Aurora Expeditions, a cruise company that has previously specialised in limited passenger sailings and sustainable travel to remote places, is about to set sail beyond the polar regions.
The cruise line’s offer for 2026 will include the Atlantic Coast, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia. Over 40 sailings will take place over a 2026 season that has been dubbed “Arctic and Beyond”, with expeditions that vary wildly in character, such as Scotland, Costa Rica, Indonesia and Borneo.
Greater diversity of destinations, climates and exploration
“Our 2026 Arctic and Beyond season heralds an exciting evolution for Aurora Expeditions,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer of Aurora Expeditions. “We have grown from our core offering of polar and remote area expeditions to a greater diversity of destinations, climates and exploration styles to allow our passengers to experience more.”
Heath also pointed out that the company’s small fleet of just three ships, which will offer 10 solo cabins on every voyage with no single supplement payable, will be expanded at the end of 2025 by a new ship, the Douglas Mawson. The Douglas Maswon, a 154-guest ship, will sail her maiden voyage in December that year, serving the line’s new East Antarctica itineraries.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to diversify and innovate our offering for both our loyal passengers who have joined us in the past, as well as those yet to discover the Aurora difference,” Heath said.
Solar eclipse tourism sets world alight
In addition to the new destinations, Aurora is one of the many cruise lines tapping into a growing mania for solar eclipse tourism. Travel Tomorrow has already featured Cunard’s eclipse calendar. Virgin is offering two eclipse-themed sailings, the Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice, from Portsmouth, England, on 5 August 2026, aboard its Valiant Lady, and the brilliantly named Total Eclipse of the (Med), on the Scarlet Lady, from Barcelona on 10 August. And Holland America Line also recently announced three eclipse cruises in July of the same year, including one round trip from the U.S.
Celestial spectacle with added polar bears
Meanwhile, Aurora’s Jewels of the Arctic: Greenland Solar Eclipse Itinerary will focus on providing passengers with privileged views from the north as the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun.
A company news release invited passengers to “Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Scoresbysund, Greenland, sailing through stunning Arctic landscapes as we position ourselves for the celestial spectacle.”
The itinerary will depart from Oslo, Norway, to Reykjavik, Iceland, on 2 August 2026 for a 15-day voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer, taking in Svalbard and the Denmark Strait. Along with the action in the skies, passengers might catch a glimpse of polar bears, ringed seals, oxen, and reindeer along the way for a cool $21,245 per person, based on double occupancy. That includes a pre-cruise hotel stay, a flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, excursions, and all on-board meals and drinks, including alcoholic beverages with dinner. Early booking is rewarded with discounts of up to 25%.
