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In honour of this year’s World Oceans Day, Australia’s award-winning travel adventure company Aurora Expeditions has announced an exclusive release of ten additional staterooms on its February 2023 Antarctic Climate Expedition, led by renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle.
Applications for these sought-after spots are open to all that are interested, with Aurora particularly welcoming registrations of interest from thought-leaders in the fields of science, art, education and economics, alongside inquisitive teenagers and corporate executives.
Limited to about 100 expeditioners from around the world, this Climate Expedition is led in partnership with Ocean Geographic and will confront the consequences of environmental change, the warming climate, and the loss of sea ice in the southern polar region whilst visiting some of the most spectacular wilderness regions of Antarctica.
Comprising conservationists, high-profile personalities and ocean luminaries, the summit will raise public and government awareness of the splendour and importance of the Antarctic, whilst also formulating an outcome of 23 resolutions to inspire transformative change for global net-zero emissions by 2050.
“February 2023 will be a moment in time of a gathering of great minds, a brains trust, for commitments to resolve what it takes to move from where we are now to a better future,” says Dr. Earle.ADVERTISEMENT“The importance of this expedition is to get people together who have different gifts, talents, capabilities, and powers, and come back with a commitment to take a new direction. It’s meant to provoke thought that will lead to action.”
Other outcomes will include a series of lectures, a feature documentary, exhibitions, and a book
“This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pivotal and far-reaching expedition,” says Aurora Expeditions’ CMO Hayley Peacock-Gower.
“We invite you to discover the beauty and majesty of Antarctica, whilst being part of the legacy that can have a real impact on creating a sustainable and habitable planet.”
The groundbreaking 12-day Antarctic Climate Expedition starts on February 13, 2023, with 2 nights and a full-day conference in Ushuaia, Argentina followed by a 9-day voyage on board Aurora Expeditions’ brand-new ship, the Sylvia Earle, and ends with a post-voyage night in Punta Arenas, Chile.
Named in honour of Dr. Earle, the new purpose-built ship where the Antarctic Climate Expedition will take place is intended to be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Certified 100% Carbon Neutral and outfitted with a dedicated, fully equipped Citizen Science Centre amongst many other modern amenities, the ship also pays tribute to six pioneering female conservationists from around the world alongside Dr Earle, who are honoured on each of the ship’s public decks: Joanna Ruxton, Dr. Asha de Vos, Hanli Prinsloo, Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Bernadette Demientieff and Sharon Kwok. 
Aurora Expeditions was nominated as World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2021 World Travel Awards.

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Aurora Expeditions has released a bumper season launch, with its new 2023/24 Antarctica season giving adventurous travellers even more options for exploring the white continent, as well as a new selection of 2023 Arctic and the British Isles voyages aboard the Sylvia Earle.
Aurora Expeditions’ new Antarctica season features dozens of departures across both vessels in the company’s fleet, purpose-built expedition ships the Greg Mortimer and the brand-new Sylvia Earle. Aurora’s classic voyages feature alongside six new and innovative itineraries including:
Antarctic Explorer Express a 9-day voyage tailored for travellers seeking a briefer adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula
Circle and Weddell an 18-day voyage aiming to tick two major Antarctica boxes off travellers’ lists – crossing the Antarctic Circle and venturing into the infamous Weddell Sea
Travellers looking to explore the Arctic and British Isles during 2023 will also have several new itineraries to choose from.
Svalbard in Depth offers extra time for deeper and genuine exploration in this magical region
Iceland, Jan Mayen, Svalbard offers a combination of breathtaking contrasts as passengers sail across the Arctic Circle to the High Arctic
Complete Northwest Passage voyage will attempt to sail the full length of the Northwest Passage from West Greenland to Nome, Alaska over 30 days
In the British Isles, new voyages include Ireland & Scotland Discovery, set to explore Ireland’s rugged west coast, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands over 17 days whilst the Jewels of Coastal UK will discover historically significant and wildlife-rich lands dotted along the coastline from Portsmouth to Aberdeen.
“We are thrilled to launch our new Antarctica season, where we have continued to build on our pioneering heritage in exploring this region,” commented Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO of Aurora Expeditions.
“Alongside our well-loved classic itineraries, we have continued to innovate and offer new and varied ways for our expeditioners to discover this awe-inspiring destination, whether it be via our numerous fly-sail options, voyages ranging from 9-24 days, or the introduction of new itinerary combinations that are not offered by other operators in the market. In the Arctic and British Isles, Aurora Expeditions’ expeditioners are also being given a wealth of new wild and remote voyages to choose from, all sailing on our brand-new vessel, the Sylvia Earle.ADVERTISEMENT“We look forward to bringing out the adventurer in each of our expeditioners across our upcoming voyages, with our Expedition Team helping to push their boundaries and inspiring deeper exploration, understanding and connection to some of the most important and awe-inspiring locations within the natural world.”
The new season complements the previously announced new 2023 voyages including the company’s first expedition to the Islands of the Atlantic, including Cape Verde, the Canary Islands and the Azores, while other new highlight itineraries include the Northern Lights Explorer, offering superb opportunities to witness the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, and Across the Arctic Circle, combining three unique worlds on one unforgettable journey from Scotland to Norway.
Aurora Expeditions was nominated as World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2021 by World Travel Awards.

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AIDA Cruises has been pooling its social and cultural activities under the umbrella of AIDA Cruise & Help since 2019. With the support of guests and crew, numerous schools in developing and emerging countries have already been built to improve the future prospects of local children. AIDA Cruises is also involved in numerous other social, cultural and ecological projects, both internationally and regionally.
The latest project close to the heart is the newly opened RTL Children’s House in Rostock, which AIDA Cruise & Help is supporting with a donation of 25,000 euros. “RTL – Wir helfen Kindern” project sponsor and “Cobra11” star Erdogan Atalay celebrated the opening of the RTL children’s house “Die ARCHE Rostock” together with Arche founder Bernd Siggelkow and numerous children at the end of May 20222. Hansjörg Kunze, Vice President Communication & Sustainability at AIDA Cruises, personally presented the check at the opening. “The AIDA family helps wherever we can provide better future prospects for as many socially disadvantaged children and young people as possible. We are pleased to be able to support the first RTL Children’s House in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and to be part of the important work against child poverty in Germany,” said Hansjörg Kunze. The 19th RTL Children’s House is a place for up to 50 socially disadvantaged children from now on, where they receive a hot meal and homework help free of charge every day, as well as sustainable support through numerous leisure programs.
As part of AIDA Cruise & Help, the employees of the AIDA Customer Center and AIDA Cruises are also socially active for refugees from Ukraine. They have founded an initiative for collecting and distributing donations in kind. At the “Anchor Point,” those affected can cover their daily needs, from clothing and household goods to children’s and hygiene items. The drop-in center receives Ukrainian refugees three days a week. The Rostock-based cruise company’s aid offering is now spread over around 700 m² of office space in the AIDA Customer Center.
Together with AIDA guests, crew members and partners, AIDA Cruise & Help has been able to launch 32 school construction projects in the poorest parts of the world to date. In the coming months, new schools for local children and young people will be built in Wanu (India), Ambatondrazaka (Madagascar), Shiladevi (Nepal) and Silay City (Philippines).

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This June, Silversea Cruises is offering agents, the chance to earn a £150 bonus commission on every new booking made between 1 – 30 June 2022 as part of its Trade Appreciation Month to reward its valued agents partners. The bonus is redeemable on all qualifying voyages throughout 2022. In addition to the luxury cruise line’s existing commissions, there is no limit to the number of bonuses that can be earned throughout the month – the more agents book, the more they earn.
Peter Shanks, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Silversea Cruises commented:
“With all 10 Silversea ships back sailing in June, and as we see a nice pick-up in late demand for the summer – this is an opportunity for us to thank our wonderful Travel Advisor Partners for all they do for us – hence June is our ‘Trade Appreciation Month.”
Silversea Cruises is nominated as Europe’s Leading Cruise Line 2022 by World Travel Awards.

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Aurora Expeditions has announced its new, purpose-built expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle, will be making her debut voyage on the Subantarctic Safari from November 4-20 2022. The ship will be christened by its namesake, the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, prior to making its way to the wildlife havens of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
The 17-day maiden voyage to the Subantarctic Islands will appeal to wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Beginning in Santiago, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, passengers will explore the history-steeped Falkands~Malvinas, a bird lovers’ paradise home to an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species and the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world, followed by South Georgia – known for its enormous King penguin colonies and beaches lined with Elephant and Antarctic fur seals. Plus, passengers will have the opportunity to trace the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s infamous journeys here.
“We are thrilled to confirm the inaugural season of the Sylvia Earle, and to be debuting her on such a magnificent voyage whose destinations are so representative of Aurora’s spirit of exploration, discovery and education,” commented Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO at Aurora Expeditions.
“This highly anticipated vessel is intended to be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, with a large focus on marine education and conservation in line with Dr Earle’s own longstanding efforts. We are so looking forward to having our adventurous expeditioners join us in exploring some of the world’s wildest, most awe-inspiring and important regions whilst paying tribute to such an incredible hero of our planet.”
Certified 100% Carbon Neutral, outfitted with a dedicated, fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, the ship also pays tribute to six pioneering female conservationists from around the world alongside Dr Earle, who are honoured on each of the ship’s public decks: Jo Ruxton, Dr. Asha de Vos, Hanli Prinsloo, Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Bernadette Demientieff and Sharon Kwok.ADVERTISEMENT“Travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle will be an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the planet’s extraordinary marine habitats and the importance of protecting them,” Dr. Earle commented.
“I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. I am very much looking forward to christening the ship, connecting with Aurora Expeditions’ passengers, and following its journey in providing countless life changing and eye-opening experiences to many of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.”
Dr. Earle will herself be joining a special Antarctic Climate Expedition during the ship’s maiden season, taking place in February 2023. This voyage will see a collection of thought leaders in the fields of conservation, science, art, education and economics come together to bring about public and government awareness of the importance and the splendour of the Antarctic, and to address the warming climate and loss of sea ice in the southern polar region as a direct threat to the future of human life on this planet.
Expedition members will be expected to help formulate 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emissions by 2050.
Like sister ship the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®. Accommodating an average of 130-140 expeditioners per voyage, every cabin on board has an ocean view and nearly all have balconies. The ship features a unique two-level glass atrium lounge in the bow, a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, two restaurants serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, a swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.
Following her maiden voyage, the Sylvia Earle will continue her inaugural season on several voyages to Antarctica, followed by Costa Rica, the Canadian Arctic, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland. Aurora’s unique activity program and focus on active adventure will continue to play a major part in the expedition experience on the new ship, offering the likes of sea kayaking, scuba diving, polar snorkelling, alpine trekking and much more.
Aurora Expeditions was nominated as World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2021 World Travel Awards.

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Quark Expeditions, the global Leader in Polar Adventures, launched its Arctic 2022 season, with a 7-day “Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief” voyage. This much-awaited sailing also marked the inaugural Arctic voyage of Ultramarine, Quark Expeditons’ game-changing new ship.
“We’re so proud of our recent Arctic season launch for myriad reasons,” said Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions. “Not only is this Ultramarine’s inaugural season in the remote Arctic waters, but it also heralds a new way of exploring the Polar Regions—on a ship that’s been designed with a pioneering mix of advanced sustainability features that exceed industry standards. In addition to Ultramarine’s first Arctic sailing, we’re introducing this season a mix of new innovative itineraries and experiences in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic that are exclusive to Quark Expeditions. These include our helicopter-supported Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air itinerary, as well as Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience.”
Quark Expeditions’ ground-breaking Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience offers guests a one-of-a-kind adventure into the culinary traditions of the Inuit in Greenland and Nunavut. Guests who participate in this on-ship Adventure Option will enjoy dishes from these Arctic regions prepared by Inuit chefs, and learn about local Inuit culture and culinary traditions.
Quark Expeditions’ Arctic 2022 season features diverse regions, including Spitsbergen, Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic, on multiple small polar vessels.
Quark Expeditions is considered as the World’s Leading Specialist Cruise Line 2021 by World Travel Awards.ADVERTISEMENT

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Royal Caribbean Group announces its new commitment to the next phase of its ongoing partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for guidance and counsel in establishing bold environmental goals and sustainable business practices.
“Healthy, sustainable oceans are paramount to our mission of delivering the best vacations responsibly,” said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty. “Our partnership with WWF encapsulates our belief in continuous improvement and our commitment to advancing our environmental, social and governance (ESG) work. The support and assistance of WWF will be invaluable to realising this mission as we work to set and achieve our sustainability goals.”
Royal Caribbean Group first partnered with WWF in 2016. Since then, WWF has advised Royal Caribbean Group to embed sustainability into the core of the company’s business and across the industry, promote responsible tourism in priority coastal destinations and help protect the oceans by investing in conservation programs globally. This included establishing bold 2020 sustainability goals that the company has met or exceeded, with the exception of the sustainable seafood sourcing target, which was impacted by global suspension of service from the pandemic.
The next five years of the partnership will focus on setting ambitious, measurable sustainability targets around the reduction of carbon emissions, the sustainable growth and development of the business, sustainable commodity sourcing and tourism, the elimination of single-use plastics and waste management, among other areas.
“Scale matters, particularly in the face of global challenges like climate change and ocean conservation. We’re grateful for the progress Royal Caribbean Group has made toward achieving its sustainability goals since 2016, and we’re energised by an ambition for even greater things to come,” said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of WWF-US. “Our work together is grounded in the reality that people everywhere – from local communities and Indigenous peoples to urban residents and tourists – rely on the ocean for food, livelihoods, and enrichment. We’re committed to doing everything possible to keep ocean ecosystems thriving for the benefit of all people, as well as the many other creatures for whom the ocean is their home.ADVERTISEMENTThis year, WWF and Royal Caribbean Group will work together to establish sustainability goals across three key areas of Ship, Sea and Shore:
Ship — Continuous improvement of operational sustainability, including emissions, marine mammal protection, seafood sourcing, plastics reduction, and food waste.
Sea — Investing in ocean health through targeted philanthropy; engaging with a global science-driven agenda and consumer-facing education and fundraising campaigns.
Shore — Embedding principles of sustainable development in projects and increasing sustainability and certification of tour operators.
Royal Caribbean Group will also continue to provide financial support to WWF’s global ocean conservation work through a $5 million philanthropic contribution and collaborate with WWF to build global awareness about ocean conservation issues among Royal Caribbean Group’s millions of guests.
The renewal of the partnership with WWF builds on Royal Caribbean Group’s broader decarbonisation strategy, focused on establishing Science-Based Targets (SBT).

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