A new expedition yacht for 36 guests will begin operating in Antarctica and South Georgia in 2027, offering a quieter alternative to large polar cruise ships.
Built for small-group exploration
The The Aureum, an ice-class explorer yacht, was announced this week by Secret Atlas, a company that runs “Expedition Micro Cruises.” The vessel will be the first purpose-designed 36-guest expedition vessel operating in Antarctica, featuring 22 cabins including eight single cabins without extra fees.
Onboard features include a panoramic observation lounge, a bridge lounge, outdoor viewing decks, an open observation bow, a wellness area with a sauna and hot tub, and a single-sitting restaurant. The layout creates shared areas that encourage closeness among guests.
“The introduction of Aureum represents a significant milestone for Secret Atlas and our Expedition Micro Cruise concept,” said Michele D’Agostino, Co-Founder of Secret Atlas. “As demand grows for meaningful, small-group polar expeditions, Aureum enables us to bring our distinctive explorer-led approach to Antarctica and South Georgia on a vessel purpose-designed for just 36 guests.”
Partnership expands reach beyond the Arctic
The yacht will operate under the Secret Atlas banner as part of a long-term partnership with Antarpply Expeditions. This collaboration marks Secret Atlas’s first entry into the Antarctic market after years of focusing on the Arctic.
“As part of this exciting new chapter, Antarpply Expeditions is pleased to announce a long-term strategic partnership with Secret Atlas, a specialist in premium small-group polar expeditions,” said Teodoro Gounaris, CEO of Antarpply Expeditions. “Under this collaboration, Secret Atlas will operate its Expedition Micro Cruise programmes aboard Aureum, reflecting a shared vision of authentic exploration, responsible tourism, operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.”
The ship’s size supports a guide-to-guest ratio of one experienced Polar Guide for every six guests. The company states this ensures deeper wildlife encounters and access to experiences that larger ships cannot replicate.
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Antarctica’s appeal lies in its isolation, but that same remoteness presents challenges. Crossing the Drake Passage, the rough stretch of water between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, can take two days by ship. The Aureum’s itineraries include an “Antarctica By Air” option, where guests fly directly to the continent from Puerto Natales, Chile, reducing travel time and avoiding the worst swells.
Bookings open for 2027 and 2028 seasons
Secret Atlas Expedition Micro Cruises to Antarctica and South Georgia aboard Aureum are now open for bookings for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons. Guests can choose from a range of expeditions, including the signature South Georgia In Depth Expedition Micro Cruise, and the South Georgia & Antarctica – Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise.
Secret Atlas’s move into Antarctica reflects growing demand for polar travel that feels more like an expedition than a floating resort. Most Antarctic ships carry between 100 and 200 passengers, a scale that helps control costs. Whether a 36-guest vessel can remain viable in this market remains uncertain.
For travelers who value solitude over onboard entertainment, the Aureum could change how Antarctica is explored. The continent’s strict environmental rules already limit visitor numbers, and smaller ships may have an easier time securing permits and landing sites.
The first voyages are set for late 2027, with South Georgia expeditions in early 2028. More information is available on the Secret Atlas website.
Travelers interested in cultural experiences may also find new options through expedition-based tours that blend exploration with local traditions.
