ever want to experience. With the rise in expedition cruises to the Antarctic, the Indian Ocean may be the last frontier.

Among the lines going to the Maldives are Costa Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruises.

Seabourn describes the islands as “tiny specks in a vast expanse of ocean.” Male, the main inhabited city in the chain, is described by Conde Nast Traveler as “a combination of the Robinson Crusoe paradise of childhood dreams and a honeymoon destination fit for the Hollywood A-list.”

What is there to do there? “Absolutely nothing,” Fain said.

Most of these lines visit the Maldives on an itinerary from southern or eastern Africa to India or Southeast Asia. It is a long, thin route that involves lots of sea days, a long flight from North America — unless you’re on a world cruise — and a considerable expense.

Seabourn’s cruise next January sandwiches a visit to Male and Colombo, Sri Lanka, in the middle of eight long sea days on a voyage between South Africa and Singapore.

Princess has a 46-day journey on its schedule that takes visitors to the Maldives on an “odyssey” from Australia to South Africa.

Oceania Cruises plans to be there Dec. 3 and 4 on a 30-day cruise from Dubai to Cape Town, South Africa. In the next few years Silversea Cruises has four voyages with the Maldives on the itinerary, including a 17-day trip between Singapore and Mombasa, Kenya, next March.

In 2016, Silversea’s new expedition ship, the Silver Discoverer, will offer a 17-night cruise that starts in Phuket, Thailand and ends in Male, after stops in Myanmar, India’s Andaman Islands and Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.

So the next time a client says they’ve “been there done that” when you suggest an ocean cruise, you might respond with, “Have you thought about going to the Maldives?”

MSC Cruises saves baby seal from uncertain fate

MSC Cruises has reported back on a successful rescue mission after a baby seal was found stranded far from his natural habitat. 

Back in 2013, the animal - named Selso by his rescuers - was discovered washed up on a beach in South Africa, Seatrade Insider reports.

He was taken to uShaka Sea World in Durban, where conservation workers determined that he was a young southern elephant seal - some 2,200 km from the closest colony! 

When Selso arrived at the rehabilitation centre, he weighed 73 kg - less than half the average weight for an elephant seal of equivalent age. 

It took him seven months to recover from his ordeal, at which point MSC Cruises stepped in to help release him back into the wild.

Thanks to the crew of the MSC Sinfonia, which docked in Durban in January, he made it back to the colony on Marion Island - thought to be his original home - on June 30th. 

Selso is now said to be in excellent condition.

SELSO HEADS FOR THE ANTARCTIC

A map tracing Selso's movements since his release near Port Elizabeth

Selso, the two-year-old elephant seal released off the coast of Port Elizabeth on 11 January 2014, is steadily making his way towards his home range in the Southern Ocean.

Following six months of rehabilitation at uShaka Sea World, Selso was deemed fit for release and transported courtesy of an MSC cruise liner, the Sinfonia, to a pre-selected destination 25 nautical miles off the Port Elizabeth coastline.

Secure in his transport crate, Selso was carefully lifted by crane over the side of the ship and lowered until the box reached approximately one metre from the surface of the water. uShaka Sea World staff member Wayne Sumpton, who was harnessed to the crane, stood on top of the crate mid-air and released its doors. As the second door was opened, Selso wasted no time deliberating and dived straight into the Indian Ocean, surfacing only once before disappearing into the ocean depths. Selso’s progress is being closely monitored, thanks to the satellite tracker fitted to his head.

The morning after his release he appeared to be heading back towards the coast but thankfully, about 30km from shore, he seemed to find his bearings, turn around and head directly south, passing the point of his release along the way.

Over the next two days Selso merged with the south-moving Agulhas current, which travels down the east coast of Africa.

By the morning of Thursday 16 January Selso was recorded at 182 nautical miles south of Port Elizabeth. Since his release Selso has travelled an average of 76km per day and appears to be heading in the right direction – towards the Antarctic.

Elephant seals are solitary and spend their lives in the ocean, only moving on to land to moult or breed. At just two years of age, Selso is about three years from sexual maturity. He will feed primarily on squid and fish, consuming around 12kg of food a day.

Marion Island is home to a massive colony of thousands of elephant seals, and the most likely destination for Selso. He is expected to make landfall to moult in November 2014.