NEW YORK — Aurora Expeditions is introducing a new program designed to make it easier and more rewarding for travel advisors to sell its small-ship expedition cruises.

Called ‘Aurora Advisor Advantage,’ the initiative includes earlier commission payments, new advisor rates, enhanced sales tools and added benefits for clients. The program was developed following feedback gathered from travel advisors over the past year.

“Aurora Advisor Advantage reflects a simple commitment: to listen to our travel advisor partners and deliver what they need to succeed selling small ship expeditions,” said David Tanguay, Head of Global Sales.

“Travel advisors are at the heart of our business, playing an essential role in inspiring travelers and guiding them toward the right expedition experience. Aurora Advisor Advantage is our investment in that partnership – providing advisors with enhanced tools, greater product visibility and more meaningful rewards, while making it easier to deliver exceptional value for both their clients and their business.”

EARLIER COMMISSION & ADVISOR RATES

Among the biggest changes is a revised commission payment schedule, with eligible advisors now receiving gross commission payments 60 days before their clients depart.

Aurora Expeditions says the earlier payment is intended to improve advisors’ cash flow while recognizing their work earlier in the booking process.

The company is also introducing Aurora Insider Rates, giving eligible travel advisors, along with their friends and family, access to special fares when booking within 120 days of departure. Subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions, rates start at US$300 per person, per day.

MORE VAUE FOR CLIENTS

Aurora Expeditions is also adding new inclusions for guests travelling during the 2026-27 Antarctica season.

Premium beverages, including premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs, will now be included in voyage fares across the fleet at no additional cost.

The cruise line says the expanded inclusions provide advisors with an additional selling point while enhancing the onboard guest experience.

The company has also introduced a no-charge flexible voyage transfer policy. Clients who are unable to travel after paying their deposit can transfer to another Aurora Expeditions voyage departing within 36 months of their original sailing date without paying a transfer fee, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

ENHANCED SALES TOOLS

Aurora Expeditions has also updated its Travel Advisor Hub, providing advisors with a central location for sales resources and booking information.

A new Dates & Rates tool allows advisors to search voyages by departure date, destination, season, duration, ship and price while viewing live pricing across all cabin categories. Advisors can also check the availability of optional activities, helping them respond to client enquiries more efficiently.

COMING: ONLINE BOOKING PORTAL

Looking ahead, Aurora Expeditions is developing a new online booking portal that will allow travel advisors to make bookings at any time.

Additional details, including a launch timeline, will be announced as development progresses.

“Aurora Advisor Advantage is not a one-off initiative,” Tanguay added. “It is an ongoing commitment to improving how we work with our travel agent community and ensuring advisors receive the tools, support and recognition they need to grow their expedition business with Aurora.”

For more information about Aurora Advisor Advantage, click here.

Lead image caption: Aurora Expeditions in Antarctica