AE Expeditions Experience:
With each voyage having an average of just 126 passengers, the small group size means guests can join every excursion offered, spend more time exploring the area with shore landings and zodiac cruising. There is a staff-to-passenger ratio of at least 1:8.
Each voyage with AE Expeditions is accompanied by an expedition team who specialise in the remote areas visited. Many of the expedition team are recognised as world leaders in their fields of expertise.
AE Expeditions itineraries are designed to be flexible and the Captain will adjust the schedule to make the most of unexpected wildlife displays.
Each AE Expeditions voyage offers a wide range of optional activities to make the most of the time in each area. Optional activities are popular and group sizes are limited, so we recommend enquiring about them as soon as possible.
Optional activities include (depending on voyage):
- Photography
- Sea kayaking
- Camping
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Ski/Snowboard touring
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Shackleton Crossing in South Georgia by Ski or by Foot
- Alpine trekking and climbing
- Rock climbing in Greenland
AE Expeditions Inclusions:
- Accommodation in chosen cabin or suite
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and snacks
- House wines, beer and soft drinks included with dinner
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell event including four-course dinner, house cocktail, house beer and wine
- Daily shore excursions, guided walks, zodiac cruises
- Entry fees to historic or tourist sites
- An experienced team of destination specialists, activity leaders and local guides (on selected voyages)
- Informative lecture program by team of onboard experts
- Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket on polar voyages
- Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
- Complimentary use of Fitness Centre
- Comprehensive pre-departure information and Antarctic or Arctic Primer booklet
- Personalised voyage photo book (post voyage)
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
Passengers who book a Balcony, Junior or Captain’s Suite also receive: one free pair of binoculars per suite; 1-hour spa treatment; free stocked mini-bar (Balcony and Junior Suites stocked once only, Captain’s Suite replenished as needed); gratuities and tips for the crew (to the value of $15pppd); 1 free bottle of champagne per suite
Responsible Travel:
AE Expeditions is committed to travelling respectfully. The ships have a revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW, reducing vibrations and making quicker transits through waves, which helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 60%. The onboard desalination plant converts seawater to freshwater which is safe to drink, so they carry less freshwater on sea crossings, further reducing fuel consumption. Virtual anchoring allows the ships to hold their position, protecting the sea floor and minimising damage caused by conventional anchors.
Onboard, many single-use plastics have been replaced by suitable alternatives, and they are aiming to eliminate them altogether. They also provide Stream2Sea’s mineral-based sunscreen which has been proven to be safe for fish and coral larvae, and is available for passenger use.
Solo Travellers:
These expedition voyages are ideal for solo travellers who want to share their experience with like-minded passengers. Solo travellers can avoid paying single supplements by cabin-sharing, or there are sometimes no single supplement deals on a range of voyages.
Your Ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle:
Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle have been purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. They are designed with the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW, allowing the ship to cross more comfortably and efficiently. The ships carry an average of just 126 passengers on board, with many Zodiacs which can be boarded via four dedicated sea-level platforms. There is a relaxed, informal atmosphere on board.