Alaska Cruises
A small ship Alaska cruise expedition allows for greater flexibility to change our itinerary to maximise encounters with wildlife, and to give us greater access to small coves and inlets that larger vessels are not able to access. Alaska is a place of bountiful wildlife, spectacular landscapes of rugged mountains, verdant temperate forests, and wildlife-rich fjords. Tidewater glaciers push down to the sea where whales can be seen feeding and frolicking.
Sail along British Columbia’s Inside Passage, home to a large population of resident orca that share the waterways with humpback and minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbour porpoises, Dall’s porpoises, harbour seals and Steller’s sea lions.
At Misty Fjords National Monument, experience the restorative power of nature, surrounded by ancient spruce and pine forest, where bald eagles soar, where brown bears hunt for salmon along the coastline and where whales bubble-net feed in the bountiful waters.
Prince William Sound and Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness both feature abundant tidewater glaciers that offer wonderful opportunities for Zodiac cruises along glacier fronts where seals are often spotted lazing on bergy bits recently-calved from active glaciers, and where encounters with other iconic Alaska wildlife can be experienced.
Our Alaska expeditions are designed to offer a balanced mix of encounters with wildlife, nature, culture and history. Each Alaska voyage includes a visit to the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island, the only Indian Reserve in the state of Alaska. This experience gives us the unique opportunity to meet locals of the Metlakatla community, hear their stories, witness their culture through art and dance, and discover their land and community on walks and hikes across the island. For a more in-depth experience of First Nations people and culture, our Alaska Adventure and Haida Gwaii voyage includes three days in Haida Gwaii, where you can experience the Haida community and learn more about their culture and history.
From the rich history of the First Nations people prior to the arrival of the Russians in the 18th century, and the discovery of gold in the 19th century, the story of human settlement in Alaska combined with the region’s extraordinary natural wonders makes for a powerful and enriching expedition in Alaska.
Alaska Odyssey
Along the famed Inside Passage, visit small communities such as the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island. In wilderness areas …
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What is expedition cruising?
Embark on a sea-based adventure to the remote coastal regions of our globe, where unique encounters will allow you to experience nature at its most pristine.
This type of travel was born three decades ago, nurtured by rugged adventurers keen to share the magic of the wilderness with like-minded travellers. Expedition cruising brings together those with a curiosity about the world around them, a keen sense of adventure, and a desire to immerse themselves in the natural environment.
What will I do on an Aurora Expeditions cruise?
On our expedition cruises you will sail in a small, purpose-built ship with an expert, international expedition team, through some of the most amazing seascapes on earth. In small Zodiac boats, you will search for wildlife. We land on remote beaches, where you might visit a penguin colony, walk up a ridge for panoramic views or hike to see remnants of bygone eras. Our expedition team is by your side the whole time, enriching your experience with fascinating presentations and insights into remarkable places.
What do you mean by ‘expedition’?
An expedition cruise is never predictable. Every voyage is different, guided by the ever-changing weather, tides, ice conditions and our team’s deep local knowledge. We choose the best plan for each day, pushing for the ultimate experience for everyone on board. Being flexible yields incredible rewards. When we can share a spontaneous wildlife display, watch a breathtaking glacier calving or allow you a moment of true solitude, we know it’s worth it.
On an expedition cruise, we encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on activities to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered many adventure options to help you explore in your own way.
Ashore
Included Activities
Zodiac cruises
Explore shallow coastlines, discover secluded bays and search for wildlife in hard to reach places in our Zodiacs; sturdy, inflatable rubber speed boats.
Wildlife encounters
Join our onboard naturalists as we visit some of the most extraordinary biodiversity hotspots around the globe.
Guided hikes
Adventurous hikes for all abilities. Explore historic ruins, admire local flora and fauna and hike up remote ridges to spectacular viewpoints.
Photography
Whether you use a digital SLR or an iPhone, our photography guides are ready with handy hints to help you get the most out of your camera.
Historic sites
Join onboard historians and discover abandoned whaling villages, compelling archaeological sites and fascinating remnants of bygone eras.
Bird watching
Join your onboard naturalists and fellow birdwatching enthusiasts to watch for seabirds following the ship as they make their long journey across the ocean.
Included Activities (select itineraries)
Polar camping*
Roll out your sleeping bag and mat and fall asleep in the Antarctic twilight to the sound of water lapping on the shore and the distant rumble of glaciers.
Polar plunge*
A time worn tradition, the polar plunge is a rite of passage into an exclusive club. It’s no secret why: the ocean doesn’t freeze until -1.8° C (28.7° F) and sunshine is not guaranteed!
Onboard/At Sea
Our ships are designed to put people in connection with the environment. With expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the world outside, inviting communal areas, a comfortable lecture room and complimentary access to the gym, sauna and spa, the exploration and discovery continue whether you’re ashore or on board.
Ship cruising
Find a spot on deck or in the observation lounge as the captain skillfully navigates sea ice, sails the spectacular, narrow Lemaire Channel or crosses the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal.
Enthralling, informative lectures
Join our expedition specialists and learn about the captivating wildlife and natural wonders as you see them. Be swept away in tales of terror and triumph as our historians share some of the fascinating stories of human endeavor in these remote corners of the world.
Wildlife watching
It’s not uncommon to spot dolphins frolicking off the bow, humpback or fin whales surfacing at sea, or majestic albatrosses and petrels soaring overhead. Get out where the action is and make sure you don’t miss a thing! Binoculars and wildlife guides are available for your use on board.
Gym, Spa & Sauna
In between landings you are welcome to visit the wellness centre, where you can use the gym, visit our sauna (which we highly recommend after the polar plunge!) or book a massage (additional cost applies). There are also 2 jacuzzis on the top outside deck with amazing views of the world outside.
Onboard Dining
You will be fuelled-up for your expedition with delicious morning and afternoon teas, and hearty meals cooked by our onboard chefs. Meal-times are a great opportunity to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open-seating dining area. We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Welcome and Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
Optional (select itineraries)
Optional activities are popular and group sizes are limited, so if you’re interested, get in touch with our team as soon as possible. Additional fees apply. See your itinerary page of the website for details.
Whether it’s adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, we have a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
We’ll get you out for your optional activities as often as possible, and this will be your main mode of exploration throughout your trip. Your guides will assess the conditions at each landing, and you’ll have the option to join whenever conditions allow.
Ocean
Sea kayaking
Silent and sleek, sea kayaks are perfect for exploring wild coastlines. Accompanied by your expert guides, you will have multiple sea kayak excursions throughout the voyage (weather permitting).
Scuba diving
Get under the skin of the sea and discover the hidden wonders beneath on a guided diving option. NB: Polar diving participants must have extensive experience diving in drysuits in cold environments.
Snorkelling
Relax and catch a glimpse of the captivating underwater world just below the surface as you drift along at a leisurely pace.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
Put your balance to the test on the newest addition to our activity program. Paddleboard your way to a truly memorable adventure experience.
Alpine
Snowshoeing
Stretch your legs as you walk across the snow, hiking up slopes to viewpoints over some of the most remarkable, wild landscapes on earth.
Ski and snowboard touring
Experience the ultimate in ski and snowboard touring on the only truly white continent on earth.
Climbing and alpine trekking
A thrilling alpine experience in Antarctica. Climb seldom-visited peaks, trek over technical alpine passes and go ice climbing on the continent known for its icy splendour.
Shackleton’s Crossing, South Georgia
This seldom-repeated alpine crossing navigates intricate glaciers and high alpine passes in one of the most remote, uncharted regions on earth.
All Aurora Expeditions activity guides hold high level qualifications from national and internationally recognised organisations.
Our mountain and ski guides hold ski and climbing qualifications from member countries of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA).
Our sea kayak guides are all certified sea kayak instructors and guides.
Do you provide expedition jackets?
Yes. Each passenger travelling on our Alaskan voyages will receive a complimentary expedition jacket to wear during your expedition and take home after your trip.
What clothes should I take to Alaska?
Shipboard clothing is informal and casual; jeans, jumpers, long sleeve shirt and enclosed shoes are ideal. However, be sure to keep your jacket close for unexpected sightings! Some people like to take a nice outfit or something a bit special for the Captain’s welcome and farewell drinks, but formal clothing is not necessary.
How many pairs of gloves do I need?
We recommend you take two pairs of gloves.
How fit do I need to be to go to Alaska?
To make the most of our voyages, you should be in good general health and able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. However, if you have problems walking on rough ground, you can enjoy the scenery closer to shore. Should you have any physical limitations please notify us well in advance of your departure, but this should not discourage you from participating.
How many people on the ship?
Our ships carry an average of 132 passengers.
Should I bring along my own walking poles?
Yes, it’s a good idea, especially if you have trouble walking over uneven ground. Some of our landings can be on slippery rocks, and we may go for extended walks to see different parts of our landing point. We recommend the telescopic poles. You can purchase these poles in most outdoor stores.
Where do passengers come from?
The majority of our clients come from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe and America, however we do often have a mix of other nationalities on board, including our expedition team and crew.
Is the ship air-conditioned/heated?
All our ships are air-conditioned and the temperature ranges for 15°C to 25°C. You can control the temperature of your cabin by adjusting the airflow through the roof vent and turning your heater on or off.
How much room is there for luggage?
There is ample storage space in your cabin on all our ships. Your empty baggage can be stored safely elsewhere on the ship if need be.
How do we dry wet clothing?
On board, you can store your wet weather gear and muck boots in your locker, found in the mudroom.
Is there Internet, email or telephone access on board?
Onboard WiFi internet packages are available for purchase during the voyage. Telephone access for personal use is not available on board. In case of an emergency, our expedition team can facilitate communication with your family members if necessary.
How often do we get off the ship?
We aim to get off the ship as much as possible to experience the destinations up close. Twice per day is common but more if weather, daylight hours and itinerary allow. Duration of the landings vary from site to site but at the height of the peak season, cruise operators must stick to timings allocated by authorities.
What kind of footwear do I need for our shore visits?
It is most important that you bring a comfortable pair of enclosed walking shoes to wear on board the ship. Muck boots are provided on board and are required to be worn on all landings. If you have concerns regarding extra small or large sizing, or hard-to-fit feet, we recommend you bring your own pair.
What if I need to go to the toilet when ashore?
Our expedition team will instruct you with these types of rules on board. Generally we ask you to relieve yourself on board before going on a landing and if the necessity arises ashore, you will be driven back to the ship.
Can I do more than one activity?
We strongly advise against selecting multiple activities as each is a dedicated activity for those with the relevant experience. To make the most of your time and money, we recommend selecting only one activity.
What is not included?
In general, items that are not included in the cost of your voyage are: flights to and from your voyage, pre- and post-accommodation, transfers, extra drinks from the bar, Ship Shop items, laundry costs, gratuities and other items of a personal nature (unless stated in your voyage inclusions).
Some voyages do include certain pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements, so please check your specific voyage inclusions in our brochure, website or call our Expedition Experts on + 61 2 9252 1033.
What currency do you accept on board?
The onboard currency is US dollars. All your onboard purchases including bar, laundry, ship shop, internet, and massages are charged to your shipboard account and settled by credit card or cash (US dollars only) at the end of the voyage.
Can I BYO alcohol?
BYO alcohol is not permitted. We have a well-stocked selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available for you to purchase in the onboard bar.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover, is mandatory for all Aurora Expeditions’ voyages. We advise you have insurance for voyage cancellation to ensure you will be covered financially if you are forced to cancel your voyage due to circumstances beyond your control. It is in your best interest to read carefully the General Terms & Conditions on your booking form or on our website.
What is the electrical supply on board?
The electrical supply on board our ships is 220 volts, 50 hertz. Please bring a converter if your devices use 110 volts. International electrical sockets are available in your cabin and throughout the ship. If you have many devices, it is advised you bring a multi power board.
Are there hairdryers on board?
Yes, there are hairdryers in every cabin.
Do you have facilities on board to download digital images from my camera?
There are computers in the library and media room for your use.
Do you cater for special meal requests?
Yes. Our talented chefs will take your requirements into their meal planning and ensure you receive tasty, healthy meals. Please ensure you list any dietary requirements on your personal details form.
Can I smoke on board?
There is a ‘No Smoking’ policy throughout the interior of our ships.
Will I get seasick?
Many people ask us if they will get seasick. It is a very difficult question to answer because it depends so much on the individual. Our experience is that a small percentage of people are seasick on any trip and most of these people are fine after a day or so at sea. If you feel that you are particularly susceptible to seasickness then it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. We advise you come armed with motion sickness tablets, and there will be a doctor on board to assist with any bouts of seasickness.