Aurora Expeditions has today launched its intrepid new Global and Arctic 2022 program aboard both the Greg Mortimer, and their new ship, the Sylvia Earle, on track for delivery in October 2021.
Aurora Expeditions’ Global and Arctic 2022 program features 12 brand new itineraries and destinations that continue to push the boundaries of expedition voyaging and will take expeditioners to some breathtaking and incredible remote corners of the planet, including the Russian Far East, Raja Ampat/West Papua, Alaska, the Northwest Passage and Baja California.
As if that isn’t as exciting enough on its own… Aurora is also offering an exclusive early bird deal of up to 25% off* these departatures.
Both the Sylvia Earle and the Greg Mortimer Global and Arctic 2022 programs will visit some of the Mission Blue Hope Spots as championed by Sylvia Earle herself. These include The Gulf of California, the Coral Triangle and Misool Marine Reserve in Raja Ampat and the North West Passage.
Through visiting these places, Aurora Expeditions aims to raise further awareness on the importance of conserving these incredibly biodiverse, marine areas.
“At a time where international travel is at a temporary standstill but we are all dreaming about future travel adventures, we are really excited to launch our new 2022 Arctic and Global program to give our loyal expeditioners some phenomenal new, remote and beautiful destinations to consider.”
Monique Ponfoort, Aurora Expeditions CEO
“With the upcoming delivery of our second purpose-built expedition ship the Sylvia Earle, it continues to be an exciting period of growth for the business. We hope these new itineraries evoke some wanderlust for those of us who are patiently ready and waiting to get out and explore the world again,” Monique Ponfoort concluded.
Itinerary highlights of the new Aurora Expeditions Global and Arctic 2022 program include:
Kamchatka and Chukotka – 17 days – Sailing on the Sylvia Earle
Soak in coastal hot springs serenaded by thundering waterfalls. Zodiac cruise along black-sand beaches, where Kamchatka brown bears and cubs forage, and share swift rivers with Steller’s sea eagles diving on salmon.
Visit the Commander Islands (‘South Georgia of the North Pacific’) where seabirds populate a breathtaking maze of arches an sea stacks. Red-legged kittiwakes, red-faced cormorants, parakeet and whiskered auklets and perhaps even laysan albatross are on show.
Visit the grave of explorer Vitus Bering near waters bustling with sea lions, fur seals and busy sea otters, while orcas and humpback whales patrol the bays. In Chukotka enjoy tundra wildflowers, cliff-climbing bears and a warm welcome by reindeer herders.
Raja Ampat & West Papua – 14 days – Sailing on the Sylvia Earle
The tropical archipelago of West Papua is ideal for expedition cruising. Raja Ampat and the nearby islands of the Indonesian archipelago are a melting pot of culture, history and nature. Discover the influence of Melanesia, Islam, and the Portuguese explorers and Dutch traders who ventured to the ‘Spice Islands’ in search of highly prized spices such as nutmeg.
Raja Ampat is also a marine biodiversity hotspot. With 75 per cent of the world’s coral species and over 1,500 species of tropical fish found here, it is a paradise for divers and snorkellers.
Alaska Adventure and Haida Gwaii – 13 days – Sailing on the Sylvia Earle
Weaving through fjords, coves and bays that are best enjoyed on a small ship, explore small settlements, including Annette Island’s Metlakatla Indian Community, the only Indian Reserve in Alaska. In Sitka Sound, Zodiac-cruise at Saint Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge, home to over a 500,000 breeding seabirds, as bald eagles and peregrine falcons circle the skies and Mount Edgecumbe looms nearby.
In Misty Fjords National Monument, sail along Tracy Arm Fjord towards the splendid twin Sawyer Glaciers. With special permission, we visit Haida Gwaii, where indigenous Haida guides will welcome you to their community and share stories about their history and culture.
Near Bella Coola, Nuxalk Nation guides will lead expeditioners on an exclusive excursion for a grizzly bear encounter, a unique selling point of this voyage.
Other new itineraries include Greenland Odyssey, Wrangel Island, Baja California & Sea of Cortez, North West Passage, Kuril Islands, Baja California Odyssey, Aleutian Islands, Alaska Odyssey and Alaska Adventure.
*Conditions apply.
Click here for more information.
READ: Aurora CEO Monique Ponfoort Shares Her Optimism For Expedition Cruising
READ: Aurora Expeditions Reveals Cutting-Edge Design Of Its New Expedition Ship
READ: Aurora Expeditions Releases Sylvia Earle Internal Renders
