May 15, 2025, 12:55 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
An “Antarctic adventure with like-minded women” is what the Australian cruise line Aurora Expeditions promises with a cruise planned for 2027, explicitly excluding men. Find all the background on this extraordinary offer and the details of the expedition at TRAVELBOOK.
Since its founding in 1991, the shipping company has specialized in sustainable adventure travel to remote regions of the world. More information can be found on the Aurora Expeditions website. The announced “Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake” cruise, however, has a different focus than merely exploring uncharted territories.
Overview
Women-Only Cruise—What’s Behind It?
On a relatively small ship from Aurora Expeditions, named after the famous marine biologist Sylvia Earle, participants of the women-only cruise are promised a safe, well-organized, and, at the same time, extraordinary experience.
The entire, decidedly emancipated project was conceived by women and is a collaboration with Journey Women, a platform for female solo travel. The offering reflects their credo of encouraging women of all ages and from diverse backgrounds to explore the world and test their personal limits.
So, it has nothing to do with gender discrimination. Rather, adventurous women are meant to have a space among like-minded individuals to safely tackle the challenges of the Drake Passage—known for its rough seas as not entirely safe.
Details of the Women’s Cruise
Interaction with other participants is a key aspect. Equally important are the stops on the ten-day “Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake.” It begins in February 2027 in Punta Arenas, Chile, from where participants fly by charter plane to King George Island. There, they board the ship, which honors a different scientist or environmentalist on each deck. From the island, the journey leads along the Antarctic Peninsula and to the South Shetland Islands. The exact route will depend on external factors such as weather, ice conditions, and wildlife observations. Daily landings are planned. With small expedition boats, the women will make excursions to research stations, glaciers, and ice formations.
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After the adventure, they fly back together to Punta Arenas, where they can reflect on their experiences over a final dinner.
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Full Program and Luxurious Amenities—at a Hefty Price
“Expedition ship” might initially sound utilitarian. In reality, the small cruiser offers extremely comfortable cabins—many with private balconies—and spacious common areas. In a lecture room for scientific presentations, naturalists and other experts will speak on topics such as biology and climate change in the polar region. The ship also features a heated pool on deck and hot tubs with views of the polar landscape. In the wellness area of the Sylvia Earle, guests will find exercise equipment and a sauna.
The women’s cruise is certainly not free. The website lists a price of around 22,000 euros per person for participants sharing a cabin. Solo travelers will likely pay more.
TRAVELBOOK has inquired with Aurora Expeditions whether a men-only cruise is planned for the near future. A response is still pending.