An expedition micro-cruise ship exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, launching September 2027.
At 56m, Aureum is the smallest expedition ship offering scheduled departures to Antarctica. She carries up to 36 passengers, supported by 26 crew members, including six senior polar guides, and has been designed to venture far beyond the usual Antarctic cruise routes, exploring less-visited parts of the peninsula and spending more time ashore.
Originally built in 1970 and extensively refitted for polar cruising, she has a 1C ice-class hull, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and active fin stabilisers for the Southern Ocean crossings. On board, she has open decks, a forward observation platform and an open bridge. Between landings, guests can enjoy the dining room, lounge, and top-deck wellness area with a sauna, hot tub, and gym.
What we love about Aureum
- 22 comfortable cabins. The Signature Suites on the upper deck are our favourites, with panoramic windows looking out over the water; there are also 8 dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, with no single supplement.
- Most Antarctic itineraries are fly-cruises, with guests taking a charter flight from Chilean Patagonia to King George Island, avoiding the two-day crossing of the notoriously rough Drake Passage in each direction.
- With four Zodiacs and a 1:6 guest-to-guide ratio, everyone can get off the ship together rather than taking turns in different landing groups, maximising time on shore – a stark contrast to the bigger cruises.
- Each of the guides has a different specialism, from marine biology to glaciology and photography – guests can split up into different groups depending on their own interests.
- Specifically designed with open decks and a forward observation platform to be better for photography, whale watching and spotting seabirds.
- Guests are welcome on the open bridge, where they can follow the navigation, study ice charts and discuss the day’s route with the captain and expedition team.
From the king penguin colonies of South Georgia to the Antarctic Circle, Aureum offers a choice of voyages exploring different corners of the Southern Ocean.
Most Antarctic Peninsula departures are fly-cruises, with guests flying into Antarctica’s King George Island to board the ship for a week exploring its waters. There are also voyages that cross the Drake by sea in one direction, and longer expeditions combining Antarctica with South Georgia, retracing part of Shackleton’s expedition. Guests can walk among gentoo and chinstrap penguin colonies, explore sheltered bays by Zodiac and kayak between icebergs. Possible stops include Neko Harbour and Port Lockroy, a former British research station with a small museum and seasonal post office.
South Georgia sailings typically begin and end in the Falklands, with around eight days exploring the island’s coastline. Possible landings include Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay, home to enormous king penguin colonies, and Gold Harbour, where elephant seals gather beneath the Bertrab Glacier. At Grytviken, guests can explore the former whaling station and visit Shackleton’s grave.
Between excursions, guides give talks on topics ranging from Antarctic wildlife to glaciology and the history of polar exploration. Guests can also spend time watching marine life on the deck, chatting with the captain and crew on the bridge, or retreat to the sauna and outdoor hot tub.
When to Travel
In September and October, Aureum sails South Georgia and the Falklands. From November to March, she moves down to Antarctica. Conditions and wildlife sightings vary throughout the season: November brings fresh snow, extensive ice, and nesting penguins, while December and January offer long days under the midnight sun and busy colonies. Penguin chicks become increasingly active in January and February, and whale sightings are most frequent towards the end of the season.
ENQUIRE NOWCONTACT US
Private travel to Latin America and Antarctica, designed by specialists.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
