Important Topics To Know

• The introduction of the Douglas Mawson, a new purpose-built ship designed for small-ship expedition cruising.
• The presence of “Master Storytellers” on every voyage to provide expert historical and cultural context.
• All-inclusive “Your Choice” excursions that allow passengers to personalize their land-based discoveries.
• Expanded global reach covering all seven continents with specialized itineraries in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Aurora Expeditions is embarking on an inspiring new chapter with its inaugural small ship cruising season, expanding its reach to 26 countries across all seven continents. At the heart of this expansion is the Douglas Mawson, a purpose-built vessel designed to blend high-level comfort with the deep destination access for which the line is famous. This new season focuses on immersive journeys through the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, Northern Europe, and the British Isles, providing a sophisticated platform for travelers who value both luxury and authentic discovery.

The voyages are distinguished by a commitment to storytelling and personalization. Each itinerary features a “Master Storyteller,” such as a historian or cultural specialist, who provides profound insights into the local heritage through onboard discussions. Once ashore, the “Your Choice” excursion program allows guests to tailor their experience to their specific interests, ensuring that every stop feels personal and meaningful. Whether exploring the rugged, castle-dotted coastlines of Ireland or tracing the shared histories of the Canary Islands and Morocco, these routes are curated to reveal hidden narratives and lesser-known gems far beyond the reach of larger ships.

Highlighting the 2026 and 2027 seasons are diverse itineraries like the “Saints, Saviours and Secrets” voyage, which explores the complex cultural identities of Ireland and Scotland, and “The Godfather” cruise, which navigates the storied waters of the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Malta. These journeys emphasize the rich layers of history, from ancient Roman rule to the Age of Exploration. By prioritizing small-ship intimacy and expert-led education, Aurora Expeditions offers a refined way to connect with the traditions and landscapes of the world’s most captivating regions, proving that the best way to see the world is often from a smaller, more focused perspective.

Ireland: The Luck of the Irish 

Dublin to Dublin, May 8-18, 2026 and June 16-27, 2027, from $11,036 

Ireland’s rugged coastline is best experienced from the water, where dramatic cliffs, historic ports and quiet seaside towns reveal themselves one after another. This voyage explores both Ireland and Northern Ireland, with time spent discovering castles, coastal villages and storied landscapes while learning about the history, folklore and characters that have shaped the island’s culture over centuries. 

Ireland & Scotland: Saints, Saviours and Secrets 

Dublin to Edinburgh, May 15-28, 2026 and June 24 – July 7, 2027, from $12,956 

This voyage explores the people and events that have defined the island, from religious figures and political leaders to writers, migrants and everyday citizens whose stories echo through Ireland’s towns and villages. Traveling through both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the journey traces themes of faith, famine, independence and cultural identity, concluding with time in Edinburgh to explore Scotland’s own layered history. 

Canary Islands to Lisbon: The Sands of Time 

Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Lisbon, April 24 – May 7, 2026 and May 15-28, 2027, from $13,676 

Travelers will discover the shared history of the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain and Portugal, regions long connected through trade, migration and shifting empires. Stops range from the Canary Islands and the medinas of Morocco to the whitewashed towns of Andalusia, Gibraltar and Portugal’s Algarve coast, offering insight into the events and cultures that shaped the region, from the Moorish presence in Iberia to the Age of Exploration and its global impact. 

The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather 

Rome to Valletta, Malta, July 8 – 19, 2026 and May 10-27, 2027, from $8,512 

Southern Italy, Sicily and Malta share a long and complex history shaped by competing empires, trade routes and cultural exchange. This voyage explores the Amalfi Coast, the island of Sicily and the historic ports of Malta, where ancient cities, clifftop villages and Mediterranean resort towns sit alongside archaeological sites and layers of political history. Along the way, travelers encounter stories ranging from Roman rule and buried cities to the cultural traditions, cuisine and everyday life that continue to define the region today.