Aurora Expeditions has released survey findings from over 700 travellers showing that expedition team expertise is now the top factor in choosing an operator, ahead of itinerary, ship size and landing opportunities. The company also cited industry growth data, noting rising Australian participation in expedition cruising and forecast global capacity growth, alongside its own Antarctic season figures of over 800 landings across 30-plus voyages with a 1:7 guide-to-guest ratio.
The release also highlights growing trends toward repeat expedition travel, with around 20% of Aurora's guests returning for new regions, and increasing solo travel uptake, with 26% of its passengers travelling solo compared to a lower industry average. In response, Aurora's newest ship, Douglas Mawson, now offers dedicated solo cabins and up to 10 solo staterooms per sailing without single supplements, reflecting broader shifts in polar expedition traveller behaviour and expectations.