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.

 

Aurora Releases 2025 Impact Report

Aurora Releases 2025 Impact Report

Photocredit Spacejunkie2, Flickr account https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

Aurora Expeditions has released its 2025 Impact Report, showcasing the company’s strides in environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration and community engagement globally.

“Every expedition leaves a footprint, and our responsibility is to minimise that impact and create a shift in the way people think so that they come back with a passion to protect our planet,” said Michael Heath, CEO of Aurora Expeditions.

“Our 2025 Impact Report reflects our commitment to investing in restoring and regenerating the environments we visit,” Heath added.

The company said in a press release that highlights from the 2025 report include the following:

• The launch of the Ocean Regeneration program: Aurora funds the planting of kelp forests, seagrass meadows and coral restoration, along with the removal of ocean-bound waste.
• It became the first expedition company to trial Counter Current’s AI ship routing, designed to allow ships to flow with currents, reducing fuel consumption.
• With Cleaner Seas, Aurora was the first expedition company to install microplastic filters on a ship, preventing microplastics from entering the ocean.
• More than 74,000 children accessed free environmental courses through Aurora’s partnership with Upschool, and
• The Sylvia Earle was the first Infinity Class ship to trial a 100 per cent biofuel.

 

According to the press release, additional highlights from the report’s two focus areas include the following:  

Planet: Restoring Ocean Health and Reducing Emissions

• The expansion of partnerships with global conservation leaders, including Mission Blue, CleanHub and Veritree, supporting habitat restoration from the Coral Triangle to British Columbia, and
• The removal of salmon from onboard menus starting in the 2025-26 season to align with stricter sustainable seafood practices.

 

 People: Inspiring Global Ambassadors for the Natural World

• Seven Citizen Science projects, from whale tracking (HappyWhale) to ice studies (TIPI), are engaging passengers in research that advances global climate understanding
• $236,436 USD in-kind expedition support provided to environmental scientists and researchers, plus $90,937 USD in donations to conservation organisations
• Continued support for the Inuit Community Ambassador Program with The Oxen Network
• Having a Certified B Corporation 87.5 B Impact Score, well above the global average of 50.9, and
• The company’s commitment to recertify under the new B Corp standards by 2027, ensuring continuous improvement across governance, community, and environmental performance.

 

The full Impact Report is available to view here.

Image credit: Spacejunkie2

P&O Cruises to upgrade Arcadia and Aurora

P&O and Cunard to Drydock at Harland & Wolff

P&O and Cunard to Drydock at Harland & Wolff

Harland & Wolff has been awarded a drydock contract for two cruise ships from P&O Cruises and Cunard.

The two Carnival Corporation ships will drydock for a total of 33 days as the Aurora and Queen Victoria will both visit the Belfast facility.

They are two of a projected 24 Carnival Corporation ships to drydock in the second quarter.

The work due to being undertaken on both ships are standard drydocking operations that will give Harland & Wolff the opportunity to demonstrate to the wider cruise industry, its skills, capabilities and expertise in these types of projects, the company said, in a press release

Queen Victoria will drydock from May 2 to 19 and will be the largest cruise ship ever to have drydocked in a UK shipyard and the only Cunard ship to have ever drydocked in Belfast.

The Aurora will visit from June 9 to 23.

Harland & Wolff, group CEO John Wood, commented: “When acquiring the assets of Harland and Wolff (Belfast) in December 2019 and in a pre-pandemic period, the cruise industry was one of our key target markets.

“Our facilities are ideally placed to capitalize on these types of large projects whilst we continue servicing our smaller but regular clients. We have now secured contracts in four out of our five markets; commercial, cruise & ferry, renewables and energy – we now look forward to completing the final milestone of securing a defence contract in the near future.”

Carnival UK, vice-president maritime David Varty said: “We are delighted to be able to have these two ships at a UK shipyard with such a long heritage and reputation and we very much look forward to supporting the UK maritime industry and working closely with the Harland & Wolff team on this project.”

P&O Announces 2021 Deployment and Plans for Future

P&O Cruises has announced its expected deployment and phased re-start plan for the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022.

According to a press release, the Britannia will begin the planned western Mediterranean itineraries on Sept. 25 and the Iona will start her Atlantic coast holidays from the same date. These cruises will follow the series of UK coastal cruises beginning in June.

Ventura’s first cruises will be the planned programme of Atlantic islands holidays from Oct. 3.

Following the Mediterranean season, running until October, the Britannia will reposition to the Caribbean for her winter season as scheduled, followed by the Azura which will begin Caribbean fly/cruises slightly later than published from Dec. 10, 2021.

“We are very much looking forward to getting Britannia and Iona back to sea for the series of UK coastal cruises – staycations at their best - which are certainly proving very popular and then beginning our international re-start as we phase in each of the other ships,” said P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow.

“As we know the UK Government has developed a traffic light system for holidays abroad this summer. The current situation means that whilst unfortunately there will be a number of cancellations of itineraries on some ships, we are looking ahead and planning for the future with vigour,” he added.

Ludlow said that P&O is confident that “destinations will soon open up their borders both for UK travellers and also for cruise ships.”

“Spain and its islands and the Caribbean are both looking very positive and we are seeing, one by one, countries publicly looking forward to welcoming us back,” he noted.

The length and complexity of the Arcadia and Aurora’s planned long-haul cruises from January next year has forced their cancellation and these two ships will not begin sailing until next year. However, a replacement itinerary for the Aurora, with winter sun appeal, will be announced shortly.

In addition, following ongoing guest feedback P&O Cruises has reviewed its vaccination policy. For all cruises departing from Sept. 25 to Dec. 31, 2021, all guests 18 years old and over will be required to have completed their vaccination course a minimum of 14 days prior to sailing.

All guests 17 years old and below will need to have completed their vaccination course a minimum of 14 days prior to sailing or will require a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to travel. All guests will also require a negative COVID-19 test at the terminal. The PCR and COVID-19 test at the terminal will be provided on a complimentary basis. This vaccination and testing policy will be reviewed on a regular basis as the global situation continues to evolve.

The vaccination policy for the UK coastal cruises until Sept. 24 2021, remains that all guests travelling, of all ages, must have completed their vaccination course a minimum of seven days prior to sailing (or 14 days prior to sailing if an approved single-dose vaccine).

All guests who have had their cruise cancelled will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit worth 125 per cent of the standard deposit terms, and 100 per cent of any additional monies paid.

This Future Cruise Credit can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of Dec. 2021, on any cruise on sale at the time of booking. Cruises currently on sale run through to Apr. 2023.

P&O Cruises Details Fleet Status

P&O Cruises UK has detailed the status of its cruise fleet in a recent update.

• The Arcadia is en route to Southampton, due to arrive April 12. She will then berth in Southampton before relocating to Dover.
• The Aurora arrived in Southampton on March 16 and is now en route to Dover where she will berth at Cruise Terminal 2. 
• The Azura is in the Caribbean heading to Barbados. All guests will fly home on Friday or Saturday. The ship will then sail home to the UK with no guests. She will then berth in Southampton prior to relocating to Portland.
• The Britannia is en route to Southampton, due to arrive March 25 and will berth at the Mayflower Terminal.
• The Oceana arrived in Southampton on March 18 and is now berthed in Dover at Cruise Terminal 1.
• The Ventura arrived in Southampton on March 17 and remains at the Ocean Terminal.

Five of P&O’s Weirdest Cruise Cabins

Cruise cabins.
Pretty bog standard stuff aren’t they, with their narrow twin beds and just about enough room to swing a stowaway cat (or your glad rags for the black tie nights)?

If this is what you think then you haven’t cruised with P&O!

Not only does it have six classes of comfortable cabins to cater for those with modest budgets but high expectations right through to the money’s-no-object cash splashers; they also understands that not everyone’s part of a cosy couple (or a gruesome twosome)!

Lofty Heights

For the ultimate onboard (and offboard!) bragging rights, opt for a fabulous dual-level suite onboard Aurora – but don’t blame us at www.CRUISE.co.uk when you get dirty looks from other passengers when you oh-so-casually drop going ‘up’ to bed into the dinner conversation (although it’s probably worth the extra money for this alone, just to see them try to hide their jealousy!)

 Single and Sorted

Instead of making single passengers cough up for a bed they don’t need with the dreaded ‘single occupancy fee’, P&O prides itself on providing a wide selection of single cabins.

These aren’t in forgotten, hard-to-get to parts of the ship as if to underline your sorry singleton status mind!

There’s a choice of inside, outside or balcony cabins where you’ll have plenty of space to sit with a glass of bubbles and toast how fabulous freedom is!

P&O’s fantastic new floating fun palace Britannia has more single cabins than any other cruise liner – take that smug couples!

And it’s not just solo travelers who want their own space.

You may love your cruise companion to bits but it certainly won’t feel like it at 2am on the first night when you find out your bestie is a secret snorer!

Connect Four

Or two, or three. No we’re not saying the cabins come with board games.

Aurora, Adonia and Azura all have interconnecting cabins which are perfect for groups of friends who want to be together but not too together – they’re perfect for ducking in and out of each other’s spaces for a glass of wine, a gossip and a look at what you’re planning to wear that night but when it’s time for bed the doors can be firmly locked (yes, that’s right –we’re respectable Brits abroad!)

Plus, most of the interconnecting balcony cabins can also be joined up outside – who’s up for a private deck party?

 Hubble Bubble

Is there anything more magical than enjoying a celebratory glass of champagne than in your own private bubble bath?

Baths are something we Brits take for granted but on cruise ships they’re as rare as a passenger who doesn’t overfill his plate at the buffet!

On P&O however, not only do the mini suites and suites have full-sized whirlpool baths, some of the best value inside cabins have baths too!

P&O, we salute you for your bath time democracy!

All Hail the Accessible

All P&O’s accessible cabins feature wide doors, plenty of inside space to maneuver wheelchairs or mobility scooters and ramped access to balconies.

There are also wet room style bathrooms with grab rails and pull down shower chairs, meaning your cruise will be smooth sailing even if the weather’s rough!

Disabled cruisers should note that Adonia’s accessible bathrooms are smaller than the rest of the fleet.

On P&O there’s a cabin to suit everyone but remember, just as the early bird catches the worm, the early cruiser catches the cabin, so if your heart’s set on one of these more unusual options, book as soon as you can!

Seven of P&O’s Weirdest Cruise Cabins

Cruise cabins.

Pretty bog standard stuff aren’t they, with their narrow twin beds and just about enough room to swing a stowaway cat (or your glad rags for the black tie nights)?

If this is what you think then you haven’t cruised with P&O!

Not only does it have six classes of comfortable cabins to cater for those with modest budgets but high expectations right through to the money’s-no-object cash splashers; they also understands that not everyone’s part of a cosy couple (or a gruesome twosome)!

Lofty Heights

For the ultimate onboard (and offboard!) bragging rights, opt for a fabulous dual-level suite onboard Aurora – but don’t blame us when you get dirty looks from other passengers when you oh-so-casually drop going ‘up’ to bed into the dinner conversation (although it’s probably worth the extra money for this alone, just to see them try to hide their jealousy!)

Single and Sorted

Instead of making single passengers cough up for a bed they don’t need with the dreaded ‘single occupancy fee’, P&O prides itself on providing a wide selection of single cabins.

These aren’t in forgotten, hard-to-get to parts of the ship as if to underline your sorry singleton status mind!

There’s a choice of inside, outside or balcony cabins where you’ll have plenty of space to sit with a glass of bubbles and toast how fabulous freedom is!

P&O’s fantastic new floating fun palace Britannia has more single cabins than any other cruise liner – take that smug couples!

And it’s not just solo travelers who want their own space.

You may love your cruise companion to bits but it certainly won’t feel like it at 2am on the first night when you find out your bestie is a secret snorer!

Connect Four

Or two, or three. No we’re not saying the cabins come with board games.

Aurora, Adonia and Azura all have interconnecting cabins which are perfect for groups of friends who want to be together but not too together – they’re perfect for ducking in and out of each other’s spaces for a glass of wine, a gossip and a look at what you’re planning to wear that night but when it’s time for bed the doors can be firmly locked (yes, that’s right –we’re respectable Brits abroad!)

Plus, most of the interconnecting balcony cabins can also be joined up outside – who’s up for a private deck party?

Hubble Bubble

Is there anything more magical than enjoying a celebratory glass of champagne than in your own private bubble bath?

Baths are something we Brits take for granted but on cruise ships they’re as rare as a passenger who doesn’t overfill his plate at the buffet!

On P&O however, not only do the mini suites and suites have full-sized whirlpool baths, some of the best value inside cabins have baths too!

P&O, we salute you for your bath time democracy!

Image credit

All Hail the Accessible

All P&O’s accessible cabins feature wide doors, plenty of inside space to maneuver wheelchairs or mobility scooters and ramped access to balconies.

There are also wet room style bathrooms with grab rails and pull down shower chairs, meaning your cruise will be smooth sailing even if the weather’s rough!

Disabled cruisers should note that Adonia’s accessible bathrooms are smaller than the rest of the fleet.

Practical Magic 

“Go on then, I’ll iron your shirt if you make me a cuppa.”

This is usually a pretty humdrum sentence but on a cruise it’s actually a pretty special one!  As irons are a fire hazard they’re generally banned on all cruise ships but P&O is alone in trusting their mini-suite and suite customers to wield one!

OK, it’s not the most exciting perk but it sure is a handy one when it comes to getting those smart togs gala ready - as are the tea and coffee-making facilities that we Brits so desperately need when we wake up before we can even think about anything as complicated as getting dressed!

Multi-Million Pound Make-Over For P&O Cruises Aurora

by Danielle Fear

P&O Cruises has unveiled its plans for a £26 million pound make-over for Aurora this winter, the first ship in the fleet to receive the bold new livery design.

The refurbishment will take place November 29 to December 18 in Hamburg, ahead of its Christmas and New Year cruise and before the South America & Pacific Adventure world cruise itinerary departing January 8, 2015.

Launched in 2000, Aurora’s last refit was in 2009.

The planned changes for 2014 include:

• A new look livery design, which celebrates P&O Cruises heritage and its place as Britain’s favourite cruise company. It features a contemporary version of the Union Flag on its bow and new blue funnels with illuminated rising sun designs
• The introduction of Sindhu restaurant for evening fine dining (replacing the library on deck 8) with an Indian fusion menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar
• The Glass House restaurant and wine bar is replacing Café Bordeaux on deck 8. Available for brunch, lunch and dinner it will house wine displays and wines selected by expert and TV presenter Olly Smith. Enomatic wine systems allow passengers to buy premium wines by the glass. There will also be a private room for wine tastings and dinners
• A complete refurbishment of the buffet restaurant (Lido deck, deck 12) with new décor
• In the evening, The Beach House menu replaces the Pennant Grill menu to include family favourites such as Fillet of Beef on Lava Rock
• A complete refurbishment of The Reef children’s clubs with room names changed to reflect Reef club names across the rest of the fleet
• The introduction of Freedom Dining to Medina Restaurant with more tables for two and Marco Pierre White dishes on gala evenings
• A refurbishment of the Sidewalk Café and the introduction of Costa Coffee and brand new “Grab and Go” counter, a great option for breakfast and lunch on the go
• The library relocates to the current cyb@study space adjacent to the Crow’s Nest on deck 13
• Casino and Champions refurbishment with new open-plan design, new furniture and improved stage area for entertainment, live music and quizzes
• Photography gallery upgrade to include more touch screen technology
• An extensive shop refurbishment
• Refurbishment of Oasis Spa
• Upgrade of all sound and light equipment in the theatre and show lounge
• New soft furnishings for all cabins with flat-screen TVs

P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: “This is a massive investment. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to ensure continuous improvement of our ships and consistency across the fleet.

“Both Ventura and Arcadia underwent huge multi-million pound refits last year and Aurora is the next in line with Azura planned for 2015.

“Not only will Aurora feature firm favourites from Azura and Ventura, such as Sindhu and The Glass House restaurant and wine bar, but we will also see brand new initiatives as well as the distinctive new livery.

“As the very first ship to display our new livery, we have big plans to welcome Aurora back in to Southampton. We can’t wait to see her.”

Info courtesy of P&O Cruises and I Love 2 Cruise.

P&O Cruises reveals new Union Flag livery

P&O Cruises has revealed it is changing the livery of its ships, adding a Union Flag design intended to highlight the line’s British heritage.

As part of the modernisation of their fleet the new design will feature on the bow of all ships.

The news was announced by the cruise line during Travel Weekly’s Globe Travel Awards ceremony tonight (Thursday).

The cruise line said that at 94 metres long the flag will be the longest in the world.

The line's ships will also gain blue funnels, with a rising sun motif meant to symbolise the brand's oriental heritage.

The new look will first be introduced on Aurora which goes to dry dock later this year. New ship Britannia will sport the livery when it launches in February 2015, with all other P&O ships featuring the new design by the end of 2016.

David Dingle, chief executive, said: “In our 177th year we are unveiling a new, contemporarily styled livery which symbolises all that we stand for, pointing to the future and celebrating our British heritage.

“This bold new look will make our ships yet more distinctive and recognisable across the world.

“Our ships will proudly carry on their bow Britain’s most distinctive symbol, the Union Flag, to all corners of the globe.

“The P&O Cruises name will be emblazoned along their hulls and the rising sun, the enduring symbol of our heritage, will shine from their funnels.

“This modern new look will exemplify the strengths and virtues of our company long into the future.”

P&O Cruises announces new 141,000-ton ship to enter service in March 2015

P&O Cruises announces new 141,000-ton ship to enter service in March 2015

To be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard, the all-in cost is approximately €155,000 per lower berth. Ushering in an exciting era for P&O Cruises, the ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities, along with many of the brand’s classic and iconic features. Specifications and new product innovations will be announced at a later date.

Commented Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc’s chairman and CEO, “P&O Cruises is Britain’s number one cruise operator, and is synonymous with high quality holidays that celebrate its rich British heritage. The UK continues to be a key growth market and innovative vessels such as this new P&O Cruises ship – targeted specifically to British clientele – underscore our commitment to leading the expansion of this important cruise region. With a progression of highly successful new ships introduced over the last 15 years, P&O Cruises is uniquely experienced in designing vessels to meet the specific needs and aspirations of British passengers. This newly ordered ship will underline P&O Cruises’ position as Britain’s favourite cruise line.”

P&O Cruises Managing Director Carol Marlow said, “This next-generation ship will deliver the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, with ‘sophisticated wows’ and new features to attract thousands of newcomers to our brand, and equally to resonate with existing P&O Cruises passengers by giving them the ‘P&O-ness’ they recognise and love. She will offer ‘the best of the best,’ combining the favourite classic features of Oriana and Aurora, the choice and variety of Azura and Ventura, and a host of new ideas and concepts which together will deliver to our passengers the holiday of a lifetime, every time they travel with us.”

About P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was awarded the lucrative Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Today, as trusted cruise experts, P&O Cruises has a fleet of seven ships offering holidays tailored to British tastes combining genuine service, a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time they travel with us. Azura was launched in April 2010 – officially named by Godmother Darcey Bussell CBE and small ship Adonia was added to the fleet on May 21, 2011 with global singing star Dame Shirley Bassey DBE as Godmother. 

P&O Cruises Fleet: 

Oriana entered service 1995, named by Her Majesty The Queen, 1,828 passengers

Aurora entered service 2000, named by HRH Princess Anne, 1,870 passengers

Oceana entered service 2003, named by HRH Princess Anne, 2,016 passengers

Arcadia entered service 2005, named by Dame Kelly Holmes DBE, 2,016 passengers

Ventura entered service 2008, named by Dame Helen Mirren DBE, 3,078 passengers

Azura entered service 2010, named by Darcey Bussell CBE, 3,100 passengers

Adonia entered service 2011, named by Dame Shirley Bassey DBE, 710 passengers

Newbuild  2015  to be confirmed , 3,611 passengers