Sarah Bretz, ContributorAurora Expeditions has released its new 2026 Arctic and Beyond season, including its first-ever voyages to southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic coast. Every sailing will also include dedicated solo cabins.
The season features 42 departures, including new expedition voyages to Indonesia and Borneo, an opportunity to view the 2026 solar eclipse from Greenland on the popular ‘Jewels of the Arctic’ itinerary, as well as new Arctic destination combinations on its polar voyages, traveling with a maximum of 130 passengers. In addition, Aurora’s best-selling voyages to Costa Rica and Scotland are included in the 2026 program, including a second shorter seven-day voyage to Costa Rica.
The 2026 Arctic and Beyond season also introduces a new style of exploration visiting the Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, British Isles, and Ireland, which will be a distinct program alongside the company’s core offering of polar and remote area expeditions. This new style of voyages will offer experiences guided by storytellers and framed by included pre and post-cruise land programs, as well as a choice of all-inclusive shore excursions at every port.
Aurora Expeditions will also be introducing 10 dedicated solo cabins per sailing with no solo supplement across its fleet of three small ships. This will be offered across a variety of stateroom categories starting in 2026.
Highlights of the 2026 Arctic and Beyond program include:
Expeditions
Jewels of the Arctic (Solar Eclipse 2026)
Oslo/Reykjavik, August 2-26, 2026 on the Sylvia Earle
Experience the magic of a total solar eclipse! Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Scoresbysund, Greenland, sailing through stunning Arctic landscapes as we position ourselves for the celestial spectacle. Feel the anticipation grow as the moon gradually eclipses the sun, casting an ethereal glow. Witness the breathtaking moment of totality – 2 minutes and 18 seconds of darkness transformed into daylight by a dazzling diamond ring.
In the wake of Wallace: Indonesia & Borneo
Bali/Singapore, October 24 to November 8, 2026 on the Greg Mortimer
Embark on an extraordinary voyage across the heart of the Indonesian Archipelago to Singapore, a region of unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This 16-day expedition invites you to explore a tapestry of islands, each offering unique treasures to discover. From the pristine waters of Raja Ampat to the ancient temples of Java and the orangutan of Central Kalimantan, this journey promises a fusion of adventure, culture, and wildlife experiences.
Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland
Aberdeen/Reykjavik, May 17-29, 2026 on the Greg Mortimer
Encompassing some of the wildest, most rugged outliers of the North Atlantic Ocean and Iceland, this distinctive voyage offers a fascinating journey through time. Discover the captivating archaeological sites of Jarlshof, teeming bird cliffs at Fair Isle, and the Faroe Islands’ dramatic landscapes, shaped by millennia of ocean and wind. Then forge northwards to Iceland, one of the most geologically active places on earth, where snowcapped peaks tower above vast glaciers and active volcanoes rumble beneath the surface, a constant reminder of the planet’s raw power.
Natural Treasures of Costa Rica
San José/San José, April 23-29, 2026 on the Sylvia Earle
Costa Rica, meaning ‘rich coast’, is a nature lover’s paradise. While it is a small country, Costa Rica contains approximately 6 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle, and we are incredibly fortunate to explore the region on land and sea. We hope to observe the unique wildlife including a number of indigenous birds and animals such as the Marbled Wood Quail, hummingbirds, toucans, spider monkeys, iguanas, sloths and perhaps the rare and endangered Scarlet Macaw.
Small Ship Cruises
Moor than a myth: Marrakech to Barcelona
Marrakech/Barcelona, June 20 to July 2, 2026 on the Douglas Mawson
Follow the captivating narrative of the Moorish Empire, and the Iberian Christians whose cultures collided to forge the kingdoms of Spain and Morocco. This voyage incites our senses with spicy tales of royal liaisons and imperial battles as we explore the labyrinths of Morocco’s medinas, Moorish architecture, Spanish citadels and Andalucian villages. No two days are the same on this exotic encounter as we engage with cultures whose vibrant characters and lifestyles are infectious.
Luck of the Irish: Dublin to Dublin
Dublin/Dublin, May 8-26, 2026 on the Douglas Mawson
A land of heroes and heroines, the outspoken and the underrated, Ireland’s story twists and turns. Spellbound by its layered culture, we dig deep into its past to understand its present. We search the cliffs, castles, backstreets and hollow tree trunks of Ireland and Northern Ireland for tales of four-leaf clovers, leprechauns and pots of gold, as we immerse ourselves in the witty and wondrous world of Ireland’s greatest export; the Irish.
Myths of the Mediterranean: Athens to Naples
Athens/Naples, September 14 to October 1, 2026 on the Douglas Mawson
This epic journey navigates legendary kingdoms, mythical lands, and ancient sites as we
explore Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Sicily. Discover tales of all-powerful gods and heroic figures, opulent communities and political turmoil. Witness the enduring legacy of Sicilian feuds, piratic treasures, and the tumultuous reigns of tyrannical Roman emperors. This voyage promises experiences as diverse and captivating as the peoples that have shaped these lands, as we collect enough intriguing tidbits and inspiring trivia to last a lifetime.
Comments
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