Agents – The Americas

• How long has Aurora Expeditions been in business? 

Aurora Expeditions has been in business since 1991.  We are pioneers in expedition travel and are experts in the polar regions.

• What is the average demographics and nationality of your guests? 

The average age of our guests is between 50 – 70 with a quarter of our guests under the age of 50.  The majority of guests are Australians. However, we are welcoming more Americans, Canadians and guests from the UK every year.

• Can you accommodate single travelers?  If so, what is the single supplement?

We do not have a mandatory single supplement rate if a guest is willing to share a cabin. Most cabins are available on twin share basis in twin rooms, at no additional charge. This means that as a solo traveler, your client may pay the twin-share rate and will be paired with another solo traveler of the same gender. If we don’t locate a same gender cabinmate, your client will not be charged a supplement.

For single expeditioners wanting their own cabin they can pay a 50% surcharge occupancy cabin (on top of the twin occupancy rate).  However, we occasionally will have a Go Solo and Save  promotion that waives the surcharge so be sure  sign up for our email communications to be the first to know.

• Do you offer charters? 

Yes. 

• What is your group policy? 

We have a policy of one berth tour conductor credit per 11 paid berths. View our Group Mini Brochure.

• What are age limits or recommendations for children?

Age 8 and above. There isn’t a formal children’s program but for a curious, well-behaved child, they will love the outdoor activities with parental guidance.

• Is there any hope that unvaccinated travelers will be able to get on a voyage in the next season?

Full vaccinations must occur four weeks prior to the embarkation date of the voyage and proof of vaccination will be required to be provided to Aurora Expeditions in advance of the voyage. Vaccinations acceptable are those that have been approved by WHO and these vaccines are limited to: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Covishield, AstraZeneca, Covovax, Novavax, Covilo, Sinovac, Covaxin. It is important to note that all travelers need to check and comply with the vaccine requirements of the country they are travelling to.

• For departures that require visas, does Aurora Expeditions assist with securing visas?

Yes.

• Is there a discount for back to back trips? 

Yes, there is a 5% discount.

• What is your current payment & cancellation policy? 

There is a $2500 per person non-refundable deposit due within 7 days after booking.  There is a $250 per person per activity deposit.  Final payment is due 90 days prior to the voyage start date. The booking becomes non-refundable within 90 days; however, we will review on a case by case basis if the guest wishes to move to another voyage. View our full Terms & Conditions.

• Fly/Sail departures in Antarctica

There are many questions regarding our “Fly/Sail,” “Fly/Fly,” and “Sail/Fly” voyages. View our Fly/Sail Contingency Plans.

1. Sail/Sail – roundtrip Ushuaia
2. Fly/Fly – roundtrip Punta Arenas
3. Fly/Sail  – Punta Arenas (Chile) to Ushuaia
4. Sail/Fly – Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (Chile)

Any “Fly/Sail”, “Fly/Fly” or “Sail/Fly” voyage is deemed to commence at the starting point of the expedition as booked.

• What is the electrical voltage on board? 

It is 220V and there is a universal outlet that can accommodate various plug configurations.

• How much should I tip?

A US$15 per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your account. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.

• What are the dining options available onboard?

There is one dining venue onboard & it is open seating.

• What drink packages do you offer? 

House wines, beer and soft drinks included with dinner and at the Captain’s farewell receptions.

• Is there laundry service available onboard? 

Yes.  Laundry can be sent out for a nominal fee.

• Can you accommodate food allergies or restrictions?

Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food are all available.

• Do you provide short boots for passengers?

Tall boots and a polar jacket are provided. We do have boots that we can custom fit to most people.

• Does Aurora Expeditions provide expedition gear?

Aurora Expeditions provides a complimentary polar 3-way jacket for expeditioners to keep. The jacket will be placed in the cabin prior to embarkation.  Muck boots are available for complimentary use.

• Is there a professional on board that takes photos for the guests?

A professional photographer is part of the team. We also get contributions from our expeditioners who are very good photographers. The photos go into a voyage log that is sent out to guests 1-2 months after their voyage is complete. Expeditioners will also often share photos with each other.

• Do guests need to sign up for activities in advance or can they do that onboard? 

Some programs require advanced registration.  Please check with our Inside Sales team on specific requirements.

• How does the camping work? 

Everyone gets a warm sleeping bag and sleeping pad. We choose a night that has good conditions. Typical departures are after dinner around 10pm. It’s daylight (twilight) throughout the night and everyone is back before breakfast. It’s a great experience our expeditioners really enjoy it and sleep well!

• Is there snorkeling in the Antarctic?

Snorkeling is offered on many of our expeditions There is also polar diving available on 2-3 departures a season.

• How cold is the water for the polar plunge?

Normally the water is in the 30’s Fahrenheit.  A quick wake up and an unforgettable experience.

• What are the requirements for diving?

To participate in our polar diving activity, all divers must be a trained, certified scuba divers with proof of certification as an Advanced Diver. In addition, it is extremely important that the guest has adequate training and experience in dry-suit diving. Recent diving experience and proof of a minimum of 30 logged dives using a dry-suit is required prior to joining the excursion.  Find out more about scuba diving.

• Is diving additional and do you supply dry suits? 

We have compressors, tanks and weights onboard, but divers are asked to bring their own dry suit and all other gear

• Do you offer printed brochures and marketing support? 

Yes, you can place your request on our website. New brochures come out regularly, view our latest brochures.

Additionally, we do have marketing assets available and customized marketing solutions.  Please contact your Business Development Manager for customized requests on our Travel Agents Hub.

• Is there a Travel Advisor certification program?

We’re working on it! Watch for news releases when it is launched. View our latest webinars.

• Do you participate in trade or agency events? 

Yes, we regularly attend local trade shows and would love to speak to you about agency events.  Please contact your local Business Development Manager.

• We want to work with you! See who your local Business Development Manager is: 

View the North American and Canadian BDM Maps below.