Europe & UK Travel Agents

• How long has AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) been in business? 

AE Expeditions has been in business since 1991. We are pioneers in expedition travel and are experts in small-group travel to the the polar regions.

• What is the average age and nationality of your guests? 

The average age of our guests is between 50 and 70, with a quarter of our guests under the age of 50.  The majority of guests are Australians. However, we are welcoming more Americans, Canadians and guests from the UK every year.

• Can you accommodate single travellers? If so, what is the single supplement?

We do not have a mandatory single supplement rate if a guest is willing to share a cabin. Most cabins are available on a twin share basis in twin rooms, at no additional charge. This means that as a solo traveller, your client may pay the twin-share rate and will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we don’t locate a suitable cabin mate, your client will not be charged a supplement.

For single expeditioners wanting their own cabin they can pay a 50% surcharge occupancy cabin (on top of the twin occupancy rate).

During ‘Go Solo and Save’ promotions, we waive the single supplement for solo travellers on select voyages. 

• Do you offer charters? 

Yes. 

• What is your group policy? 

We have a policy of one berth tour conductor credit per 11 paid berths. View our Group Mini Brochure.

• What are the age limits or recommendations for children?

Age 8 and above. There isn’t a formal children’s program but for a curious, well-behaved child, they will love the outdoor activities with parental guidance.

• What are your vaccination requirements?

AE Expeditions requires expeditioners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. If you are unvaccinated, your participation on an expedition is subject to a medical review. It is important to note that all travellers need to check and comply with the vaccine requirements of the country they are travelling to.

AE Expeditions highly recommends that all passengers have an Influenza vaccine prior to travel.

• For departures that require visas, does AE Expeditions assist with securing visas?

Yes.

• Is there a discount for back-to-back trips? 

Yes, we offer a 5% discount.

• What is your current payment & cancellation policy? 

There is a $2,500 per person non-refundable deposit  (in the booking currency) due within 7 days of booking. There is a $250 per person per activity  deposit.  Final payment is due 90 days prior to the voyage start date. The booking becomes non-refundable within 90 days; however, we will review on a case by case basis if the guest wishes to move to another voyage. View our full Terms & Conditions.

• Fly/Sail departures in Antarctica

For information about our “Fly/Sail,” “Fly/Fly,” and “Sail/Fly” voyages, view our Fly/Sail Contingency Plans.

1. Sail/Sail – roundtrip Ushuaia
2. Fly/Fly – roundtrip Punta Arenas
3. Fly/Sail  – Punta Arenas (Chile) to Ushuaia
4. Sail/Fly – Ushuaia to Punta Arenas (Chile)

Any “Fly/Sail”, “Fly/Fly” or “Sail/Fly” voyage is deemed to commence at the starting point of the expedition as booked.

• What is the electrical voltage onboard? 

The voltage onboard is 220V; there is a universal outlet that can accommodate various plug configurations.

• How much should I tip?

A US$15 per person per day gratuity for the crew will automatically be added to your clients’ onboard accounts. It is at their discretion if they would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when they settle their account. It is not necessary to tip the Expedition Team members. 

• What are the dining options available onboard?

There is a buffet-style open seating restaurant on both vessels, in addition to a reservations-required restaurant. 

• What drink packages do you offer? 

House wines, beer and soft drinks are included with dinner and at the Captain’s farewell reception.

• Is there laundry service available onboard? 

Yes.  Laundry can be sent out for a nominal fee.

• Can you accommodate food allergies or restrictions?

Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food are all available. AE Expeditions will use reasonable endeavours to accommodate special dietary requests from clients, but they cannot be guaranteed. You should advise us as soon as possible after booking of any such requirements. 

• Does AE Expeditions provide expedition gear?

AE Expeditions provides a complimentary polar 3-way jacket for expeditioners to keep. The jacket will be placed in the cabin prior to embarkation.  Muck boots are available for complimentary use. 

• Is there a professional onboard that takes photos for the guests?

A professional photographer joins every voyage as part of the Expedition Team. We also receive contributions from expeditioners. These photos go into a digital voyage log that expeditioners will receive 4-6 weeks after their voyage is complete. Expeditioners will also often share photos with each other.

• Do guests need to sign up for activities in advance or can they do that onboard? 

All add-on activities must be pre-booked well in advance to avoid disappointment. This includes kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving, camping on the ice, snowshoeing, ski/snowboard touring, Shackleton’s Crossing, rock climbing, trekking and paddling.  

However, our included activities, such as photography, informative lectures, guided walks and Zodiac cruising, do not require advance registration. Please check with our Inside Sales team on specific requirements.

• How does the camping work? 

For our camping on the ice activity on select Antarctic expeditions, we choose a night that has good conditions. Typical departures are after dinner at approximately 10pm. Participants will be supplied with gear, including a warm sleeping bag and sleeping pad. It’s a unique experience to be immersed in the Antarctic wilderness that our expeditioners really enjoy. They will return to the ship before breakfast.

• How cold is the water for the polar plunge?

Normally the water is just above 0°C  or 30°F.  It is an ice bath experience like no other! 

• Do you offer snorkelling and scuba diving in the polar regions?

We offer snorkelling on most of our Antarctica expeditions, while scuba diving is offered on select itineraries in both Antarctica and the Arctic.  

• What is the required experience for diving?

To participate in our polar diving activity, all divers must be trained, certified scuba divers with proof of certification as an Advanced Diver. In addition, it is extremely important that all participants have adequate training and experience in dry-suit diving. Recent diving experience and proof of a minimum of 30 logged dives using a dry-suit is required prior to joining the excursion. Find out more about about about scuba diving required experience.

• What equipment is needed for diving?

We have compressors, tanks and weights onboard, but divers are asked to bring their own dry suit and all other gear.

• Do you offer printed brochures and marketing support? 

Yes, you can order our latest brochures via our website.  

Additionally, we do have marketing assets available including customised marketing solutions.  Please contact your Business Development Manager for customised requests.

• Is there a travel partner training program?

We’re working on it! In the meantime, deep dive into our brand in our latest webinars.

• Do you participate in trade or agency events? 

Yes, we regularly attend local trade shows and would love to speak to you about agency events. Please contact your local Business Development Manager.

• How do I find out who my local Business Development Manager is? 

We want to work with you! Find out who your local Business Development Manager is below.