Aureum: A New 36-Passenger Expedition Ship for Antarctica | Travel News

Aureum, a 36-passenger expedition ship, is scheduled to sail in Antarctica and South Georgia during the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 seasons. The vessel will also operate fly-in itineraries designed to bypass the Drake Passage.

Originally built in 1970 as Bjarni Saemundsson, an Icelandic research vessel, Aureum is being converted for expedition cruising, combining its small passenger capacity with facilities and equipment designed for polar exploration.

 

A 36-passenger expedition ship

Aureum is designed around small-group expedition operations, carrying a maximum of 36 passengers. Six dedicated polar guides will travel aboard, providing a guest-to-guide ratio of 6:1. The smaller group size is intended to reduce the need for large passenger rotations during shore excursions and other expedition activities.

The ship will have 22 staterooms across five categories, including suites, twin and double accommodations. Eight cabins will be reserved for solo travelers without a single supplement.

Outdoor spaces will include a large forward observation deck at the bow and additional exterior decks. Other facilities will include a hot tub, an upper-level sauna and wellness area, a lounge and bar, a single-sitting restaurant and a mudroom providing direct access to the Zodiac boats. Guests will also have access to the ship's bridge lounge.

Activities are expected to include Zodiac excursions, kayaking, hiking and photography-focused programming. Kayak outings will accommodate eight to 10 participants at a time, allowing activities to be organized in smaller groups.

• Aureum will carry a maximum of 36 passengers.
• The ship will have 22 staterooms in five categories.
• Eight solo cabins will be offered without a single supplement.
• Six polar guides will provide a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio.
• Expedition activities will include Zodiac trips, kayaking, hiking and photography programming.

 

Aureum will use a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system with battery packs intended to reduce engine use and emissions. Active fin stabilizers will provide additional stability while sailing and can be retracted when the vessel is navigating through ice.

Fly-in Antarctica and South Georgia itineraries

The inaugural program will include two Antarctica-by-air options and a South Georgia In Depth itinerary. Routes and daily activities will remain flexible, as weather, sea and ice conditions can determine where the ship is able to operate.

For the fly-in Antarctic program, passengers will travel through Puerto Natales,Chile, where up to three additional nights are included. From there, a flight of approximately two hours will carry guests directly to and from Antarctica, eliminating the sea crossing of the Drake Passage. Extensions to Torres del Paine in Patagonia will also be available.

On the Antarctic Peninsula, the program is expected to include cruising among sea ice and tabular icebergs. Expeditions will also attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle when conditions permit, while placing additional emphasis on exploring the peninsula's eastern side.

South Georgia departures will operate during spring, with wildlife viewing focused on species including king penguins, albatrosses and elephant seals. These voyages are expected to operate before periods of heavier visitor traffic.

Travelers will also have the option to combine the Antarctic and South Georgia programs into a 20-day itinerary. Aureum will additionally be available for full-ship charter, with its first Antarctic operations scheduled for the 2027–2028 season.