37 Antarctic Voyages Announced for the 2028–2029 Season | Travel News

Bookings have opened for 37 Antarctic voyages scheduled for the 2028–2029 season, including four new itineraries featuring wildlife encounters, specialist-led experiences and active exploration. The new departures include pre-voyage accommodation in Buenos Aires, charter flights to and fromUshuaia, and transfers, combining several stages of the journey into one travel package.

The season features expeditions lasting eight to 23 days, with routes covering the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Patagonia. Seven Special Editions are also included in the program, alongside departures aboard Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson.

Aurora is advertising discounts of up to 25% on selected departures. According to Seatrade Cruise News, travelers must book and pay their deposit by January 31, 2027, to qualify for the early booking offer. The discount does not necessarily apply to every voyage or cabin category.

Four New Antarctic Itineraries for 2028 and 2029

The four additions offer different combinations of wildlife observation, expedition activities and specialist-led programming. Their departure dates and destinations provide the main points of comparison.

South Georgia & Antarctica Active (October 31, 2028)

This 21-day expedition combines South Georgia and Antarctica with an activity-focused program. Published options include paddling, snorkeling, snowshoeing and overnight camping, offering several ways to explore beyond conventional shore excursions.

Travelers should verify which activities are included in the fare, whether advance reservations are necessary and how weather or operating conditions may affect participation. Availability can differ from the overall itinerary description.
 

Antarctica: Behind the Lens — January 17, 2029

Departing January 17, this 11-day voyage features wildlife filmmaker Ian McCarthy and production coordinator Anne McCarthy as part of its guest program.

The itinerary is designed for travelers interested in wildlife filmmaking and photography alongside Antarctic exploration. The named guests are associated with this specific departure, and their participation should not be assumed on other sailings.

The Edge of Wild Frontiers — February 27, 2029

This 17-day expedition concentrates on Southern Antarctic. 

Travelers considering this departure should review the scheduled destinations rather than assuming that a longer expedition automatically includes additional Antarctic regions. The published route is particularly relevant when comparing South Georgia and Falklands itineraries with Peninsula-focused alternatives.
 

Gentle Giants of the Antarctic — March 2029

Scheduled for March 2029, this voyage focuses on whale watching around the Antarctic Peninsula. It offers a wildlife-centered alternative to the longer South Georgia expeditions and the January filmmaking program.

The source announcement does not specify an exact March departure date or voyage duration. Wildlife sightings and opportunities for observation remain dependent on conditions during the expedition.

Buenos Aires Gateway Package and Booking Conditions

A central change across the four new Greg Mortimer itineraries is the inclusion of travel arrangements through Buenos Aires. The package provides accommodation before the voyage, charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, and associated transfers.

These arrangements reduce the number of domestic travel components passengers need to organize independently. International flights to Argentina are a separate consideration, and travelers should confirm the required arrival date, hotel arrangements and charter baggage allowances before finalizing their journey.
 

The Buenos Aires charter service is a domestic air connection, not a flight to Antarctica. Passengers comparing expedition formats should distinguish these arrangements from Antarctic fly-cruise itineraries that avoid part of the Drake Passage crossing.

The advertised expedition duration also may not represent the total time required away from home. International connections, the included hotel stay and any additional overnight accommodation can extend the overall travel schedule.

Practical Details Before Booking

• Season availability: 37 Antarctic voyages across 2028 and 2029, including four new itineraries and seven Special Editions.

• Voyage duration: Eight to 23 days across the wider season, with different routes and activity programs.

• Ships: Greg Mortimer operates the four new itineraries, while Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson also feature in the season.

• Included connections: The four new itineraries package Buenos Aires accommodation, return charter flights to Ushuaia and transfers.

• Activity arrangements: Travelers should confirm included excursions, additional reservations and restrictions related to weather conditions.

• Early booking offer: Discounts reach up to 25% on selected departures, with booking and deposit required by January 31, 2027, according to Seatrade Cruise News.

Cabin pricing, deposit amounts and cancellation conditions need to be checked against individual departure quotes. A discounted fare on a longer voyage may still exceed the total cost of a shorter expedition, particularly when differences in included activities and travel arrangements are considered.

The four new itineraries are part of Aurora's wider 2028–2029 Antarctic program, but they serve different travel priorities. The October departure emphasizes active exploration, January features wildlife filmmaking guests, February concentrates on South Georgia and the Falklands, and March focuses on whales around the Antarctic Peninsula.

The next confirmed booking milestone is January 31, 2027, when the reported early-offer deposit window closes. Exact cabin prices, discount eligibility and the outstanding details of the March itinerary remain matters to verify for each departure.