Aurora Expeditions Reviews

Our second trip with Aurora having been to Antarctica 2 years ago on the Greg Mortimer. I thought the Greg Mortimer was a fantastic ship but the differences on the Sylvia Earle take it to a different level. Having the large library and citizen science centre at the bow was visionary and the second restaurant was a bonus.

The expeditions team were extremely hard working and Howard and Ashley were instrumental in sorting out our itinerary when it became apparent we had no chance of landing anywhere along the east coast of Greenland due to the exceptionally large amount of ice off the coast at this time of year.

It all worked out and we had excellent sightings of whales and got into places no other ship had managed all season.

The “hotel” and restaurant staff were amazing, accommodating and friendly. We have already booked our third expedition on board the Greg Mortimer going to the NW passage in September 2025.

A very memorable trip!

Date of experience: July 04, 2024

I have returned from the most magical place on Earth , taken there by an incredible team from Aurora expedition ship Greg Mortimer and her crew.
From the Captain and his colleagues who navigated seas and winds to amazing locations including inside A23a , Expedition team for their knowledge and humour and the cheerful hospitality staff the trip couldn’t have been more wonderful .
There are not enough compliments to shower upon them .
If it is on your bucket list .. don’t wait and if you are fit enough learn to kayak and choose this activity .. you won’t regret it .

Date of experience: April 02, 2024

Fully switched on to sustainability, a B Corp. Maximum chance to go ashore, often twice per day, 2-3 hours each time. Totally expert and dedicated expedition staff. Brilliant expedition leadership and ship captaining to get to the best places while dodging the worst of the weather. Totally fabulous, very well worth the price.

Date of experience: February 05, 2024

Aurora delivered a next level expedition by seamlessly navigating a variety of Arctic conditions to maximize our time in the destination. The Expedition Team's vast knowledge of the region combined with the crews willingness to pivot as often as needed to make our experience as fulfilling as possible demonstrates its commitment to expedition travel. They are truly best in class, and the energy on board was a testament to their successes.

Date of experience: June 10, 2024

Adventure of a lifetime!
Hard to find any fault with my recent voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. The brilliant Expedition Team and the rest of the ship's crew, made memories which will last a lifetime.
Thank you!

Date of experience: April 04, 2024

We would have given 5 stars after 3 earlier Ant. Voyages, BUT... like you, we are being held at length by the “we didn’t CANCEL CR-Panama-Columbia, we POSTPONED it” policy! I wonder how that choice would stand up to legal scrutiny, given COVID19 insecurities.
We are promised our balance payment next week... vamos aver... (& we’ll ‘post’ accordingly) but our Feb’19 $US5000 deposit is now to be held as a ‘deposit’ for TWO YEARS.
We’d like to think AURORA EXPEDITIONS is being run by the new owners with the moral bottom line set by Greg Mortimer himself...🤞...let’s stay in touch, fellow expeditioners!

Date of experience: May 31, 2020

With the Aurora restrictions put into place whilst viewing Penguin colonies a 200mm zoom lens will not have the desired reach.
I would suggest a 500-600mm zoom to get close to penguins, Sea lions, Orcas or Whales if you are lucky enough to spot any.
During our cruise (5-14 Dec 2023) we did not spot any whales and had only about a minute to photograph a sea lion from the Zodiac.
Once again not the optimum medium to take photographs from as you share the zodiac with another 9 people shoulder to shoulder.
Biggest drawback was the unwillingness of the expedition team to spend more time on interesting ice formations or the occasiona sea lion resting on an iceberg.

Wake up Aurora. Boring cruise for a photographer at a premium price.

Date of experience: December 05, 2023

Three weeks on board the Greg Mortimer .. very stylish and spacious cabin with plenty of space in the public areas. The x-bow design clearly reduced upwards/downwards movement as it cuts through the waves .. though you do still get side roll. Expedition staff were experienced both on shore and in the zodiacs and the lectures they gave on board were “on point”. Food choices were phenomenal and waiting staff as well all the “hotel” staff were always helpful and never stopped smiling. Throughout the pandemic Aurora kept us notified and offered options and alternatives. Would not hesitate booking again and recommending Aurora and the Greg Mortimer.

Date of experience: November 28, 2022

We kayaked with whales, seals, penguins, icebergs and glaciers. Our kayak guides were like paddling encyclopaedia and the other guides shared their wealth of knowledge. We did not just see Antartica from a boat, we lived it as you could only do from the waterline and being on shore. The passion and professionalism of the Aurora team cannot be faulted. Just go!

Date of experience: March 24, 2020

We did a cruise/fly expedition in January 2020. What an amazing experience; the expedition crew are so knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. Our cabin (standard A) was super comfortable, plenty of space and we loved the big glass sliding window - never closed the curtains once! Overall the food was good, we laughed about the beer and wine being 'local' because the beer came from South Africa and the wine from all over the world but this gave us loads of choice. A very well organised cruise, no long waits to go ashore and the flight from St George Island went as scheduled. Then there is the incredible scenery and wildlife. Just an outstanding experience, thank you Aurora

Date of experience: February 16, 2020

Superb experience on board Sylvia Earle earlier this month. The boat was stunning but more importantly the expedition team were superb. Howard the expedition lead did a wonderful job planning and replanning the trip and made sure we got as much time on land as possible. I would highly recommend them!

Date of experience: March 04, 2023

We were very fortunate to travel on the Greg Mortimer with Aurora Expeditions in Iceland. Working with their booking staff was simple and pleasant and the Greg Mortimer is a wonderful ship. Best of all, the expedition staff is first rate, and the icing on the cake was their kayaking team - great teachers, highly knowledgeable and just a lot of fun. Great trip.

Date of experience: August 02, 2022

The trip of a lifetime is how we would describe our Kimberly experience with Aurora. We have come home with a depth of understanding that was passed on with great generosity by Alex, Liz, Dave and Alasdair, the experts on board. We enjoyed the interaction with our fellow passengers that can only happen with a small group. The food was terrific and our trip could not have been better.

Date of experience: July 21, 2019

Had a great experience even with the challenges of weather. Trip before us was cut short due to weather but ours made it out ok. Crew and staff were excellent, food was very good and room was very comfortable. I would definitely travel with them again. Felt like traveling with friends and we explored the Antarctic coast together. Went into places th crew had not visited yet so felt fresh and new.

Date of experience: February 04, 2023

This was one of the best, professionally run, tours we have ever done and, over the years, we have taken part in many - both local (within Australia and overseas). This was mainly as a result of good planning and excellent execution. The ship was great and every staff member, including the unseens, the best. Even the other passengers were a great lot (which isn't always the case). We loved it and will carry the memory of it for a long time.

Date of experience: July 19, 2019

I traveled with Aurora in February across the Antarctic Circle and it was truly an unbelievable experience from start to finish. The ship was remarkably clean, rooms were super comfortable and food was awesome every day. The highlight was by far the expedition team and their passion and knowledge! I can't imagine anyone not having an AMAZING time with Aurora. If I need to speak to anyone personally to convince, them I am happy to.

Date of experience: September 02, 2022

The staff at Aurora were excellent, nothing was too difficult and all of our requests were handled quickly and efficiently. We planned our whole trip with Aurora and it went off brilliantly. Even when the Attacama desert flooded whilst we were at sea alternatives were put in place that ensured our trip went off without a hitch. The staff and crew of the Polar Pioneer worked tirelessly to ensure we had an exceptional experience. A special word must go out to the doctor who helped with some sea sickness problems. I would highly recommend Aurora to any one. The whole experience was brilliant.

Date of experience: July 17, 2019

Aurora delivered an incredible experience. The Greg Mortimer and all the crew and staff made everything seem so easy while we enjoyed the wildlife, stunning scenery. With up to 2 shore excursions each day and amazing meals you barely had any free time. Overall the best trip ever.
This is a must do if your contemplating it.

Date of experience: March 17, 2020

Staff, crew, care, food deserve top ratings. I loved the relaxed atmosphere on the ship so that I felt totally at ease travelling on my own. It felt like being with one big family! The combination of 100 % professional staff with relaxed atmosphere made it a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you Aurora.

Date of experience: September 15, 2019

I booked an expedition with Aurora in August 2019 for a trip at the end of June 2020.
Due to Covid 19 they cancelled my cruise; and since then they have had extremely bad press regarding a cruise to the Antarctic in March where more than 60% of the passengers came down with the virus. I have emailed Aurora many times for a full refund and they continue to give me the run around.
All I want is my money back!

Date of experience: May 05, 2020