Travel news: Secret Atlas announces industry-leading expedition vessel for Antarctica
Photo credit: Secret Atlas / Antarpply Expeditions. Illustrative image based on the current design concept.
Secret Atlas, an expedition micro cruise specialist, has revealed a remarkable new addition to their expedition portfolio, writes Travel News Blitz’s Zach Heynes.
The Explorer Yacht Aureum, a purpose-designed 36-guest vessel, will embark on Antarctic experiences as the first of its kind.
Aureum is part of a long-term partnership with Antarpply Expeditions and is set to operate during the 2027/2028 and 2028/2029 Antarctic and South Georgia seasons.
Smaller scale, larger immersion
Unlike conventionally sized expedition ships, Aureum offers travellers smaller, more immersive experiences for their visits to Antarctica and South Georgia.
The ship will have 22 guest cabins to accommodate 36 guests, including spacious suites and eight dedicated single cabins.
With the rise in solo travelling, many will appreciate the advantage that Aureum offers in having no single supplement in the single cabins.
Other amenities on the vessel include a panoramic observation lounge, expansive outdoor viewing decks, a wellness area featuring an outdoor hot tub and sauna, a dine-together-style restaurant and a bridge lounge.
An industry-leading guest experience
The new addition joins a portfolio of expeditions designed by explorers and led by explorers and built around small groups and meaningful exploration experiences.
Aureum, like the other Secret Atlas expeditions, will offer a guide-to-guest ratio that rivals the expedition industry, with one experienced Polar Guide allocated fro every six guests.
As experienced expedition leaders, scientists and naturalists, the guides offer exceptional access to expert insights.
Secret Atlas’ adventurous new chapter
Aureum is a crucial milestone for Secret Atlas.
It is a fitting addition to their portfolio, and a remarkable expansion to their Expedition Micro Cruise concept.
Michele D’Agostino, Co-Founder of Secret Atlas, spoke about the milestone.
“As demand grows for meaningful, small-group polar expeditions, Aureum enables us to bring our distinctive explorer-led approach to Antarctica and South Georgia.”
He added: “By expanding beyond the Arctic and launching our inaugural Antarctic and South Georgia expeditions, we're building on the principles that have defined Secret Atlas from the beginning: exploration in small groups, deeper wildlife encounters, and access to experiences that larger ships simply cannot replicate. Aureum is the ideal platform to deliver that vision.”
Secret Atlas Expedition Micro Cruises to Antarctica and South Georgia aboard Aureum are now open for bookings for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons.
For more information on Explorer Yacht Aureum, visit Aureum | 36 Guest Expedition Micro Cruise Ship | Secret Atlas.
READ NEXT: China travel guide: Three attractions to discover China’s first capital, Xi’an
