AE Expeditions
Max 130 Guests · Polar & Remote Specialists
Pioneering small-ship expeditions capped at 130 guests, built for maximum time ashore and deep exploration in the world’s wildest regions.
The Onboard Experience
Founded in 1991 by polar mountaineer Greg Mortimer and Margaret Mortimer, AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) was built on a clear philosophy: true exploration happens in small groups, guided by people who deeply know and respect the natural world.
Each purpose-built vessel carries a maximum of 130 guests. In polar regions where strict environmental regulations limit how many people can step ashore at once, this smaller scale is decisive. Instead of waiting in rotation aboard a larger ship, every guest can disembark together whenever conditions allow—resulting in longer, unhurried landings and spontaneous wildlife encounters.
Recognised for offering the widest range of adventure activities in the polar regions—from sea kayaking and snowshoeing to polar snorkelling, scuba diving, and Shackleton-inspired ski crossings—every voyage is accompanied by seasoned expedition leaders, marine biologists, and historians. As a Certified B Corporation™, sustainability sits at the core of every itinerary.
- •Purpose-built X-BOW® expedition vessels carrying a maximum of 130 guests
- •Simultaneous shore landings in Antarctica and the Arctic with no guest rotation queues
- •Extensive activity programme including kayaking, polar diving, climbing, and ski treks
- •Certified B Corporation™ committed to responsible polar stewardship
AE Expeditions Privileges with Sirevaag Travel
Privileges vary by departure, but you can expect this level of curation and added value when arranging your voyage through Sirevaag Travel.
Expedition Ship & Cabin Matching
Objective advice on ice classes, passenger limits (from 30 to 200 guests), and landing regulations in polar and remote waters.
Onboard Credit & Gear Perks
Access exclusive onboard credits or preferred partner amenities on select polar and warm-water expeditions.
Activity & Excursion Pre-Booking
Early registration for limited-capacity activities such as sea kayaking, heli-hiking, zodiac photography, or polar diving.
Gateway City Hotel Curation
Curated stays in key gateway cities like Buenos Aires, Santiago, Reykjavik, or Darwin with full VIP hotel benefits.
Complex Charter & Flight Buffer
Carefully planned flight buffers and private transfers to safeguard against weather delays in remote embarkation ports.
Official Rates & Past-Guest Perks
Access all early-booking reductions, solo supplements waivers, and loyalty benefits with zero advisory markup.
Why book AE Expeditions with us?
| Your Experience | Booking Direct | Booking with Sirevaag Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition Fare & Early-Bird Rates | Published expedition fare | Exact same official rate & promotions |
| Preferred Partner Credits | None beyond standard | Up to $200–$500 per suite on eligible sailings |
| Ship Size & Ice-Class Advisory | Pitches only their own fleet | Objective comparison across the world’s top expedition fleets |
| Gateway City Stays & Transfers | Standard group arrangements | Seamless 5-star hotel stays with VIP perks & private transfers |
| Loyalty & Past-Passenger Perks | Earned normally | Fully combined with partner benefits |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 130-guest limit matter in Antarctica and the Arctic?
International polar guidelines restrict shore landings to 100 passengers ashore at one time at most sites (while remaining guests kayak or cruise by Zodiac). On a 130-guest ship, virtually everyone gets off the ship simultaneously on every single landing, doubling your time in the field compared to 250–500 passenger vessels.
When should I book adventure activities like kayaking or polar diving?
Because small-group activities like sea kayaking and polar scuba diving are strictly capped for safety, they often sell out months before departure. We secure these spots for you at the time of suite reservation.
Considering a voyage with AE Expeditions?
Contact our advisory desk for tailored guidance on itineraries, suite selection, and eligible partner privileges for your preferred sailing.
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