Antarctica has a way of making even the most seasoned traveller stop and stare, and Aurora Expeditions is giving adventure-minded cruisers a few more reasons to start planning. Its newly announced 2028–29 Antarctic season features 37 voyages, including four completely new itineraries and seven Special Edition departures.
There's a lovely mix here. Some trips lean into wildlife and photography, while others are designed for people who want to spend as much time as possible out exploring. The programme covers Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Patagonia, with voyages ranging from eight to 23 days.
Four different ways to explore the far south
All four new itineraries sail aboard Greg Mortimer. South Georgia & Antarctica Active departs on 31 October 2028 for 21 days, with activities such as paddling, snowshoeing and even camping on the ice when conditions allow. Antarctica: Behind the Lens follows on 17 January 2029, an 11-day voyage with wildlife filmmaking guests.
Then there's The Edge of Wild Frontiers, a 17-day South Georgia and Falkland Islands itinerary departing 27 February 2029, and Gentle Giants of the Antarctic: A Whale's Tale, a ten-day voyage departing 15 March 2029 during the whale-watching season.
I'd be especially tempted by the South Georgia sailing. Penguin colonies, seabirds and remote islands are exactly the sort of experiences that make expedition cruising feel different from a conventional holiday at sea.
A simpler journey via Buenos Aires
One practical improvement is the new Buenos Aires round-trip gateway for the new Greg Mortimer voyages. Aurora says the arrangements include pre-voyage accommodation, charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, and transfers. That's useful when your adventure already involves travelling to one of the world's most remote regions.
The season uses Aurora's three expedition ships: Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson. Expedition activities and landings remain dependent on weather, ice and local conditions, so the published itinerary is a plan rather than a promise of every landing.
Bookings are open, with introductory savings of up to 25% on selected voyages for bookings and deposits made by 31 January 2027. The bigger story, though, is the range of experiences now available, from wildlife photography to active exploration.
Sources: Aurora Expeditions, November 2026 announcement; Seatrade Cruise News, 5 November 2026.