Antarctic itinerary announced for solo-sailor tourists

It’s the most adventurous season yet, claims AE Expeditions about its new Antarctica 2025-26 voyages. And for a limited time, clients can bag up to 20 per cent off on some of its 32 voyages.

Along with previous best-selling Antarctic Explorer and Spirit of Antarctica voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula, there are eight new itineraries. These visit regions including East Antarctica, the Ross Sea and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, as well as Tasmania.

The adventures take place across three purpose-built small ships – the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and the brand-new Douglas Mawson.

The latter (pictured left) has 36 single berths on offer across the season catering to the growing solo-traveller segment.

“We have so much to be excited about with our most comprehensive and adventurous season yet,” says Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO AE Expeditions.

“We will explore more of Antarctica’s regions than we have before in a single season, visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, East Antarctica, the Ross Sea, Antarctic Circle, South Georgia, the Falklands and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands.

Visit Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand

“We’re particularly thrilled to be offering passengers the chance to travel to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 13 years, reconnecting our company to its founding inspiration as well as opening up another lesser explored part of Antarctica to both local and international travellers.

“In these new regions passengers will have the chance to witness the Ross Ice Shelf – the world’s largest floating body of ice, some of the largest Adélie and emperor penguin colonies, follow in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest explorers, as well as witness the incredible biodiversity of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. And we look forward to doing this the AE Expeditions way, with our small ships and focus on respectful travel, adventure, and enrichment.”

Adventures start from nine days, up to 34. The latter – Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent – is marketed at pioneers, history buffs and adventure lovers. Those up for the challenge will follow in the footsteps of explorers such as Scott, Ross, Amundsen and Shackleton (albeit on a rather fine cruise ship). They’ll sail beyond the Antarctic Circle, uncover wonders of the Ross Sea, and explore the Antarctic Peninsula. The exploration of the southern seas is scheduled for 8 February-12 March 2026 on the Douglas Mawson. Prices for that start at USD $35,036 per person.

All images courtesy of AE Expeditions website.

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