NEW YORK, NY, 6 August 2026: Aurora Expeditions has opened bookings for its 2028 Northern Hemisphere season, introducing seven new Cultural Expeditions alongside its Polar and Discovery programmes. The season comprises 29 departures across 20 countries and territories, visiting 161 unique ports aboard Douglas Mawson and Sylvia Earle.
The programme includes 16 Polar Expeditions, six Discovery Expeditions and seven Cultural Expeditions, with new itineraries across the three voyage styles.
Seven Cultural Expeditions Join 2028 Programme
The new Cultural Expeditions cover the British Isles, Ireland, the Mediterranean, Europe’s Atlantic coast and Scandinavia. They combine visits to established cultural sites with smaller destinations and local experiences, supported by onboard historians, archaeologists, naturalists and local experts.
Three highlighted itineraries are The Isles of the British Isles, an 11-day Sylvia Earle voyage from London to Dublin departing 19 April 2028; Valletta to Lisbon: The Mediterranean: Beyond the Icons, a 15-day Douglas Mawson sailing departing 31 May; and A Northern Saga, a 14-day Douglas Mawson itinerary from Amsterdam to Bergen departing 26 June travelling through Northern Europe via the Kiel Canal, with visits to Berlin, Copenhagen and Oslo before continuing to Norway’s fjord scenery.
Additional Cultural Expeditions are Forever Irish, The Cross and the Crescent Moon, Storied Shores of the Mediterranean and Coasting the Atlantic.
“Cultural Expeditions broaden the possibilities of expedition travel while remaining true to everything Aurora stands for: small ships, expert interpretation, genuine discovery and meaningful connections with the places we visit,” said Justin Ewin, Aurora Expeditions’ Global Head of Product.
“They bring Aurora’s pioneering spirit to destinations rich in history, tradition and local character, inviting travelers to look beyond the landmarks and uncover the people and stories that have shaped each place. Whether exploring an archaeological site, tasting regional cuisine or meeting local artisans, these voyages are designed to create richer and more memorable connections.”
Two New Polar Itineraries Announced
Aurora Expeditions’ 2028 Polar programme comprises 16 voyages, including two new itineraries.
Norwegian Fjords & Svalbard Explorer is an 11-day Sylvia Earle voyage departing Tromsø on 8 June 2028 and travelling via Longyearbyen to Oslo.
Wild Greenland: An Active Arctic Expedition is a nine-day Sylvia Earle itinerary departing 23 August and travelling roundtrip from Reykjavík via Kangerlussuaq.
Returning Polar itineraries include Jewels of the Arctic: Svalbard & East Greenland and Northwest Passage.
Discovery Programme Includes New North Atlantic Voyage
Six Discovery Expeditions are scheduled for 2028 across Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Norway and Central America. The new Northern Lights & Wild Isles: Iceland, Greenland to Scotland itinerary is a 14-day Douglas Mawson voyage departing Reykjavík for Aberdeen on 23 September 2028. The programme also includes the returning 11-day Wild Scotland itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle, departing Aberdeen for Glasgow on 17 May. Cultural and Discovery voyages will offer Your Choice Inclusive Experiences which allow travelers to shape their days around their interests and preferred activity level. The programme includes 37 Cultural Enrichment Experiences across themes such as Local Flavors, Art & Artisans and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, together with 46 Discovery Wild & Immersive Experiences covering areas including wildlife, glaciers, waterfalls and coastal culture.
2028 Season Now Open for Bookings
The Northern Hemisphere 2028 season is now on sale, with savings of up to 25 per cent available on selected voyages booked and deposited by 31 October 2026, subject to availability and capacity controls.
Aurora Expeditions operates three purpose-built small ships: Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson. The 2028 Northern Hemisphere programme featured in the release will sail aboard Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson.
Source: Official announcement by Aurora Expeditioins on 6 August, 2026, New York. Image Credit: Tyson Mayr
