Adventure Cruise line Aurora Expeditions has launched a limited-time Antarctica cruise deal that cuts fares by as much as 40 percent on select 2025-26 sailings. Bookings made between July 15 and August 15, 2025, unlock reduced rates on small-ship itineraries that span wildlife-rich South Georgia, seldom-visited South Sandwich Islands, and hard-to-reach stretches south of the Antarctic Circle. The promotion also covers fly-the-Drake programs for travelers who prefer to skip the famously rough Drake Passage and maximize time on ice.
Key Points
- Up to 40 percent off select 2025-26 departures
- Eligible trips include 12- to 34-day itineraries, some flying the Drake Passage
- Why it matters: rare access to the South Sandwich Islands and Weddell Sea at lower cost
- Offer window: July 15-August 15, 2025
- Fleet: purpose-built, 132-guest small expedition ships
Snapshot
Aurora Expeditions' promotion applies to five itineraries aboard the 132-guest Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Highlights range from 12-day Antarctic Explorer cruises that Zodiac through iceberg-filled channels to the 34-day Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent voyage, which traces legendary expedition routes. The Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake program swaps two sea days for a pair of charter flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island, letting travelers step onto the continent sooner. All sailings feature expert-led lectures, guided hikes, and optional pursuits such as kayaking, snorkeling, and alpine trekking.
Background
Founded in 1991 by Australian mountaineer Greg Mortimer, Aurora Expeditions pioneered small-group polar cruising with a focus on environmental stewardship and scientific enrichment. The line's purpose-built ships use Ulstein's X-Bow for smoother crossings and Tier III engines that cut emissions. Antarctica Cruise demand has soared since pandemic restrictions eased, driving early sell-outs and higher lead-in prices. Discount windows like this one let budget-minded travelers lock in berths well ahead of the 2025-26 peak. Aurora's fleet continues to operate under the industry-leading IAATO guidelines that cap visitor numbers ashore and mandate strict wildlife-interaction protocols.
Latest Developments
Aurora's new offer covers the following headline voyages:
South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey + South Sandwich Islands
A 24-day circuit known for massive king-penguin colonies and volcanic calderas rarely seen by Cruise guests.
Antarctic Explorer
Twelve days along the Antarctic Peninsula, combining Zodiac ice cruising with near-daily landings on penguin-studded shores.
Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake
A 13-day trip that trades the Drake Passage for two-hour flights, gaining roughly 30 additional hours on the continent.
Wild Antarctica
Sixteen days in the remote Weddell Sea, famed for table-top bergs and the historic wreck site of Endurance.
Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent
At 34 days, one of the longest scheduled passenger sailings in the region, threading both the Peninsula and Ross Sea.
CEO Michael Heath said the discount "opens the door for more adventurers to witness the magic of Antarctica in an intimate and unforgettable way." The line reports that cabins on Fly the Drake and Epic itineraries historically fill first, suggesting demand may outpace supply before the August 15 cut-off.
Analysis
For travelers eyeing an Antarctica Cruise, price remains the biggest barrier. The average 12-day peninsula sailing now tops $15,000 per person in a twin cabin before air. A 40 percent cut can shave more than $6,000 off that figure, bringing once-in-a-lifetime expeditions within reach of mid-market adventure travelers. Flying the Drake Passage further reduces vacation days lost to rough seas, an important selling point for professionals who cannot stretch time off. However, charter flight capacity is limited; savvy cruisers should deposit early or risk waitlists. Booking during the current window also locks in one year-out pricing before potential 2026 fuel surcharges.
Final Thoughts
With climate-change headlines fueling bucket-list urgency, prime-season Antarctica cabins rarely linger. Aurora Expeditions' limited-time Antarctica Cruise deal provides a rare opportunity to secure a small-ship berth-often with a balcony-at a sub-luxury price, while still enjoying expert guides, responsible operations, and iconic wildlife encounters. Travelers ready for penguins, pack ice, and bragging-rights itineraries should book before August 15 and pack layers for the ultimate Antarctica cruise deal.