Tag Archives: Falklands

Aurora Expeditions Completes Largest Antarctic Season

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Aurora Expeditions Completes Largest Antarctic Season

Photo credit Spacejunkie2 – Flickr photostream https://flic.kr/ps/GkiQt

Aurora Expeditions has completed its largest Antarctic season to date, operating 30 voyages, facilitating an estimated 819 landings and welcoming a 30 percent increase in expeditioners representing 56 nationalities, according to an announcement.

“This season represents a significant milestone for Aurora Expeditions,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer at Aurora Expeditions.

“Delivering 30 voyages to Antarctica, including a return to East Antarctica, and operating three ships in the region for the first time reflects both our heritage and how we continue to evolve.”

The 2025-26 program included the launch of the company’s third expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson, in Sydney in November ahead of its inaugural Antarctic season.

This was the first time in the company’s 35-year history that Aurora operated three ships simultaneously in Antarctica.

The season marked a return to East Antarctica after 15 years, alongside the introduction of Active Antarctica voyages featuring 14 included activities.

The Douglas Mawson reached 78 degrees 44.405 minutes south, marking the southernmost voyage in history, the company said.

Aurora also recorded 2,835 polar plunges, delivered 269 on board lectures and saw expeditioners contribute thousands of hours to on board citizen science programs supporting initiatives such as whale and seabird monitoring, oceanographic data collection and polar ecosystem observation.

The program introduced AI-powered routing technology and microplastic filtration systems to Antarctica.

The season also marked the introduction of drone-supported scouting used to assist bridge teams with real-time ice and landing site assessment.

Star Kicks Off Norwegian’s 2023-24 Season in South America and Antarctica

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The Norwegian Star recently arrived in South America to kick off Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2023-24 in the region.

Extending through April, the local program features different itineraries to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, Chile, and Antarctica.

After concluding its summer program in Northern Europe, the 2,200-guest vessel arrived in Brazil in early December.

Before concluding its repositioning cruise in Rio de Janeiro, the Star visited several destinations in the country, including Recife, Maceió, Salvador and Búzios.

Continuing its way to the Southern tip of the continent, the ship also offered a ten-night cruise to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in mid-December.

The one-way cruise sailed from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires and featured visits to Búzios, Ilha Grande, Ilhabela, Santos, Balneário Camboriú, Punta del Este and Montevideo.

Once in Buenos Aires, the Norwegian Star kicked off the first sailing of a regular series of cruises to Argentina, Antarctica, Uruguay, and the Falkland Islands.

The 16-night cruise features visits to several destinations in the region, such as Puerto Madryn, Punta Arenas, Port Stanley and Punta del Este.

Before returning to Buenos Aires, the Norwegian Star is also scheduled to spend a few days cruising around Elephant Island and other parts of Antarctica.

After additional itineraries in the region, the 2001-built vessel is scheduled to return to Europe in mid-April, via a transatlantic crossing that starts in Rio de Janeiro and ends in Lisbon, Portugal.

In addition to the Star, Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2023-24 program in South America also includes the Norwegian Sun.

Between January and early March, the vessel is scheduled to offer a series of cruises to the Andes, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego that include visits to destinations in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and the Falkland Islands.

War Veteran Weston Joins the Balmoral for Falklands Itinerary

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War Veteran Simon Weston CBE will provide his insight as a guest aboard Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral when the ship visits the Falkland Islands as part of its 78-night voyage to South America and the Antarctic in 2023, according to a press release.

Weston, a Patron of the Falkland Veterans Foundation, will make a guest appearance on board for 14 nights, boarding during the Balmoral’s call on Port Stanley and will share his perspective from his time in the Falkland Islands, according to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Weston was severely burned on more than 46 per cent of his body during the Falkland Islands war in 1982. Following the war, he devoted himself to charity work as well as motivational speeches and broadcasts. He is also an ambassador for Changing Faces, as well as a patron of The Enham Trust and Allied Service Trust.

“His experience can add real insight to our guests as Balmoral sails to the Falkland Isles. His story is one of achievement and triumph in the face of adversity, and we know our guests will value learning more about his journey and about the Falklands War,” said Helen Bennett, entertainments and enrichment manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“Simon absolutely loves cruising, seeing new places and meeting new and interesting people onboard. He is passionate about sharing his experiences during the Falklands campaign and life afterwards,” added Weston’s representative at Champions UK plc, Alan Warner.