AE Expeditions sets passenger limits on ships in polar regions

Passenger numbers are to be limited on AE Expeditions ships sailing in polar regions.

Vessels will sail with no more than 130 passengers across its fleet of purpose-built small ships visiting Antarctica and the Arctic, including the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and the recently launched Douglas Mawson.

The new maximum passenger capacity for its voyages to the polar regions comes ahead of the 2024-25 Antarctica season, which runs from October until April.

Company chief executive Michael Heath said: “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.

“This change solidifies our position as one of the most intimate small ship offerings in our class for the polar regions.”

He added: “We also recognise our responsibility to protect and preserve the remote places we travel to, and we are proud to be one of the few companies visiting Antarctica and the Arctic with under 150 passengers.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible travel and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel.”

AE Expeditions recently released its 2025-26 schedule, featuring Antarctic voyages by the three ships, including new departures to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea from Hobart, Australia and Dunedin, New Zealand.