Adventure Cruising
AurOrA eXPeditiOns explore the world’s wildest and most remote destinations with Australia’s original expedition cruise company. Aurora expeditions is one of the world’s most experienced expedition cruising companies. Aurora aims to take adventurous souls to regions that inspire them and create lifelong ambassadors for the preservation and protection of these places. under the guidance of experienced leaders who have a great respect for natural and cultural environments, Aurora expeditions continues to approach expedition travel as a catalyst for making a difference in one’s life, and in the world. Aurora limits the number of voyages and travellers it takes to the world’s remote destinations and believes that the lasting impact should be on the traveller – not the environment. russian Far east: taking in the unexplored realms of the Kuril islands, Kamchatka, the Bering strait and Wrangel island, these expeditions reveal a land of fire-spitting volcanoes cloaked in ice, valleys full of ancient reindeer herders and brown bears, and coastlines alive with sea lions, otters and birds.
High Arctic: see first-hand the iconic symbols of the Arctic – polar bears, musk oxen, inuit villages, explorers’ camps, spectacular fjords and so much more aboard the 54-passenger, expedition ship Polar Pioneer. Antarctica: Boasting 19 years’ experience taking people to Antarctica, Aurora expeditions encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and rekindle an excitement for life. small groups allow you the maximum time ashore and with plans to make two to three landings per day. Papua new guinea: under the guidance of experienced leaders who have a great respect and knowledge of the natural and cultural environments, these voyages showcase the country’s natural diversity. Kimberley Coast: departing from Broome, you have the opportunity to explore an intricate maze of coral reefs, rocky islands and mangrove-fringed rivers in one of the most exotic wilderness areas.
SCENIC
PHOTOGRAPHY
FACt FiLe LINE: Aurora expeditions VESSELS: Marina svetaeva, Polar Pioneer STAR RATING: 3 star TONNAGE: Marina svetaeva: 4,575; Polar Pioneer: 2,140 MAX PASSENGER CAPACITY: Marina svetaeva: 100; Polar Pioneer: 54 TOTAL CREW: Marina svetaeva: 41; Polar Pioneer: 22 ENTERED SERVICE: Marina svetaeva – 1989, Polar Pioneer – 1985 MONTHS OF OPERATION: Year round OTHER FACILITIES: Comfortable and spacious private and shared cabins, large viewing deck and an open bridge – vessels are equipped with Zodiacs and, in some destinations, helicopters SUITABLE FOR: Anyone with a sense of adventure who is mobile enough to get up and down a set of stairs REGIONS OPERATE IN: russian Far east, Papua new guinea, Kimberley Coast, High Arctic and Antarctica CONTACT: 1800 637 688 free call within Australia, email auroraex@ auroraexpeditions.com.au or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
Surreal kayaking among Antarctic ice and wildlife
HISTORY & CULTURE
Playing in the pack-ice of the High Arctic
WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC/EXPEDITIONARY SCUBA/SNORKELLING
HIKING
KAYAKING
FisHing
20 Adventure cruise guide 2009 www.cruises.com.Au
CAG35p20-21aurora.indd 20
17/3/09 6:05:56 PM