Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer Ship Review [2025]

The Greg Mortimer holds a particular place on this planet of expedition cruising.

When it launched in 2019 it wasn’t simply one other polar ship — it was the primary passenger vessel constructed with the groundbreaking Ulstein X-BOW®.

That single innovation modified how travellers expertise wild seas, setting a brand new benchmark for consolation and effectivity within the harshest environments on Earth.

Named after Greg Mortimer, the Australian mountaineer who co-founded Aurora Expeditions, the ship displays his pioneering spirit.

It’s designed for individuals who need journey on the fringe of the world, however don’t need to hand over the heat of a cushty base after they return from the ice.

Over the years we’ve sailed on 9 completely different expedition ships, and toured a bunch extra via our jobs as images guides, and the Greg Mortimer actually stood out as one thing particular.

We just lately spent 11 days on a Svalbard cruise within the excessive Arctic onboard the well-known GM, and it surpassed all our expectations.

It feels barely extra stripped again and adventurous in comparison with Aurora’s newer Sylvia Earle, however it doesn’t skimp on the necessities: clean crusing, fast Zodiac operations, nice meals, and cabins that make you are feeling at dwelling in a number of the planet’s most distant corners.

Over time the Greg Mortimer has constructed a fame as probably the most dependable and cozy ships within the polar areas.

It’s luxurious with out being pretentious, well-designed, well-run, and persistently delivers the sort of experiences that make an expedition unforgettable.

So what makes the Greg Mortimer completely different, and is it the suitable ship on your Antarctica or Arctic voyage? Let’s take a better look.

Special Note: Jarryd might be working onboard the Greg Mortimer for 2 months within the upcoming Antarctic season because the Expedition Photography Guide. If you’d like to affix him drop us a message as we now have a particular provide we can provide to NOMADasaurus readers for any Aurora Expeditions itinerary (whether or not we’re onboard or not)!

Key Takeaways

• World-first design – The Greg Mortimer was the primary passenger ship to characteristic the Ulstein X-BOW®, reducing via swells as a substitute of slamming over them. The result’s a smoother experience, improved gasoline effectivity, and fewer seasickness.
• Drop-down viewing wings – Unique fold-out platforms prolong from the bow, giving company jaw-dropping views simply above the waterline. Perfect for wildlife watching, iceberg images, or just soaking within the silence.
• Capacity of 130 passengers – Small sufficient to really feel private, massive sufficient to supply a number of touchdown rotations. Even although the ship can carry 160 passengers, Aurora Expeditions has made the choice to restrict numbers to 130 most. With IAATO guidelines limiting shore visits to 100 folks at a time, Aurora ensures clean, truthful techniques so everybody will get most time ashore.
• Dining setup – The ship’s major restaurant serves buffet-style breakfasts and lunches with à la carte dinners. A second choice, the Tuscan Grill, could be booked for a extra intimate eating expertise within the evenings.
• Cabin selection – From spacious staterooms to balcony suites and the spectacular Captain’s Suite, the Greg Mortimer caters to a variety of budgets and preferences.
• Efficient mudroom and Zodiac ops – Large gear lockers and a number of boarding factors make excursions fast, protected, and stress-free.
• Adventure-focused – Unlike the Sylvia Earle, the Greg Mortimer doesn’t have a Citizen Science Lab. Instead, the emphasis is squarely on basic expedition cruising — landings, Zodiac excursions, and off-ship journey actions like kayaking or tenting.
• Wellness and luxury – A fitness center, sauna, sizzling tubs, and new clear domes on the outer decks provide welcome leisure after lengthy days within the area.
• Leading cruise line – Aurora Expeditions is recognised as one of many main cruise strains for polar exploration, with a robust fame amongst all firms working in Antarctica and the Arctic.

READ MORE: Check out our full information to the greatest Antarctica expedition cruise firms!

About Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is an Australian-owned firm that has been operating small-group journey voyages since 1991.

Founded by the legendary mountaineer Greg Mortimer and his spouse Margaret, the corporate shortly turned identified for pushing boundaries in expedition journey.

Their first journey to Antarctica in 1992 set a precedent, combining scientific curiosity with hands-on exploration.

Aurora was among the many founding members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), they usually’ve constructed a fame for being each pioneering and accountable.

Over the years, they launched new actions to the polar cruising world, together with the primary business climbing journeys in Antarctica again in 1995.

Today, Aurora operates two purpose-built polar vessels: the Greg Mortimer (2019) and the Sylvia Earle (2022).

A 3rd ship, the Douglas Mawson, might be launching in 2025.

With these, Aurora continues its custom of providing immersive, low-impact journey experiences to a number of the most distant corners of the globe — from Antarctica and the Arctic to Patagonia, Costa Rica, and the British Isles.

Aurora’s voyages attain virtually each continent, however their specialty stays the wild, hard-to-reach locations.

From Antarctica to the Arctic, their itineraries are designed for travellers who worth time within the area over ticking off locations.

Our Greg Mortimer Ship Review

The Greg Mortimer is a vessel constructed for explorers. At 104 metres lengthy with a capability of simply 130 passengers, it’s massive sufficient to supply trendy facilities whereas remaining intimate and expedition-focused.

Unlike conventional cruise ships, the whole lot concerning the Greg Mortimer is designed to maximise time within the area.

The Zodiac loading factors (two on the port aspect, two on the starboard aspect and the big marina deck on the rear) make boarding quick and protected.

The mudroom is spacious and environment friendly, and the drop-down hydraulic wings create a front-row seat to the polar wilderness.

Inside company will discover snug cabins, a welcoming major restaurant, a small grill for specialty eating, a lecture theatre, lounges, a fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzis, and even new domes to to benefit from the views with out being affected by the weather.

The ship additionally incorporates a devoted statement deck, offering panoramic views of the encircling polar landscapes. Even although it’s luxurious, it’s about offering the proper base between adventures.

The ship was the primary passenger vessel on this planet to characteristic the Ulstein X-BOW®, a wave-piercing hull design that improves stability and reduces slamming in heavy seas.

his is especially vital in infamous stretches just like the Drake Passage, the place a smoother experience makes all of the distinction.

Greg Mortimer vs Sylvia Earle – Which Ship is Right for You?

Travellers would possibly ask: ought to I select the Greg Mortimer or the Sylvia Earle? Both ships are trendy, eco-conscious, and purpose-built for polar exploration, however they provide barely completely different onboard experiences.

Our take: Both ships are actually particular, and selecting one or the opposite actually does come right down to primarily which itinerary you need on what dates.

However in order for you a ship that feels a bit extra rugged and pioneering, go along with the Greg Mortimer. If you like a vessel with extra scientific and academic amenities, the Sylvia Earle edges forward. Either means, each ship a world-class polar expedition.

Cabins on the Greg Mortimer

Life on an expedition ship shouldn’t be about ornate chandeliers or sprawling penthouses. What issues most is having a heat, snug house to name your individual after a day trip amongst glaciers and polar bears.

While some firms prioritise the onboard expertise, the place you have to dress up for meals and the lodge employees are the celebrities of the present, Aurora Expeditions and their Greg Mortimer ship has discovered the stability between providing a luxurious base whereas making the visitor really feel at dwelling.

With simply 76 staterooms, the ship feels private and unhurried.

Every cabin comes with an ensuite, storage for cumbersome gear, and huge home windows, or most often personal balconies, that maintain you related to the surface world even whenever you’re indoors.

The design is easy however sensible: practical, uncluttered, and constructed for travellers who worth exploration over extravagance.

Our Balcony Stateroom

During our voyage we stayed in a Balcony Stateroom, and it hovered seamlessly between consolation and practicality.

The personal balcony turned our morning ritual spot – Stepping exterior as quickly as we’d wake to examine the climate, watch seabirds skim the waves, admire the views, and revel in a quiet second as sea ice drifted by.

Inside the room had the whole lot we would have liked with out wasted house. A king mattress (that might break up into twins), a small lounge nook, and sufficient storage to maintain jackets and digital camera gear organised.

The rest room was compact however nicely designed, with good water strain, house to maneuver round and even heated flooring.

Electrical retailers are common, so we may plug our Australian chargers straight into the wall with out the necessity for an adaptor.

Cabin Categories

• Aurora Staterooms (Twin/Triple/Single) – The most inexpensive choice, with portholes or massive home windows. Perfect for travellers who simply want a comfortable base.
• Balcony Staterooms – Spacious cabins with personal outside seating, out there in numerous configurations.
• Junior Suites – A step up in measurement and end, with a bigger residing house, extra storage, and precedence companies.
• Captain’s Suite – The most unique cabin onboard, with separate bed room and lounge areas, plus the most effective balcony on the ship.

No matter which cabin you select, the main focus is similar: a quiet, snug place to unwind, with the polar wilderness all the time close by.

Social Spaces and Lounges

Expedition ships spend loads of time at sea, so the locations the place company collect, be taught, and loosen up matter simply as a lot because the cabins.

The Greg Mortimer retains issues easy however sensible, with welcoming lounges, a powerful lecture theatre, and some distinctive design components that make the expertise stand out.

Life at sea on the Greg Mortimer is surprisingly social. Between lectures, informal chats within the lounge, and spontaneous wildlife sightings from the deck, the times circulation naturally.

The Lecture Theatre

Every night and lots of afternoons are centred across the ship’s Lecture Theatre, a cushty house designed for every day briefings, science talks, and visitor displays.

The structure is simple; tiered seating, a big display screen, and high-quality AV techniques, making certain everybody has a transparent view.

The expedition chief, together with the remainder of the staff, brings a wealth of information and ensures every session is each informative and fascinating.

This is the place the expedition guides share their data: marine biology, glaciology, polar historical past, and sensible details about the following touchdown.

It’s the mental coronary heart of the voyage, and the talks are as participating because the adventures exterior.

For those that choose a quieter night, most classes are additionally streamed to cabin TVs.

Observation Lounge and Bar

On Deck 8 you’ll discover the Observation Lounge, one of many ship’s most inviting areas. With panoramic home windows wrapping virtually the complete room, it’s the proper place to sip espresso whereas scanning the horizon for whales, or to unwind with a glass of wine within the evenings.

The adjoining bar shortly turns into the social hub after dinner, with bartenders remembering names and favorite drinks, and expedition guides usually mingling with company.

This could be our first level of name on early mornings, the place we’d seize a espresso from the barista machine after which hit the decks with binos in hand to seek for wildlife.

Dining on the Greg Mortimer

Just since you’re travelling to probably the most distant corners of the planet doesn’t imply meals ought to really feel like an afterthought.

Meals are one thing to sit up for after a protracted day within the components. The galley staff does a outstanding job given the remoteness, serving meals that’s hearty, recent, and satisfying.

The Greg Mortimer has two major eating choices: a relaxed major restaurant the place everybody gathers for every day meals, and a extra intimate Tuscan Grill that you could ebook for one thing particular.

Main Restaurant

The major restaurant is the ship’s culinary centrepiece, serving buffet breakfasts and lunches earlier than transitioning to full desk service at dinner.

Floor-to-ceiling home windows line the partitions, so each meal comes with a view – whether or not that’s icebergs drifting previous within the Antarctic Peninsula or seabirds wheeling over the Svalbard shoreline.

Breakfast is informal and plentiful, with made-to-order eggs, recent fruit, pastries, and a rotation of sizzling dishes. Lunch follows the identical model, with salads, soups, and worldwide flavours that maintain issues different and satisfying.

In the evenings the ambiance shifts to a extra formal really feel, with multi-course à la carte dinners.

Menus all the time embody meat, seafood, and vegetarian choices, with a couple of staples (like steak and pasta) out there each evening.

Wine, beer, and comfortable drinks are included with dinner, making it a relaxed however refined solution to finish the day.

The Tuscan Grill

For a smaller, extra unique setting, company can ebook into the Tuscan Grill, a specialty venue adjoining to the principle restaurant.

It’s a comfy spot with restricted seating, so reservations are required.

Meals on the Tuscan Grill are thoughtfully offered in a number of programs, enhancing the general eating expertise.

The menu is a bit more specialised right here – suppose recent seafood, grilled meats, and chef’s specials that change all through the season.

Highly advocate the calamari and lamb chops!

Dining on the Grill feels much less like a gaggle expedition meal and extra like a non-public banquet, good if you happen to’re celebrating an important day or just desire a quieter night.

As a bonus tip be happy to ask one of many expedition guides who you could be getting together with. While the guides eat in the principle restaurant each evening, they’ll solely dine in on the Tuscan Grill when invited by a visitor.

It’s one thing they’ll actually recognize, and it’s a good way to attach with the staff at a deeper degree.

Food Quality and Service

Considering the logistical problem of serving recent, different meals within the Arctic and Antarctica, the Greg Mortimer’s galley staff does a powerful job.

Dishes lean towards hearty and nourishing, designed to maintain power ranges up for lengthy expedition days.

The service is heat and private, with employees remembering names and preferences shortly. By the second day you’ll seemingly have a favorite server who is aware of how you are taking your espresso or which dessert you’re ready for.

The total ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, extra expedition-focused than luxurious, however persistently gratifying.

Expedition & Zodiac Operations

The Greg Mortimer was purpose-built for expedition cruising, and nowhere is that extra apparent than in its off-ship logistics.

Every factor of its design is geared towards maximising time within the area – whether or not meaning launching Zodiacs shortly, making boarding protected in tough seas, or storing gear effectively so company can give attention to the journey relatively than the effort.

We’ve travelled on extra expedition vessels than most, and imagine us after we say that zodiac operations aren’t all the time seamless.

One ship specifically that we labored on (that shall stay anonymous) would take as much as 45 minutes to get all of the zodiacs on and off the ship.

Compare that to the Greg Mortimer, which might have all zodiacs on the water in round quarter-hour, and also you perceive simply how far more time you’ll have for adventures when doing a number of excursions a day.

The Mudroom – Gear Up and Go

The mudroom, situated on Deck 3, is the place each tour begins and ends.

Each cabin is assigned its personal devoted locker for wet-weather gear, boots, and lifejackets.

Having a private house on your expedition tools is greater than only a comfort – it’s important to protecting cabins clear and dry, and it makes the turnaround time between excursions extremely environment friendly.

Benches line the room so company can sit to placed on boots and layers, whereas broad aisles cut back the bottlenecks which can be frequent on older ships.

At the exits biosecurity is taken critically, with boot-wash stations and sanitisation factors making certain no snow, seeds, or overseas matter are carried between ecosystems.

It’s not glamorous, however it’s an important a part of expedition cruising, and the Greg Mortimer does it nicely.

*When you ebook a polar journey with Aurora Expeditions a water-resistant outer layer, down jacket, waterproof/insulated muck boots and a PFD are included.

Marina Deck – Smooth Zodiac and Kayak Launches

At the strict you’ll discover the marina deck, probably the most sensible improvements on board.

This broad, low-level platform sits simply above the waterline, making a secure staging space for Zodiacs and kayaks.

When circumstances are calm two boats could be loaded on the identical time, which retains operations transferring quick and minimises ready round in heavy gear.

For paddlers, the marina deck is a game-changer.

Instead of clambering awkwardly into kayaks in rolling swells, the flat floor permits for clean, managed launches and recoveries.

Guests step into the craft at deck top and are gently pushed off into the water, making the entire course of far safer and extra gratifying.

Side Gate Loading – Safe and Reliable

Most landings although are dealt with via the 2 port or starboard boarding platforms, with one aspect used at a time relying on which route the wind and swell is coming from.

Guests descend inside stairways sheltered from the climate till they attain pontoon degree, the place the Zodiacs are held regular alongside the ship.

Sailors and guides help passengers getting out and in of the Zodiacs with a agency sailor’s grip, making the step throughout simple even in lumpy circumstances.

This design eliminates the slippery gangways used on older ships, considerably decreasing the chance of falls.

Zodiac Cruising and Shore Landings

Once the boats are on the water the actual journey begins.

Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar exploration, and Aurora carries sufficient to maintain the schedule versatile and environment friendly with out overloading them.

Scenic cruises via iceberg fields, whale-watching runs, and moist landings on distant seashores all kind a part of the routine.

Because the Greg Mortimer carries a most of 130 passengers, virtually everybody can land in Antarctica on the identical time.

his is a big benefit below IAATO rules, which cap the variety of guests at anybody web site to 100.

With kayakers and paddlers out in smaller teams, it means nobody is left ready onboard whereas others discover.

The finish result’s extra time within the area, much less queuing on deck, and a smoother total expertise – precisely what you need from a purpose-built expedition ship.

Outdoor Spaces and Viewing Platforms

One of the largest joys of expedition cruising is just being exterior, respiration within the crisp polar air, watching seabirds glide overhead, or recognizing whales surfacing within the distance.

The Greg Mortimer was designed with outside viewing in thoughts, and it provides a wide range of decks and platforms the place company can join with the landscapes in numerous methods.

Out on deck it’s all concerning the open air, magnificent landscapes and the wildlife.

Guides are sometimes exterior with binoculars to level out a distant polar bear or a petrel circling the bow, such as you’ve been given front-row seats to nature.

Deck 8 – Panoramic Vistas

The highest open deck on the ship is Deck 8, which wraps across the Observation Lounge.

Elevated excessive above the waterline, it offers a wide-angle perspective throughout the horizon.

This is the place to be throughout dramatic sail-throughs just like the Lemaire Channel in Antarctica or when approaching the rugged coastlines of Svalbard.

Because the deck connects on to the lounge, it’s straightforward to sprint exterior with a digital camera when the expedition staff declares a shock sighting.

The railings are thoughtfully positioned so photographers can relaxation lengthy lenses with out obstruction, a element that makes a giant distinction throughout lengthy days of wildlife watching.

Deck 7 – Jacuzzis and the Best Seat within the House

Just under, Deck 7 options two sizzling tubs. While it would sound indulgent, soaking in heat water whereas watching glaciers drift by is without doubt one of the most memorable experiences you’ll be able to have on an expedition ship.

Guests usually collect right here within the late afternoons or after the polar plunge, swapping tales from the day’s landings with a glass of champagne in hand.

The surrounding deck house can be wonderful for wildlife viewing. Being barely decrease than Deck 8, it provides a better angle to the water – good for photographing penguins porpoising via the surf or seals lounging on ice floes.

Deck 6 – Transparent Domes

New to the Greg Mortimer are two clear “igloo” domes situated on deck 6.

By day they provide immersive 360° views of the seascape and wildlife; by evening, when darkness falls, they remodel into serene cocoons the place you’ll be able to settle in with a sizzling drink and watch the midnight solar, Aurora Borealis or constellations dance throughout the polar sky.

The mild hum of the ship under mixed with cozy lighting and plush seating, makes these igloos probably the most memorable hideaways onboard.

Decks 4 and 6 – Quick Access for Wildlife Encounters

For extra speedy entry to the outside, Deck 4 and the strict of Deck 6 are perfect. These lower-level viewing areas put company nearer to the waterline, giving a distinct perspective for images.

Deck 4 specifically is a favorite amongst photographers, because it offers a secure, much less windy location to seize photos of whales surfacing or seabirds skimming the waves.

The stern on Deck 6 is one other widespread gathering place, particularly throughout crossings when albatross and petrels observe the ship’s wake.

With fast entry from cabins, it’s straightforward to step exterior at a second’s discover when wildlife is noticed.

Drop-Down Hydraulic Wings – A Signature Feature

One of the Greg Mortimer’s most progressive options – and one thing that units it other than the Sylvia Earle – are its drop-down hydraulic viewing platforms, situated simply ahead of the bow.

These wings prolong out over the ocean, giving passengers an exciting front-row place simply meters above the water.

Our captain dropped the wings throughout our transit via the pack ice at 82 levels north in Svalbard, and watching the ice cross beneath us simply 750km from the North Pole was merely mesmerising.

The wings are additionally a present for photographers, providing distinctive vantage factors that aren’t attainable from the principle decks.

It’s a characteristic that completely embodies the ship’s philosophy of bringing company as near the atmosphere as safely attainable.

Wellness and Fitness Facilities

Exploring the polar areas could be surprisingly bodily. Days usually contain lengthy hikes, clambering out and in of Zodiacs, and hours out within the components.

The Greg Mortimer balances this adventurous aspect with a set of wellness and health amenities designed to maintain company each lively and rejuvenated between landings.

READ MORE: Learn about all of our favorite issues to do in Antarctica!

The Gym – Compact however Functional

Tucked away on deck 7, the fitness center is a shiny and sensible house with the whole lot you want for a strong exercise at sea.

Large home windows flood the room with pure mild and provides sweeping ocean views, which helps flip a morning run on the treadmill into one thing way more inspiring than looking at a clean wall.

The tools choice is well-rounded: treadmills, stationary bikes, and rowing machines cater to cardio lovers, whereas a small vary of free weights and resistance machines help power coaching.

Mats can be found for stretching, yoga, or mobility work – a useful choice for many who prefer to loosen up earlier than heading out on landings.

While it isn’t the largest fitness center you’ll discover at sea, it’s way more complete than many different expedition ships on this class.

Guests who don’t need to lose their health routine on a protracted voyage will discover it completely appropriate.

Sauna – Warming Up After the Cold

Few issues really feel higher after hours within the snow than entering into the sauna.

Located close to the wellness space, the Greg Mortimer’s sauna provides the proper post-expedition restoration. The warmth soothes drained muscular tissues, helps circulation, and warms you to the core after an icy Zodiac cruise.

The structure right here is simple relatively than luxurious, however it does the job, particularly with the vistas you’ll be able to take pleasure in., as a big window offers a view exterior so that you don’t really feel reduce off from the landscapes you got here to see.

The tiny change rooms really feel like extra of an afterthought than a devoted house you’d anticipate with a sauna, however it’s a small inconvenience in comparison with the fantastic thing about having one onboard in any respect.

Many company discover themselves lingering right here after landings or within the evenings, chatting quietly whereas the chilliness melts away.

Hot Tubs

Out on Deck 8 you’ll discover two Jacuzzis, which is totally decadent (and far appreciated) on these icy Arctic days.

Watching seabirds wheel overhead or recognizing whales from a sizzling tub is a type of surreal journey moments that stays with you eternally.

Spa and Wellness Treatments

The ship additionally has a small wellness centre the place company can ebook remedies akin to massages and facials.

Availability is proscribed, so reservations are really useful early within the voyage.

While not the first focus of the ship, it’s a pleasant contact for many who take pleasure in combining journey with leisure.

Innovative Design Elements

When Aurora Expeditions launched the Greg Mortimer in 2019, it set a brand new benchmark for what an expedition ship might be.

Purpose-built for exploring a number of the most distant and inhospitable corners of the planet, the vessel is full of design improvements that enhance consolation, security, and sustainability.

Ulstein X-BOW® – A Smoother Passage

The Greg Mortimer was the first passenger ship on this planet to be constructed with the Ulstein X-BOW®, a revolutionary inverted bow design extra generally discovered on offshore provide vessels.

Instead of using up and slamming down over waves like a standard bow, the X-BOW slices cleanly via swells, dramatically decreasing vertical movement and hull slamming.

For passengers, this interprets right into a noticeably smoother expertise on infamous crossings just like the Drake Passage or throughout open-ocean transits within the Arctic.

Seasickness is decreased, gasoline effectivity is improved, and there’s much less pressure on the vessel total.

It’s a game-changing design factor that has since been adopted by newer expedition ships, however the Greg Mortimer was the trailblazer.

Sustainability Innovations

Aurora Expeditions designed the Greg Mortimer with a robust emphasis on environmental accountability.

Beyond the X-BOW’s improved gasoline effectivity, the ship additionally incorporates a low-energy administration system, superior waste-handling protocols, and dynamic positioning know-how that reduces the necessity for dropping anchor, defending fragile seabeds.

Single-use plastics are banned onboard, recycling applications are in place, and the expedition staff works carefully with passengers to make sure strict compliance with IAATO and AECO conservation pointers.

A Purpose-Built Platform for Exploration

Every facet of the Greg Mortimer’s design, from its spacious mudroom to its distinctive viewing wings, displays its function as a pioneering expedition vessel.

It was the primary of a brand new era of small ships constructed for severe exploration, and whereas Aurora has since launched the Sylvia Earle and can quickly welcome the Douglas Mawson, the Greg Mortimer stays iconic for its daring improvements.

For travellers, these options aren’t simply technical particulars – they straight form the consolation, effectivity, and intimacy of the expedition expertise.

Itineraries & Adventure Activities

Expedition ships aren’t constructed for shuffleboard and stage reveals – they’re constructed for journey.

The Greg Mortimer follows this philosophy completely, providing itineraries that take travellers deep into the world’s final nice wilderness areas and pairing them with actions that flip a visit right into a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.

Itineraries

The Greg Mortimer sails on a wide range of routes all year long, with a robust give attention to the polar areas.

• Antarctica – Most voyages start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and cross the notorious Drake Passage earlier than reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. Longer itineraries mix the peninsula with the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, unlocking a number of the richest wildlife experiences on the planet. There’s additionally the ‘Fly the Drake’ choices, the place you fly a technique between King George Island and Punta Arenas in Chile, crusing again, or typically flying each methods.
• South Georgia – During the southern summer time some itineraries to Antarctica additionally go to South Georgia, which is named the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and one of many planet’s most unimaginable wildlife locations. We extremely, extremely advocate reserving a visit that features South Georgia.
• The Arctic – In the northern summer time months the Greg Mortimer heads north, with routes exploring Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, and the Canadian Arctic. These journeys give attention to polar bears, walrus, huge glaciers, and the historical past of early Arctic exploration.
• Other Destinations – Aurora additionally operates voyages exterior the polar areas, together with to Patagonia, the British Isles, and components of Central America. As of 2026 they can even be exploring the Mediterranean and the South Pacific on their different vessels.

No matter the vacation spot, the main focus is all the time on maximising time without work the ship. That means every day landings, Zodiac cruises, and spontaneous diversions every time wildlife is noticed.

Adventure Activities

For those that need to push past the usual landings, the Greg Mortimer provides a variety of optionally available journey actions that take the expedition to a different degree.

• Sea Kayaking – Reserved for small teams of skilled paddlers, this program runs all through the voyage every time circumstances enable. Paddling previous icebergs or quietly floating alongside penguins is without doubt one of the most intimate methods to expertise the polar areas.
• Day Paddling – A gentler introduction for many who need to strive kayaking simply as soon as. Using secure sit-on-top kayaks, these outings are good for learners and supply a style of being on the water with out committing to a full program.
• Camping in Antarctica – On sure early-season voyages, company can spend an evening ashore on the ice, bundled into expedition sleeping luggage below the celebrities. There aren’t any tents — simply the uncooked, unforgettable silence of the polar evening.
• Polar Snorkelling – With specialist dry fits and knowledgeable guides, snorkelling in Antarctica offers travellers a glimpse beneath the floor. It’s chilly, sure, however it opens up a completely completely different world of ice formations, kelp forests, and curious seals.

Zodiac Cruising & Shore Landings

Even if you happen to don’t choose into the additional actions, each visitor will expertise every day Zodiac excursions.

These could be moist landings onto a seashore bustling with penguins, or cruises alongside breaching humpbacks and towering icebergs.

The Greg Mortimer’s environment friendly boarding techniques imply teams get off the ship shortly, maximising time the place it issues most — out within the wilderness.

Crew & Guide Expertise

Even with all of the design improvements, snug cabins, and intelligent expedition techniques, what actually makes a voyage on the Greg Mortimer unforgettable is the folks.

The ship’s success rests on the shoulders of its expedition staff, lodge employees, and ship crew – every group working collectively to create a seamless and enriching journey.

Expedition Team – Experts Who Bring the Wilderness to Life

At the center of each expedition is the guiding staff.

On the Greg Mortimer, this implies naturalists, marine biologists, geologists, historians, ornithologists, and photographers who stay and breathe the polar areas.

Their function isn’t simply to get you ashore safely – it’s to interpret the landscapes, wildlife, and historical past in ways in which deepen your understanding and appreciation of those fragile environments.

Each day begins and ends with briefings and recaps, the place the guides share wildlife sightings, climate updates, and plans for upcoming landings.

During the voyage, they ship fascinating lectures on the whole lot from penguin courtship behaviour to glaciology, or the unimaginable survival tales of Shackleton and Scott.

But the actual magic occurs exterior the lecture theatre. Guides are all the time on deck with binoculars, stating whales breaching within the distance, or standing within the snow explaining walrus haul-outs.

Their ardour is contagious, and their accessibility, whether or not chatting over dinner or serving to regulate a digital camera on a Zodiac, makes the expedition really feel private and immersive.

Hotel & Dining Staff – Warm Service in Remote Places

Behind the journey is a lodge staff that makes life at sea really feel easy. The restaurant and bar employees shortly be taught passengers’ names and preferences, greeting company with a smile after a protracted day within the components.

They bear in mind dietary wants, pour your favorite drink with out asking, and maintain spirits excessive even when the seas get tough.

Cabins are cleaned every day by a housekeeping staff that works quietly within the background, making certain each house feels recent and welcoming.

It’s the sort of element that always goes unnoticed till you cease and realise how clean the whole lot has been operating.

The small measurement of the Greg Mortimer permits for service that feels genuinely private. By the top of the voyage, the employees don’t really feel like strangers working behind the scenes; they really feel like a part of the journey itself.

The Ship’s Crew – Quietly Keeping Everything Running

Then there’s the nautical crew, the unsung heroes who maintain the ship transferring safely via a number of the harshest waters on Earth.

From the captain and bridge officers navigating via sea ice to the engineers under deck making certain the engines hum steadily, their experience is what makes each expedition attainable.

On the Greg Mortimer, the officers are approachable and visual all through the voyage.

You would possibly see them at dinner, within the lounge, or giving an replace from the bridge about ice circumstances or whale sightings forward.

This transparency builds belief and provides passengers a deeper appreciation for the complexity of polar navigation.

Deckhands and engineers are equally important. They’re those rigging boats in all climate, dealing with strains in icy swells, and making certain each operation is protected and environment friendly

Without them, there could be no landings, no kayaking, no clean days at sea.

A Team That Defines the Experience

Ask anybody who has sailed on the Greg Mortimer what stood out most, and the reply usually isn’t the X-BOW or the cabins – it’s the folks.

The expedition staff, lodge employees, and crew flip a voyage from a guidelines of locations right into a residing, respiration expertise.

They are the bridge between the ship and the wilderness, between the landscapes and the travellers who come to witness them.

For many passengers, the friendships fashioned with guides, crew, and employees are simply as memorable because the wildlife encounters and iceberg-studded views.

Room for Improvement

No expedition ship is flawless, and whereas the Greg Mortimer delivers a superb total expertise, there are a couple of areas the place changes may improve the journey even additional.

These aren’t deal-breakers by any means, however they’re value noting for travellers weighing up their choices.

No Dedicated Citizen Science Lab

Unlike her sister ship, the Sylvia Earle, the Greg Mortimer does not characteristic a devoted citizen science lab.

While the guides nonetheless run science-focused initiatives and encourage participation in initiatives like cloud monitoring or wildlife surveys, there isn’t a selected onboard house for company to dive into hands-on analysis.

For travellers who benefit from the concept of microscopes, plankton samples, and structured lab classes, this would possibly really feel like a niche.

That stated, the academic content material delivered in lectures, briefings, and casual conversations on deck continues to be world-class, and lots of passengers will discover it greater than sufficient.

Dining Variety

The meals high quality onboard is persistently excessive, however some travellers have famous that the second eating venue (the Tuscan Grill) can really feel a bit of restricted.

While it’s a pleasant various to the principle restaurant and a welcome change of tempo, the capability is small and reservations can fill shortly.

On longer voyages, increasing the menu rotation may add a contact extra selection.

Evening Entertainment

The Greg Mortimer isn’t a standard cruise ship, and it doesn’t attempt to be.

Still, some company might discover the evenings a bit of quiet as soon as dinner wraps up.

We talked about this after our Antarctic journey on the Sylvia Earle, however in comparison with another operators, Aurora Expeditions doesn’t have a lot of a give attention to night leisure.

Aside from the bar scene and occasional bar talks or movie screenings, there isn’t a lot in the way in which of structured leisure.

For many, this isn’t a difficulty – the times are so full {that a} relaxed drink and early evening are welcome.

But for many who choose a livelier post-dinner ambiance, even small additions like trivia nights, quick cultural talks, or informal music classes may elevate the social aspect of the voyage.

Mudroom Congestion

The mudroom system is environment friendly total, with loads of house for storing gear and a number of Zodiac loading factors.

However, when company are referred to as down by deck or cabin aspect, congestion can construct up in sure locker areas.

This is a minor operational quirk, however adjusting the system to stagger teams extra evenly would make the method even smoother.

These factors are small within the greater image, and none of them overshadow the strengths of the Greg Mortimer.

But Aurora Expeditions has a fame for innovation, and small tweaks like these would push the onboard expertise nearer to good.

Final Thoughts on the Greg Mortimer – 8.5/10 Expedition Ship

We hope you discovered our Greg Mortimer ship evaluate helpful!

The Greg Mortimer set a brand new benchmark when she launched in 2019, and even at the moment she stays probably the most succesful and cozy ships crusing within the polar areas.

Purpose-built for expedition cruising, she combines sensible design – just like the pioneering Ulstein X-BOW and fold-down viewing platforms – with a small passenger capability that ensures each visitor will get probably the most out of every touchdown.

Life onboard is straightforward and fascinating. The ship feels spacious with out dropping its intimate, expedition-focused ambiance, and the expedition staff are excellent at turning each outing right into a significant studying expertise.

The lodge employees and crew ship heat, attentive service that by no means feels pressured, and the Zodiac operations run like clockwork.

The Verdict: If you’re searching for a contemporary, snug, and expertly run ship to discover Antarctica, South Georgia, or the Arctic, the Greg Mortimer is a superb selection.

She’s progressive, well-equipped, and passenger-focused, delivering a memorable stability of journey and luxury.

Greg Mortimer Ship Review

Curious about Aurora Expeditions’ first X-BOW vessel? In our Greg Mortimer ship evaluate we reveal the highlights, quirks & adventures from onboard.

Product Brand:
Aurora Expeditions

Pros

• X-BOW design
• High-end eating choices
• Industry-leading expedition staff
• Efficient and protected operations
• Sustainable firm and design

Cons

• No citizen science lab
• Sauna and spa might be higher