AE Expeditions steps up its commitment to sustainable travel with new passenger limits.
- Ships sailing to polar regions will now accommodate no more than 130 passengers.
- This policy covers vessels like the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, and Douglas Mawson.
- Changes align with the 2024-25 Antarctica season, enhancing small ship experiences.
- The strategy reaffirms AE Expeditions’ dedication to environmental responsibility.
AE Expeditions has announced a significant policy shift, placing a cap on passenger numbers aboard its ships navigating the delicate environments of the polar regions. Each vessel, including the well-regarded Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, and the new Douglas Mawson, will sail with a maximum of 130 passengers. This strategy aims to enhance the experience for travellers while upholding the company’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.
As the 2024-25 Antarctica season approaches, running from October to April, these changes are a proactive measure to ensure both customer satisfaction and ecological conservation. The restrictions on passenger numbers are part of a broader commitment to providing intimate, small ship experiences, where passengers can enjoy more time off the ship and engage in immersive activities.
Michael Heath, the chief executive of AE Expeditions, stated that the adjustments align with the company’s vision of responsible travel. “With passenger landing limits in Antarctica and some areas of the Arctic, we wanted to reinforce our commitment to providing the small ship experiences our passengers know us for, with more time off ship and more immersive activities,” he remarked. Heath underscored their objective to remain leaders in sustainable expedition travel.
Reflecting on their unique market position, AE Expeditions is among the few tour operators visiting these pristine areas with under 150 passengers, supporting their sustainable travel model. Their recently unveiled 2025-26 schedule continues this ethos, featuring voyages to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea from key departure points in Hobart, Australia, and Dunedin, New Zealand.
AE Expeditions’ new passenger limits further solidify its role as a pioneer in sustainable polar travel.
