Aurora Expeditions Review

Let me tell you what 5 star really is. It starts with a tour agent that is always on the end of the phone or computer to answer the thousand questions we had about the tour, the ship, the area and everything in between. Ben was very friendly, patient and knowledgable. I am certain we would have gone with someone else if it was not for Ben's help and advice.

Next is the ship, the Greg Mortimer. My wife probably summed it up best when we first entered our cabin. She turned to me and said, "I don't know what you are going to do, but I'm not leaving the ship." The facilities were top level, the food exceptional, and the eqipment we used to explore Antarctica was super.

Then there is the people on board the ship. What struck me most was three things. First, they really enjoyed their jobs (or at least made us feel like they did). Without fail EVERY person on that ship was friendly and interested in you. From the great wait staff to the people taking care of our room to the bartenders to the officers on board, they were all not just sayiong hi but really asking about us. It makes you feel so good.

We were lucky enough to be part of the kayak group and we have a special place in our hearts for the kayaking crew. They were knowledgeable, patient, and so excited to go with us to explore the area. We loved every session we went on, and we went on a lot of sessions! Out thanks to all of them as the kayaking was the highlight of our trip.

Finally there's the Antarctic area itself. Jaw dropping, inspiring and so amazing. Words escape how else to describe our time.

Many people say things are 5 star. They need to go with iExpedition, get Ben Alexander to design their tour, go to Antarctica on the Greg Mortimer and see what the 5 star bar really is.

The service was great easy to get too nice short break

Went to Antarctica with them..professional..stayed in tent ..kayaked..swam..all in Antartica..who does that ???!!!

The Aurora expedition to Antarctica was a life changing experience! Being surrounded by some of the world's most spectacular and pristine land and seascapes, exposed to a multitude of contrasting climatic conditions within any given day, and blessed with unbelievably close encounters with wildlife I thought I'd only ever see in a brochure... Unbeatable! The small tour group size enabled more intimate (at times solitary) interactions with the environment and the expedition leaders and naturalists were absolutely phenomenal. Despite being prone to seasickness, the slight discomfort in passage crossings was a small price to pay for the exhilarating feeling of freedom, energy, and sheer wonder that I experienced each and every day that I was there. Thanks Aurora!

Went to Antarctica with these guys a good few years ago. I was looking at my pics only the other day. It was an amazing experience, Antartica of course, but these guys were the best. The boats being smaller meant you were involved more, had flexibility and got to know everyone. The crew were great and staff were incredibly professional and friendly. Go with these guys.

Travelling to Antarctica on the Greg Mortimer in December 2019 was an incredible experience for my whole family. The quality of the staff and the luxury of the ship were complemented by the respect and responsibility shown for this remarkable part of the world.

Great trip to Antarctica with a caring, enthusiastic and knowledgeable expedition company. It was delightful to travel with staff who genuinely cared both about the Antarctic and its environment as well as making sure the passengers got the best experience possible. Highly recommended

Remember to bring sunglasses and lots of water. CaN GET A BIT WARM

The absolute best way to visit many of the worlds most extreme polar environments! I have travelled to Greenland, South Georgia and Antartica with Aurora and they were all incredible trips.

I was on the ill-fated cruise to Antarctica in March 2020 that got stranded at Montevideo due to COVID. Apart from the fact that this cruise should never have gone ahead in the first place this review is not about that. It is about the ship itself and the expedition.
I should say that I suspect I am not a "cruise person", hence my review will not gel with a lot of people.

THE TOUR - apart from it being cut very short due to COVID, I believe end of March is not a good time to go. Very little wild life (as in penguins, seals and whales) since it is nearing winter in Antarctica. Scenery is ok but for me personally it did not have that "OMG" factor I was expecting (probably watched too much "David Attenborough"). I like my holidays more active and sitting in a Zodiac for hours or traversing a very limited course with a hundred or so fellow travellers lacked the sense of adventure I was hoping for.
THE EXPEDITION STAFF - absolute fantastic - despite the fact that quite a few were hardcore scientists (which can be a bit elusive at times) they were personable, engaging, knowledgable, funny at times and the "lectures" they gave on various subjects, were absolutely worth it and fascinating.
THE SHIP CREW - friendly, hard working.
MY CABIN (417) - and let's remember this is pretty much a brand new ship.
- Shower - the water collects and does not run off easily
- Shower mat - not reassuring that to not slip I had to stand on a rubber mat that everybody else has been standing on as well - hot bed for germs
- Cabin - the bedside light switch cannot be accessed when lying down so what is the point of it if you have to get up again when you just drifing off to switch off the light
- Cabin - Cupboard - the strap holding the door was already broken
- Cabin - Safe instructions - inside the cupboard were the MASTER instructions meaning my safe was not safe since anybody reading this could have opened the safe
- Cabin - Balcony door - squeaking when closed.
But having said that, the room was clean, the bed was inviting, the mattress firm, the bedding fresh and clean, the towels white and fluffy.
FOOD - decent, nothing to write home about but it was not a gourmet cruise, so fine.
Do I think it was worth all the money - personally - NO, but I like my holidays a little more active and sitting in a Zodiac for hours or traversing a short route on land with a hundred or so other passengers did not give me the sense of awe and adventure I was looking for. Rosie

Twice I have requested a quote using the online form (there is no booking option) and twice I have had no reply. Potential $14,000+ sale lost.