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Sail with Confidence

As part of our commitment to ensure that we are doing small ship expedition travel in the safest and most enjoyable way possible, as vaccination is a significant driver of immunity, we will require proof of vaccination and an additional booster (where eligible) to join an expedition with Aurora. All passengers will need to fill in the Pre Boarding Health Declaration that will provided prior to boarding.

As Covid-19 is ever evolving, we will continue to monitor what is happening globally. We will also continue to review and update our protocols for all operating voyages in accordance with regulations and guidelines in the areas in which we are operating in. As the latest research and public health recommendations evolve, so will our protocols.

We want our expeditioners to know that their health and safety is in qualified hands and that a small ship expedition experience will be enjoyed to the fullest with Aurora Expeditions.

Vaccines

Aurora Expeditions requires all embarking crew, Expedition Team and our passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to embarking on any of its cruises.

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.

Acceptable vaccinations are limited to: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Novavax, Comirnaty, Spikevax, Vaxzevria, Jcovden, Nuvaxovid, COVID-19 Vaccine (inactivated, adjuvanted) Valneva and VidPrevtyn Beta.

It is important to note, that all travellers need to check and comply with the vaccine requirements of the country they are travelling to. Some countries have their own vaccination requirements. For example, Greenland; only accepts EMA approved vaccines which are: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Novavax.

As of 5th February 2022, Aurora will require all passengers to have also had a booster vaccination prior to boarding, if more than 5 months have passed after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination (and at least 2 months after completing a J&J COVID-19 vaccination).

Officially certified proof of vaccination and booster will be required ahead of travel and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 15 days prior to departure.

Aurora Expeditions does not require passengers to undergo tests for COVID-19 prior to embarkation or during the voyage. We do not conduct routine COVID-19 testing unless required by the relevant authorities. However, passengers who report symptoms of COVID-19 to the medical team during a voyage will be tested.

Travel Insurance

It is mandatory by Aurora that all travellers have comprehensive travel insurance with a minimum of US$250,000 cover including medical. Proof of insurance will be required ahead of travel and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 60 days prior to departure. For Australians, we recommend NIB Travel insurance.

Ship Health & Safety Features

100% Fresh Air on Board

Our vessels have ultra-modern systems that includes 100% fresh air in every cabin – passenger and crew. There is no recirculation of air throughout our vessels.

Expedition Experiences

As part of our continued commitment to providing expedition experiences in the safest and most enjoyable way possible, in each landing passengers will be accompanied by a medic.

Medical Team and Fully Equipped Medical Centre

An emergency medical team including a doctor and a nurse with current training in public health protocols, outbreak prevention and management protocols will be aboard every voyage.

Our ships have a fully equipped Medical Centre with facilities for emergency care. All passengers are required to have Travel Insurance with suitable Medivac.

In addition, we have dedicated isolation cabins should they become necessary during a voyage.

OnBoard

Aurora Expeditions has further enhanced all cleaning and sanitisation procedures on board. All of our crew are extensively trained in the latest public health sanitation methods and will wear suitable PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).

If you happen to test positive onboard for COVID-19, you will be required to isolate in line with the regulations of the country we are visiting. Close contacts will undergo a period of isolation for 24 hours and will be released following a negative test result.

Clean Expedition Ships

The frequency of cleaning and sanitisation has been increased in all public spaces with an emphasis on high touch surfaces and spaces including elevators, handrails, public furniture and fitness equipment, as well as intensive cleaning of cabins with disinfectants with proven effectiveness. All vessels will undergo extensive cleaning in between voyages in accordance with COVID-19 Controls & Prevention protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have had a blended vaccine?

If you have had a blended vaccine, please contact Aurora Expeditions to discuss your vaccination program.

Is the air onboard safe?

Both of the ships in our fleet have ultra-modern systems that includes 100% fresh air in every cabin – passenger and crew. There is no recirculation of air throughout our ships.
Given how new our ships are, all of the cabins have their own unique airconditioning and filtration system.

Will passengers be able to visit the bridge?

We have carefully considered the health and safety measures to ensure our passengers will continue to enjoy the expedition experience to the fullest. Aurora Expeditions is committed to ensure the safety of crew and passengers onboard the vessel. It is unlikely that we will allow our passengers bridge access during this season, as always our open bridge policy will be at the discretion of the Captain.