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Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ special edition Polar Bears in the Changing Arctic expedition, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. 

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Arctic, a land of awe-inspiring beauty and untamed wilderness. Focusing on the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, we slice through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and sail along spectacular fjords surrounded by jagged mountains that pierce the sky. June is a prime time to witness the Arctic’s vibrant wildlife in action. Marvel at a plethora of species on land and at sea, from Arctic foxes and polar bears to marine giants like humpback and fin whales returning from their tropical wintering grounds. As ice retreats, the tundra blooms and towering cliffs echo with millions of nesting seabirds – a truly unforgettable natural spectacle. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with friends, you will share this adventure with like-minded individuals who cherish the wonders of nature and science. 

This unique cruise will be co-hosted by New Scientist Discovery Tours, known for its amazing, science-filled tours, cruises and expeditions, all inspired by the journalism of New Scientist, the world’s most popular weekly science and technology publication. Now, in partnership with Aurora Expeditions, New Scientist Discovery Tours is setting sail to the polar regions to provide breathtaking and illuminating travel experiences that combine the extraordinary natural surroundings with a focus on science and discovery. Enjoy a vibrant program of expert-led talks, workshops, shore visits and Zodiac cruises, covering topics from polar science (including glaciology and marine biology) to the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human. 

Highlights

Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science
Participate in New Scientist-led workshops and in a science-lead zodiac cruises and workshop programs with a marine biologist
Keep an eye out for majestic polar bears on pack ice
Discover the thrill of seeing arctic wildlife, like walrus, reindeer and arctic fox
See towering cliffs teeming with birdlife, including guillemots and puffins
Enjoy thrilling Zodiac cruises along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords
Enjoy tundra hikes amid stunning scenery without seeing another soul

Itinerary

Staterooms and Prices

Choose your departure

Meet our Expert Team

Each voyage is accompanied by our highly acclaimed expedition team who we believe are the best in the business. Many are recognised leaders in their fields, keen to share their daily insights on shore and onboard. While your actual team may vary between voyages, every member of our Expedition Team is among the world's best remote area specialists.

Included Activities

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Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
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Marine Mammal Spotting
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Photography
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Polar Plunge
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Scenic Cruising
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Trips Ashore
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Walking
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Wildlife Watching
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Zodiac Cruising
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Bird Watching

Add-on Activities

Low impact
Moderate
Difficult
Advanced

Our Ship

The Greg Mortimer

Capacity
148 Passengers Maximum (130 on Expedition)
Year built
2019
Cabins
76
Length
104m
Decks
8
Speed
10-12 Knots

Loyal Travelers

We love celebrating our loyal expeditioners who return to explore with us. After your first Aurora Expeditions voyage, you’ll automatically achieve Bronze Adventurer status. The more voyages you embark on, the higher you climb—progressing to Silver and eventually Gold!

Solo Travelers

Voyages with Aurora Expeditions are such a fantastic choice for solo travelers, giving you the chance to experience the world’s most remote and incredible destinations with like-minded travelers and our expert guides, while on board our small, social and welcoming ships.

Your Big Adventure Awaits

Every expedition is unique, shaped by weather, tides, ice, and our team’s deep local knowledge. Your Expedition Leader crafts each day for the best adventure. Want a glimpse of what it’s like? Browse a Voyage Log from a past journey.  Each log is a beautifully crafted, day-to-day recap featuring highlights, photos, guest moments, and wildlife sightings. Browse now and start dreaming of your own big adventure.