Don’t Miss The Boat: Final Shackleton Centenary Voyage Out Now!

As avid Shackleton admirers descend on London’s Westminster Abbey next Friday, 20th May for a special thanksgiving service for Shackleton and his men, Aurora Expeditions, the polar cruising experts, are reminding fans it’s not too late to join them on an exclusive expedition to pay homage to the beloved explorer who led all of his crew to safety after they became stranded in Antarctica during the infamous Imperial Trans-Antarctic 'Endurance' Expedition (1914-1917).

After departing London on the 1st August 1914 the legendary sea captain battled for 21 months against the Antarctic elements before finally reaching safety on the 20th May 1916 when he and his rescue party arrived at the Stromness Whaling Station on South Georgia. However, it wasn’t until 30th August 2016 that Shackleton was able to rescue his remaining crew from the rugged and desolate Elephant Island, located just off the Antarctic Peninsula.

For those who missed the boat on the Shackleton Centenary celebrations this year, all is not lost! Aurora Expeditions are delighted to be hosting their finalIn Shackleton’s Footsteps centenary voyage in March 2017 so that intrepid travellers and history buffs are able to experience Antarctica from the perspective of such an iconic man.

Weather permitting, passengers will be able to walk the final leg of the Shackleton voyage; literally following in the footsteps of the adventurer from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, South Georgia. The hardier can sign up to complete the entire two-day crossing of South Georgia, just as Shackleton did back in 1916. There is even the opportunity to visit the grave of the ‘The Boss’ buried there at the request of his wife for her husband to be laid to rest close to his greatest passion: Antarctica.

As travellers will discover, South Georgia is one of the most spectacular, yet remote, wilderness regions of the world. Huge elephant seals gather on beaches creating a wild cacophony of grunting, King Penguin rookeries stretch as far as the eye can see, and mesmorising albatrosses glide through the sky; a wildlife performance from every angle.

The 18-day Shackleton-inspired voyage takes its passengers on a journey of discovery and appreciation; from the exceptional observations of the world at its most natural and secluded state, to delving into harrowing stories of heroic explorers Shackleton and Nordenskjold, each passenger is left with a new-found respect of both Mother Nature and the determination of the human spirit.

‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ departs 8 March 2017 and will retrace Shackleton's epic journey from the Antarctic Peninsula's Weddell Sea to the subantarctic island of South Georgia. Voyage fares start from US$14,300 per person including accommodation and meals aboard the 54-passenger Polar Pioneer, all Zodiac cruises and guided shore excursions, and a custom-designed centenary expedition jacket.

For more information please contact Aurora Expeditions on 1300 061 490 or +61 2 9252 133, email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au