Australia’s leading polar adventure cruise company, Aurora Expeditions, announced the delivery of its first new, purpose-built, expedition ship.
With 25 years’ experience in expedition cruising to the Arctic and Antarctica, Aurora Expeditions has worked with US-based ship builders SunStone Ships Inc. to construct a custom-designed vessel that remains true to the ethos of the company of pioneering intimate experiences and adventures with nature, as well as exploring new regions.
The ice class 1A ship will be built to the latest polar code specifications, offering unprecedented levels of safety and environmental protection – for operations not just in the high latitudes, but across the planet. Exclusively designed for expedition cruising, the 104-metre vessel will allow Aurora Expeditions to continue to provide the authentic, small-ship experience for which they are renowned.
The ice class 1A ship will be constructed to the latest polar code specifications.
- Designer: SUNSTONE SHIPS INC
- Shipbuilder: (CMIH) CHINA MERCHANTS INDUSTRY HOLDINGS
- Cruise cabins: 80-95
- LOA Length: 104 m
- Beam / Width: 18 m
- Draft: 5 m
- Speed: 15 kn / 17 mph / 28 kph
- Ice-Class: 1A
- Polar Class: PC 6 (highest)
Aurora Expeditions’ newbuild will make access to nature much more easier and offer guests a more comfortable experience. It will allow for greater adventure opportunities via custom-designed platform to cater for additional kayakers and divers.
Small inflatable Zodiac crafts will carry expeditioners between vessel and shore, with a dedicated Zodiac loading platform for easy boarding.
The yet-to-be-named expedition ship will be delivered in time for 2019-2020 Antarctic season (November to March) of Aurora Expeditions and will complement the existing fleet of ships and destinations. Itineraries are expected for release later in 2017.
Aurora Expeditions currently operates the vessel Polar Pioneer on cruises to Antarctica and the European Arctic (Norway).