Europe Cruises
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Embark on a European adventure and experience a medley of culture, traditions and history as you travel beyond the ordinary.
On a European voyage you’ll spend your days discovering the hidden gems and untold narratives that make each destination unique.
Explore the Mediterranean’s ruined cities, resort towns, popular beaches and colourful, cliffside villages. Explore the dynamic coastlines of Croatia and Montenegro, or immerse yourself in ancient history and picturesque isles in Greece. Savour the flavours of the old world as you sail around Italy and enjoy a taste of opulence on the French Riviera.
Journey along the Atlantic Coast from the Netherlands’ enchanting landscapes to Morocco’s exotic shores, and everywhere in between. Discover the vibrant cities, towns and villages of the region; enjoy fresh produce at lively markets, the best of Bordeaux and Porto, Holland’s tulip extravaganza, and explore the intertwined histories of the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
Sail around the UK, Ireland and Scotland and delve into the rich history, scenic landscapes and charming ports of call that make the British Isles so unforgettable. Embark on a journey through time and tradition as we delve into the captivating narratives of Scottish clans, the enduring legacies of English monarchs and the indomitable spirit of Irish saints and saviours.
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Aurora delivered an incredible experience. The ship and all the staff made everything seem so easy while we enjoyed the scenery. With shore excursions each day and amazing meals you barely had any free time. Overall the best trip ever. This is a must do if you’re contemplating it.
– P. Tarjan, Expeditioner
Discover our most popular European voyages
Athens to Naples: Myths of the Mediterranean
Small Ship Cruise
Welcome to AE Expeditions’ Myths of The Mediterranean Embark on an epic journey through legendary kingdoms, mythical lands and ancient sites as we explore Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Sicily....
18 Days
From GBP £12,156.00/pp
Athens to Naples: Myths of the Mediterranean
Small Ship Cruise
Welcome to AE Expeditions’ Myths of The Mediterranean Embark on an epic journey through legendary kingdoms, mythical lands and ancient sites as we explore Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Sicily....
18 Days
From GBP £12,156.00/pp
Morocco and Spain: Moor than a Myth
Small Ship Cruise
Welcome to AE Expeditions’ Moor Than a Myth. Follow the captivating narrative of the Moorish Empire, and the Iberian Christians whose cultures collided to forge the kingdoms of Spain and Morocco....
13 Days
From GBP £8,956.00/pp
Ireland: The Luck of the Irish
Small Ship Cruise
Welcome to AE Expeditions’ Ireland: The Luck of the Irish. Pounded for eternity by its surrounding seas, Ireland’s coastline is best explored by ship. The country’s intimate size affords seafarers an...
11 Days
From GBP £7,356.00/pp
Destinations in Europe
With over 33 years’ experience, our Europe Cruises offer unparalleled adventure. Take a closer look around at our destinations below then request a booking and let us help you start planning your dream trip. Your expedition begins here!
Take a closer look at our destinations below then request a booking and let us help you start planning your dream trip!
Arctic & Beyond 2025-26 Brochure
Set sail on AE Expeditions’ brand-new Arctic & Beyond season, promising more small ship adventures in more ways than ever before.
Featuring 42 departures across three purpose-built small ships, exploring the shores of Svalbard, Greenland the Northwest Passage, Indonesia, Borneo, Costa Rica, the Mediterranean, Atlantic Coast and much more.
Experience our unique style of exploration, with more time off-ship, small groups, immersive activities, and thoughtful enrichment programs, all with a proudly carbon neutral company committed to responsible travel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruising to Antarctica
Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. The South Geographic Pole is in Antarctica, and most of the continent lies within the Antarctic Circle, at 66.5 degrees south of the Equator.
Antarctica is so far south that most of the continent receives 24 hours of daylight during summer, and 24 hours of darkness during winter.
Antarctica lies to the south of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean). Most visitors access Antarctica via ship or aircraft from an Antarctic ‘gateway city’. The five official Antarctic gateway cities are Ushuaia (Argentina), Hobart (Australia), Punta Arenas (Chile), Christchurch (New Zealand), and Cape Town (South Africa).
The name ‘Antarctica’ comes from ‘Antarktos’, meaning ‘opposite the Arctic’. Antarctica and the Arctic are indeed opposites in many ways, and they lie at the polar extremes of the globe: the Arctic to the north and Antarctica to the south.
Antarctica is home to a hardy community of wonderful wildlife, which has adapted to the cold, windy and icy Antarctic environment.
There are four species of penguins in Antarctica. They are the emperor, Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap. The emperor and Adélie penguins are found only in Antarctica.
There are six species of Antarctic seals: Ross seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, leopard seals, southern fur seals and southern elephant seals. They all live in the ocean surrounding Antarctica, hauling out on ice or land to rest and pup.
Many whales visit Antarctic waters during the summer feeding season between late October and early April. The whales that commonly visit Antarctic waters include humpback whales, killer whales, minke whales, fin whales, sei whales and even the enormous blue whale!
In addition to these charismatic creatures we see on the ocean’s surface, the Antarctic ocean is filled with a rich variety of sea life, from single-celled algae, which form the foundation of the Antarctic food web, to krill, a tiny crustacean which is a keystone species in the Antarctic ecosystem, providing sustenance for seals, whales, penguins and many other seabirds.
Most animals that thrive in Antarctica are marine animals. This means that they rely on the ocean and marine ecosystems to survive and thrive. However, there are a few Antarctic animals that live entirely on land. These include the microscopic springtails, nematodes and tardigrades, which live amongst moss and lichen in areas which are not permanently snow-covered.
Our Antarctica cruises range from 9 to 34 days, with most falling within the 12 to 21-day range. The specific length of your Antarctica cruise hinges on variables like the departure location and the chosen itinerary.
The cost of an Antarctica cruise can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as voyage duration, stateroom type, and the chosen itinerary.
When considering an Antarctica cruise with AE Expeditions, you can expect prices to start from USD13,195 per person when sharing a twin Aurora Stateroom. However, there are also early bird discounts available. For a comprehensive breakdown of what’s included in your Antarctica cruise, click here.
Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. The average temperature throughout the year is about -57°C, with the minimum temperature being -130°F (-90°C) during the winter season.
During the summer months, when we visit, the temperature can range from 28°F (-2°C) to 46°F (8°C). In summer, big storms are rare, but if one comes through the temperature could drop to 17°F (-8°C ). Read more about why austral summer is the best time to visit Antarctica.
Shipboard attire leans toward the informal and casual side, you’ll find jeans, jumpers, and long-sleeved shirts comfortable indoors. It’s wise to have your jacket within reach for impromptu wildlife encounters.
While there’s no need for formal clothing, some travellers like to dress up for the captain’s welcome and farewell drinks.
Each passenger on our Antarctic cruises will receive an expedition jacket. Though, you should pack suitable cold and wet weather gear for onshore landings during your Antarctica cruise.
To help you prepare, consult our suggested packing list, which outlines the recommended types of layers and materials for an Antarctica cruise.
Children are more than welcome on our Antarctica cruises. However, we recommend that they are at least 8 years old and must travel with their legal guardian. Children pay the same rate as an adult traveller.
For travellers based in Australia and New Zealand, there are a few options. You can reach Antarctica from the southern tip of South America or from 2025, start your trip from Hobart or Dunedin. Two popular departure points for Antarctica cruises are Ushuaia, Argentina, and Punta Arenas, Chile, both located in the Patagonian region and are among the southernmost towns on Earth.
Antarctica cruises commencing in Ushuaia typically involve crossing the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula or voyaging to the Subantarctic Islands of the Falklands or South Georgia before continuing onward to Antarctica.
Alternatively, passengers departing from Punta Arenas can enjoy a unique experience by flying to Antarctica, specifically King George Island, via a charter flight arranged exclusively for their expedition.
Explore further details on how to access Antarctica.