Aurora Expeditions’ subsidiary, AE Expeditions, has opened bookings for its 2028 Northern Hemisphere season, featuring 29 expedition departures across 20 countries and territories. The season introduces seven all-new Cultural Expeditions, which mark an exciting new chapter for AE Expeditions, taking the company’s 35-year heritage of exploration beyond the polar regions and into some of Europe’s most fascinating cultural and historic coastlines.
Exploring New Horizons
The Cultural Expeditions are designed for curious travelers who want to look beyond the landmarks. The voyages use the freedom of small-ship travel to combine iconic cultural sites with lesser-known destinations and authentic local experiences. Onboard historians, archaeologists, naturalists, and local experts will bring each destination to life, while included Your Choice experiences will allow travelers to shape their days around their interests.
“Cultural Expeditions broaden the possibilities of expedition travel while remaining true to everything AE Expeditions 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.
Cultural Expeditions Itineraries
The inaugural program features seven entirely new itineraries spanning the British Isles, Ireland, the Mediterranean, Europe’s Atlantic coastline, and Scandinavia. One of the itineraries, Sylvia Earle, departs on April 19, 2028, and explores a side of Britain few travelers experience, journeying through distinctive islands including Sark, the Isles of Scilly, Lundy, Anglesey, the Isle of Man, Mull, Skye, and Rathlin Island.
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Another itinerary, Douglas Mawson, departs on May 31, 2028, and sails beyond the Mediterranean’s familiar routes to explore ancient temples, historic ports, and Moorish fortresses. Highlights include Sicily’s Valley of the Temples, Palermo’s markets, Sardinia’s rugged coastline, Tangier’s medina, and Portugal’s Algarve.
Polar Expeditions
AE Expeditions’ 2028 program also features 16 Polar Voyages, including two new itineraries exploring Norway, Svalbard, and Greenland. The Norwegian Fjords & Svalbard Explorer itinerary combines northern Norway’s fjords and fishing communities with Svalbard’s glaciers, tundra, and wildlife-rich wilderness.
Discovery Program
The expanded 2028 Discovery program features six voyages combining active exploration, wildlife, and settings across Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, and Central America. The Northern Lights & Wild Isles: Iceland, Greenland to Scotland itinerary crosses the North Atlantic from Iceland’s volcanic Westfjords to East Greenland’s iceberg-filled fjords, the Faroe Islands, and Scotland.
AE Expeditions’ 2028 season is on sale now, with travelers able to save up to 25 per cent on selected voyages when booked and deposited by October 31, 2026. For more information, visit the AE Expeditions website or talk to your local travel agent about ocean voyages.
