AE Expeditions Unveils Exciting 2026 Season: New Destinations, Voyage Styles, and Solo Cabins

AE Expeditions, a leader in responsible small ship exploration, has announced its eagerly anticipated 2026 Arctic and Beyond season. This new season introduces a range of firsts for the company, including voyages to Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic Coast, alongside the introduction of solo cabins on every sailing.

Key highlights of the season include the company’s inaugural expeditions to Indonesia and Borneo, as well as a special voyage to witness the 2026 solar eclipse from Greenland. Additionally, AE Expeditions has launched a new style of exploration with ‘Small Ship Cruises,’ offering immersive experiences in the Mediterranean, Atlantic Coast, British Isles, and Ireland. These cruises feature curated itineraries with guided storytelling, pre- and post-land programs, and all-inclusive shore excursions at every port.

To meet the growing demand from solo travellers, AE Expeditions will offer 10 dedicated solo cabins on every sailing, with no solo supplement, across its fleet of three small ships.

Michael Heath, CEO of AE Expeditions, commented on the new season, stating, “Our 2026 Arctic and Beyond season marks an exciting evolution for AE Expeditions. We’re expanding our offerings to include a greater diversity of destinations and exploration styles, while also catering more to our adventurous solo travellers.”

Highlights of the 2026 Programme

EXPEDITIONS

Jewels of the Arctic (Solar Eclipse 2026)

Oslo/Reykjavik, 02-26 August 2026 on the Sylvia Earle – Experience the magic of a total solar eclipse! Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Scoresbysund, Greenland, sailing through stunning Arctic landscapes as we position ourselves for the celestial spectacle. Feel the anticipation grow as the moon gradually eclipses the sun, casting an ethereal glow. Witness the breathtaking moment of totality – 2 minutes and 18 seconds of darkness transformed into daylight by a dazzling diamond ring.

In the wake of Wallace: Indonesia & Borneo

Bali/Singapore, 24 October-08 November 2026 on the Greg Mortimer

Embark on an extraordinary voyage across the heart of the Indonesian Archipelago to Singapore, a region of unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This 16-day expedition invites you to explore a tapestry of islands, each offering unique treasures to discover.  From the pristine waters of Raja Ampat to the ancient temples of Java and the orangutan of Central Kalimantan, this journey promises a fusion of adventure, culture, and wildlife experiences.

Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland

Aberdeen/Reykjavik, 17-29 May 2026 on the Greg Mortimer

Encompassing some of the wildest, most rugged outliers of the North Atlantic Ocean and Iceland, this distinctive voyage offers a fascinating journey through time. Discover the captivating archaeological sites of Jarlshof, teeming bird cliffs at Fair Isle, and the Faroe Islands’ dramatic landscapes, shaped by millennia of ocean and wind. Then forge northwards to Iceland, one of the most geologically active places on earth, where snow-capped peaks tower above vast glaciers and active volcanoes rumble beneath the surface, a constant reminder of the planet’s raw power.

Natural Treasures of Costa Rica

San José/San José, 23-29 April 2026 on the Sylvia Earle

Costa Rica, meaning ‘rich coast’, is a nature lover’s paradise. While it is a small country, Costa Rica contains approximately 6 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle, and we are incredibly fortunate to explore the region on land and sea. We hope to observe the unique wildlife including a number of indigenous birds and animals such as the Marbled Wood Quail, hummingbirds, toucans, spider monkeys, iguanas, sloths and perhaps the rare and endangered Scarlet Macaw.

SMALL SHIP CRUISES

Moor than a myth: Marrakech to Barcelona

Marrakech/Barcelona, 20 June-02 July 2026 on the Douglas Mawson

Follow the captivating narrative of the Moorish Empire, and the Iberian Christians whose cultures collided to forge the kingdoms of Spain and Morocco. This voyage incites our senses with spicy tales of royal liaisons and imperial battles as we explore the labyrinths of Morocco’s medinas, Moorish architecture, Spanish citadels and Andalucian villages. No two days are the same on this exotic encounter as we engage with cultures whose vibrant characters and lifestyles are infectious.

Luck of the Irish: Dublin to Dublin

Dublin/Dublin, 08-26 May 2026 on the Douglas Mawson

A land of heroes and heroines, the outspoken and the underrated, Ireland’s story twists and turns. Spellbound by its layered culture, we dig deep into its past to understand its

present. We search the cliffs, castles, backstreets and hollow tree trunks of Ireland and Northern Ireland for tales of four-leaf clovers, leprechauns and pots of gold, as we immerse ourselves in the witty and wondrous world of Ireland’s greatest export; the Irish.

Myths of the Mediterranean: Athens to Naples

Athens/Naples, 14 September-01 October 2026 on the Douglas Mawson

This epic journey navigates legendary kingdoms, mythical lands, and ancient sites as we explore Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Sicily. Discover tales of all-powerful gods and heroic figures, opulent communities and political turmoil. Witness the enduring legacy of Sicilian feuds, piratic treasures, and the tumultuous reigns of tyrannical Roman emperors. This voyage promises experiences as diverse and captivating as the peoples that have shaped these lands, as we collect enough intriguing tidbits and inspiring trivia to last a lifetime.

For more information about AE Expeditions and to view the full new season of voyages, visit www.aexpeditions.co.uk

To view and download the new season brochure, visit www.aexpeditions.co.uk/brochures