Small-ship expedition cruises have gained traction over the past few years for multiple reasons, not the least of which is their ability to easily sail into ports where bigger ships simply don’t fit. Read on for a peek at two brands with new offers and itineraries.
Aurora Expeditions Touts Small-Ship Offers
Aurora Expeditions has new deals for clients looking for polar adventures in 2024 and 2025 via their Small Ships, Big Adventures promotion. Until Sep. 30, 2024, they can benefit from up to 20 percent savings on Antarctica 2024-25 and Arctic 2025 itineraries, plus generous air credits.
“Our small ships promise big adventures, and we’re excited to be able to offer even bigger value for our passengers for our upcoming seasons in Antarctica and the Arctic on top of the Aurora difference, including immersive activities and more time off ship,” said Aurora Expeditions CEO, Michael Heath, in a press statement. “Aurora Expeditions’ voyages open our passengers up to the untamed beauty of our planet’s most remote corners, from the icy expanses of Antarctica to the wonders of Greenland’s epic fjord systems, the glaciers and wildlife of Svalbard, or the fabled Northwest Passage. Whichever voyage you choose, our state-of-the-art small ships and world-class Expedition Team ensure endless opportunities for adventure.”
Some of Aurora’s Small Ships, Big Adventures, include:
Antarctica 2024-2025:
- Spirit of Antarctica: Departs Nov. 22, 2024.
- Antarctic Peninsula in Depth: Departs Nov. 6, 2024.
- Antarctic Explorer: Departs Feb. 12, 2025.
- Wild Antarctica: Departs March 24, 2025.
All feature up to 20 percent off the voyage price plus a $2,000 air credit per person.
Arctic 2025:
- Jewels of the Arctic: Departs July 12, 2025, with up to 15 percent off the voyage price.
- Svalbard Odyssey: Departs Aug. 7, 2025, offering up to 15 percent off the voyage price.
- Wild Landscapes of West Greenland: Departs Aug.15, 2025, providing up to 20 percent off the voyage price.
- Traversing the Northwest Passage: Departs Aug. 27, 2025, featuring up to 20 percent off the voyage price.
All feature a $1,500 air credit per person.
Aurora’s purpose-built small ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, are designed for global discovery. The company’s third ship, Douglas Mawson, will set sail in December 2025.
For more information, visit aurora-expeditions.com.
Secret Atlas Takes Small-Ship Cruising to Another Level
Few visitors reach Scoresby Sund, accessible only from August to October, but Secret Atlas has taken this on with this new Expedition Micro Cruise, which allows small, intimate groups to explore the fjord system, icebergs, wildlife and the remote community of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Ittoqqortoormiit, eastern Greenland, at the entrance to the Scoresby Sound fjords. (Photo by Secret Atlas)With just 12 guests onboard, Secret Atlas offers an intimate experience with crowd-free expeditions and flexible itineraries led by expert expedition leaders. This maximizes the chances of seeing muskox, glaciers and the Northern Lights, which are visible from September.
Sailing on the MV Vikingfjord, the Expedition Micro Cruise spends eight days exploring the landscapes of Scoresby Sund, involving daily Zodiac cruises and onshore hikes.
At the end of the expedition, your clients will find themselves sailing up the longest fjord on the planet and past the ice giants of Scoresby Sund, concluding with a visit to the remote Inuit community of Ittoqqortoormiit, with only 400 residents.
The 10-day East Greenland Explorer Fly & Cruise with Secret Atlas runs from August to October, starting at $10,620 per person. The price includes a bespoke meet and greet, a welcome dinner with the Secret Atlas team and eight days cruising on the MV Vikingfjord. Of note: An exclusive charter flight from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Constable Point in Scoresbysund (CNP) and overnight accommodation at the Aurora Hotel on arrival and departure, costing an additional $2,680 per person, are mandatory.
For more information, visit secretatlas.com.
