AE Expeditions

AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) was founded in 1991 by Greg and Margaret Mortimer, two passionate explorers with a vision to take small groups of travellers on transformative journeys to the world’s most remote regions. Named after Sir Douglas Mawson’s historic ship, Aurora was built on the belief that immersive, personal expeditions create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of these pristine environments.

More than three decades later, our pioneering spirit remains unchanged. Our purpose-built small ships offer greater flexibility, allowing us to navigate ice, tides, and weather with ease. Fewer travellers mean more opportunities for solitude, more time ashore, and the freedom to adapt to nature’s rhythms. With expeditions ranging from 8 to 30 days, you can focus on a single destination or combine voyages for the ultimate adventure.

An expedition is more than a big adventure, it's a journey that changes you. The most meaningful adventures are the ones that tread lightly, leaving the wild places we visit as pristine as we found them.

As a Certified B Corporation™ and proudly Carbon Neutral, we believe adventure and responsibility go hand in hand. Our small ships feature cutting-edge technology, and every voyage blends adventure, conservation and education, so you can explore the world while helping to protect it.

Go where few have gone. Come back changed, ready to share your story.

Get to know our new, purpose-built small expedition ships.

Our vessels are small enough to go where others simply can’t. Designed in close consultation with our expedition team, we drew on centuries of collective experience to map out our ships: purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth.

With the revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® to cross oceans more comfortably, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, our ships offer the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration.

Our fleet of purpose-built new ships redefines the cruising experience, with a maximum of 130 passengers onboard our Expeditions and 154 passengers on our Small Ship Cruises.

Designed for rugged, remote areas

Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most extreme conditions. Our ships are at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful, and up to the task.

The ULSTEIN X-BOW® design is a game-changer for expedition cruising, allowing our vessels to cut through the swell for smoother transits, reduced vibrations, and improved fuel efficiency. Combined with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilisers, our ships offer unrivalled stability and comfort on ocean crossings.

Designed for Active Expeditions

Our ships are built to world-class polar standards and designed in close consultation with our expedition specialists, to ensure that every aspect of the ship’s design enriches your expedition experience.

Our Zodiac access points and activities platform allows for faster disembarkation from the ship – to get out on your adventure quicker, whether by Zodiac or by kayak. In our mudroom you will have access to a locker and rapid drying areas for wetsuits when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.

Designed for Wildlife Watching

While on board, the ship is your base camp in the most incredible environments on earth. Make yourself comfortable, your floating home is yours to enjoy!

As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows and panoramic views, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside!

Designed for Education & Learning

On every expedition you'll meet naturalists and local specialists share their expertise through engaging presentations on topics like history, culture, biology, and climate change, deepening your understanding of the region.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for insightful talks, or retreat to the library—a peaceful space with floor-to-ceiling windows—where you can read up on the day's discoveries, organise photos, or enjoy a board game with newfound friends.

Designed for a Comfortable Onboard Experience

When you're not exploring ashore, unwind in the sauna, hit the gym, or soak in one of two outdoor Jacuzzis with breathtaking views.

Share stories of the day over delicious meals in our open-seating dining area, where our onboard chefs keep you fuelled for adventure.

Relax in beautifully appointed cabins, inspired by the polar landscape. Choose from a range of configurations, including twin or double beds, private balconies, and interconnecting staterooms.