Today, we catch up with AE Expeditions' UK team to hear more about this Australian expedition cruise operator and what makes them unique in expedition cruising sector.
Tell us about your company.
Started over 32 years ago by the Australian explorer, Greg Mortimer, our passion for discovery and adventure continues today. We explore the farthest reaches of the planet, stopping at wild places with small groups. Our expedition team is considered to be among the world’s best remote area specialists, who encourage an informal style and experiential approach to Expedition travel.
Our 2 ultra-modern purpose-built ships are small enough to go where others can’t. Featuring the revolutionary X Bow which enables a more comfortable and efficient expedition, expansive observation decks, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials.
We have an ongoing commitment to responsible, respectful travel, being a founding member of IAATO and AECO. The environment is our priority, and we are 100% climate neutral.
Known as AE Expeditions in Europe, we are part of Aurora Expeditions.
What are your unique selling points?
Purpose-built small ice-strengthened ships, with up to 132 passengers, all expeditioners can join every excursion. Our staff to passenger ratio is just 1:8.
Every stateroom features an ocean view, and nearly all include balconies.
Our itineraries are designed to be adaptable, we stop for pods of feeding whales, visit glacier filled fjords and easily adjust our schedule if sea ice blocks our way.
Education and Enrichment are at the heart of how we explore, with a highly acclaimed Expedition Team, special guests, onboard education in our purpose-built lecture theatre, and the opportunity to participate in Citizen Science programmes. In addition, we offer a world-leading activities programme, from kayaking to Shackleton’s crossing, with expert guides sharing their sense of adventure. Award-winning photographers are onboard every voyage to inspire and guide.
We include a 3 in 1 Polar jacket, and loan of muck boots, all meals, and wine/beer with your evening meal.
What is your most popular itinerary/destination?
Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula
This epic voyage encompasses the best of the Antarctic Peninsula, the enchanting wildlife haven of South Georgia and the historical Falklands-Malvinas.
In South Georgia, visit busy beaches filled with elephant seals, fur seals and some of the largest king penguin colonies in the world.
Learn about the history of the Falklands- Malvina and photograph the black-browed Albatross and macaroni penguins and set foot and enjoy the serene grandeur of the most remote place in the world – the Antarctic Peninsula.
This itinerary embraces the true spirit of exploration and adventure.
What is new for 2024/25?
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords - a 15-day sailing from Ushuaia to Puerto Montt which includes a night off the ship to enjoy two days hiking and exploring Torres del Paine National Park, renowned for its majestic granite towers and jaw-dropping landscapes.
It explores the fjords and coast of Southern Chile, including the UNESCO heritage-listed unique churches in Chiloe. Abundant wildlife spotting opportunities, including humpback and blue whales in the Fransisco Coloane Marine Park.
The itinerary sails through beautiful narrow channels, and visits several glaciers including Pio XI, which is not only one of the most spectacular, it also one of the only glaciers in Patagonia that is advancing rather than receding.
In addition to the abundant wildlife and stunning scenery, we also call into several tiny coastal hamlets to meet locals, who otherwise live an isolated existence from the rest of Chile.
Meet the team:
Jos Dewing
Managing Director, EMEA
A leader in small-ship and destination led travel, Jos has 20+ years of experience in the industry, most recently as Global Managing Director for discovery cruise and tour company, Voyages to Antiquity.
Jos also spent many years managing the Antarctica product for heritage lines Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic.
Jos is passionate about the environment and those authentic travel experiences that connect us with the real world that we inhabit and that also serve to educate our protection of it.
Jos grew up by the sea with a professional scuba diver father who instilled a great passion for the ocean and its diverse ocean life. A passion that has now settled firmly with expedition cruising, a topic on which Jos has widely consulted and written many articles.
Katie Harber
Business Development Manager, UK
+44 7515 895315
Katie has first-hand experience of remote nature travel, having worked onboard cruise ships sailing around the Arctic to destinations like Greenland and Iceland. This sparked an appreciation for experiencing the natural world at its most pristine. Her passion for sustainability and doing what we can to protect these natural destinations aligns with Aurora's values of respectful exploration and discovery.
Katie brings a keen drive to grow Aurora’s market share within the UK and an understanding extensive lead generation skill from her varied travel industry experience, including work with tour operators, a small ship startup and onboard cruise ships.
Karen Hollands
Sales Support Executive
+44 7718 788334
Karen's passion for travel started early in life. When she left school, her first job was working in a boarding school high up in the mountain town of Crans-Montana, Switzerland. This started her love affair with mountains, travelling and adventure.
Since then, she worked for British Airways for over 15 years in various roles – mainly within corporate communications and the London Gatwick press office. After leaving British Airways, Karen lived in Virginia, USA with her family for 4 years. Returning to the UK, Karen then worked for a Canadian luxury train operator, before joining AE Expeditions.
When not travelling or working, you can find Karen clay shooting, paddle boarding along the river Wey, horse riding in the Surrey Hills, or just walking and enjoying the beautiful countryside she is lucky to call home.
Andrew Tait
Senior Business Development Manager, UK & Ireland
+44 7708 728972
Andy’s passion for exploration and travel came in his teenage years where school trips to China and Washington D.C. opened new and different cultures to him and left him wanting to explore more of the world and meet people in each destination to learn from and participate in their culture.
Since leaving school Andy has worked in a variety of roles in Hospitality and Tourism with over 12 years of working in luxury travel agencies and tour operators within the UK; and managing restaurants in both the UK and New Zealand. His experience has him well placed to understand the varying needs of any client and keep a cool-level head in any situation, both of which he attributes to his success in relationship management and earning national awards from the UK travel industry.
Sustainability is a core value to Andy’s beliefs and continues to work within the wider travel industry to share and develop ways to improve sustainability across the industry.
Away from work Andy is found taking a weekend hike outside of the city or enjoying a meal with friends in London’s ever changing restaurant scene.
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