As travelers continue to gravitate towards smaller ships and more immersive moments at sea, Aurora Expeditions is preparing for its first small ship cruising season, marking a step forward for the cruise line as it now touches 26 countries across all seven continents. Sailing aboard the expedition travel company's newest purpose-built ship, the Douglas Mawson, the itineraries will introduce a new level of comfort in the Mediterranean and Adriatic, Northern Europe and the UK & Ireland, while maintaining the expedition style access and destination depth the line is known for.
With a curated mix of routes, designed to showcase a medley of culture, traditions and history, the voyages will take travelers beyond the ordinary to discover the hidden gems and lesser-known narratives that make these destinations unique. Each itinerary is enriched by a “Master Storyteller,” which can include historians, genealogists, art experts and cultural specialists who bring the destinations to life though onboard talks and discussions, while ashore, all-inclusive “Your Choice” excursions allow guests to personalize each stop, adding another layer of discovery.
Below is a snapshot of select itineraries sailing in both 2026 and 2027, offering a glimpse into the type of experiences travelers can have as a part of Aurora’s Small Ship Cruising season.
Ireland: The Luck of the Irish Dublin to Dublin, May 8-18, 2026 and June 16-27, 2027, from $11,036
Ireland’s rugged coastline is best experienced from the water, where dramatic cliffs, historic ports and quiet seaside towns reveal themselves one after another. This voyage explores both Ireland and Northern Ireland, with time spent discovering castles, coastal villages and storied landscapes while learning about the history, folklore and characters that have shaped the island’s culture over centuries.
Ireland & Scotland: Saints, Saviours and Secrets Dublin to Edinburgh, May 15-28, 2026 and June 24 - July 7, 2027, from $12,956
This voyage explores the people and events that have defined the island, from religious figures and political leaders to writers, migrants and everyday citizens whose stories echo through Ireland’s towns and villages. Traveling through both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the journey traces themes of faith, famine, independence and cultural identity, concluding with time in Edinburgh to explore Scotland’s own layered history.
Canary Islands to Lisbon: The Sands of Time Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Lisbon, April 24 – May 7, 2026 and May 15-28, 2027, from $13,676
Travelers will discover the shared history of the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain and Portugal, regions long connected through trade, migration and shifting empires. Stops range from the Canary Islands and the medinas of Morocco to the whitewashed towns of Andalusia, Gibraltar and Portugal’s Algarve coast, offering insight into the events and cultures that shaped the region, from the Moorish presence in Iberia to the Age of Exploration and its global impact.
The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather Rome to Valletta, Malta, July 8 – 19, 2026 and May 10-27, 2027, from $8,512
Southern Italy, Sicily and Malta share a long and complex history shaped by competing empires, trade routes and cultural exchange. This voyage explores the Amalfi Coast, the island of Sicily and the historic ports of Malta, where ancient cities, clifftop villages and Mediterranean resort towns sit alongside archaeological sites and layers of political history. Along the way, travelers encounter stories ranging from Roman rule and buried cities to the cultural traditions, cuisine and everyday life that continue to define the region today.
