The Greg Mortimer is a new, icebreaker polar expedition ship. This small ship features a unique bow designed for efficiency. It features active programming with adventure gear for backcountry skiing, polar diving, snowshoeing, climbing and kayaking.
Photo by: Pia Harboure
Southern Ocean Odyssey: Ross Sea & East Antarctica
Experience one of the most historic sectors of the deep polar South in comfort on this exploratory expedition aboard the Greg Mortimer ship. Sail from Hobart to Dunedin with visits along the Subantarctic Islands plus remote Western or Eastern Antarctica.
Jan
Dec
FROM
$35,495
USD
PER PERSON
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Experience some of the most remote, historic sectors of the deep South in comfort on this exploratory Polar Expedition aboard the luxurious Douglas Mawson. These are historic waters, where the explorers of the Heroic Age staged their bold assaults on the South Geographic Pole. Hear the stories of their expeditions and attempt to land at some of their remarkably well-preserved huts. Polar Expeditions prioritize the experience over the itinerary, adapting daily to offer the optimal experience per weather, wildlife, tides and ice conditions.
Your journey begins and ends among the subantarctic Islands, where yellow-eyed penguins waddle through wizened rātā forests and royal albatross nest amid megaherb moors. Collectively designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site, these uninhabited islands are a wildlife paradise and home to 15 birdlife species you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
In between, cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack, keeping watch for emperor and Adélie penguins porpoising along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey, and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet. Embrace the spirit of adventure and continue along the Victoria Land Coast and into the Ross Sea, where the Antarctic Ice Sheet flows into the world’s largest floating ice shelf.
Cruise aboard adventure-ready polar expedition ship Greg Mortimer for its state-of-the-art design and technology, plus excursion-minded preparation rooms and multiple boarding platforms for efficient embarkation and disembarkation. This small ship averages 132 guests, with a selection of dedicated single cabins, and an educational and engaged team of expedition guides providing programming aimed at immersion into the surrounding polar wilds.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises, New Zealand cruises and trips to Antarctica.
Ross Sea Odyssey Itinerary
Hobart, AustraliaDunedin, New Zealand
The 26-day Ross Sea Odyssey Polar Expedition travels from Hobart, Australia to Dunedin, New Zealand, with visits along the Subantarctic Islands and western Antarctica’s Ross Sea.
Arrive in Hobart, where you will be met by a ship representative and transferred with your fellow expeditioners to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Hobart, please make your way to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to collect your luggage tags. Please clearly label the tags with your name and ship cabin number. The team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information on where to dine or purchase last-minute items.
Enjoy your evening in Australia’s southernmost capital city. You may like to indulge in a sumptuous meal at one of Hobart’s celebrated restaurants, or perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll along the historic waterfront.
This morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. By 11:00am, take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day. Your morning is at leisure to explore Hobart.
Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and discover the many public spaces designed with your comfort in mind. This luxurious vessel is yours to explore! As the crew members throw the lines and set sail down the Derwent River, join your expedition team on deck to enjoy panoramic views of the Hobart foreshore, and the dramatic fluted columns of the Tasman Peninsula. From Storm Bay, set a southerly course, following in the wake of the vessel Aurora, which carried Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) 100 years ago.
On an expedition such as this, the journey is as significant as the destination. Sea days are a wonderful opportunity to relax, meet your fellow travelers and learn about the history, environment and local wildlife in this fascinating corner of the globe.
As you acclimatize to life on board, your expedition team is available to answer any questions you may have and offer pro-tips on photography and birdwatching. With decades of collective experience in the region, they love to share their expertise and enthusiasm with fellow travelers.
Specialists across a range of fields will offer entertaining talks and presentations on the local wildlife and history, which you won’t want to miss! Once you’ve settled in, you may like to pamper yourself with a sauna, or work out at the onboard gym. For the bookworms, the well-equipped polar library is the perfect place to while away the hours at sea, and the bar is a vibrant social hub to get to know your fellow expeditioners.
As you take in the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, spare a thought for Mawson and his party, who made this transit aboard the Aurora, a wooden vessel no longer than an Olympic swimming pool! Mawson reported sightings of many whales and albatross in these waters, so spend some time out on deck with your binoculars—or grab a ‘cuppa’ and find a vantage point in one of the ship’s spacious observation lounges.
“Penguins were in thousands on the uprising cliffs, and from rookeries near and far came an incessant din…seabirds of many varieties gave warning of our near approach to their nests” Douglas Mawson, 1911.
As they sailed towards Antarctica, Mawson and his men encountered ‘an exquisite scene.’ Macquarie Island (known affectionately as Macca) rises steeply from the Southern Ocean in a series of emerald summits: a beautifully fierce, elemental landscape teeming with life.
Keep your binoculars handy because this subantarctic refuge is home to 3.5 million breeding seabirds, including no less than four species of penguin! Alongside boisterous colonies of tuxedoed kings, charming gentoos, robust rockhoppers and endemic royal penguins, you’ll find three types of fur seals and a large proportion of the world’s elephant seals. Layer up and head out on deck to experience the sound, sight (and smell!) as you approach one of the largest concentrations of life in the Southern Ocean. Remember to keep an eye out for Macca’s kelp forests—these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerizing as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface.
In addition to being a globally recognized and protected wildlife refuge, Macquarie Island played an important role in Antarctic history. It was here, in 1911, that five men disembarked Mawson’s Aurora and established a radio relay station which would transmit the first communication from Antarctica to the outside world.
As Macquarie Island slips over the horizon, keep watch for Campbell, Salvins and white-capped albatross, which may follow the ship to bid you farewell as you continue south.
Close observers may notice a subtle change in the character of the sea as you cross the Antarctic Convergence. Beyond this belt where the waters of the north and south mix, the sea surface temperature drops by about 39°F (4°C), signaling your entry into the Antarctic. This transition zone is known for its nutrient-rich waters, so keep watch for porpoising penguins, flocks of fluttering Antarctic petrels, or perhaps the more solitary snow petrel. You’re not far from the Antarctic Circle, so your first iceberg can’t be far away!
Sea days are a great opportunity for some R & R as you digest your subantarctic experiences and prepare for the next phase of your voyage. Relax and unwind your way, perhaps meeting newfound friends at the bar, treating yourself to a sauna, or editing some images in the comfort of your cabin. And join your expedition team in the lecture room for presentations on the charismatic wildlife and extraordinary adventures that took place along the epic Antarctic coastline you are about to experience.
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in this storied, ice-bound sector of Antarctica. Stepping outside and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience to cherish forever.
The Ross Sea region is a globally significant wildlife sanctuary. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array of uniquely adapted Antarctic species, including Ross Sea orcas, Antarctic petrels and South Pacific Weddell seals. It is also home to Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, and many of the largest emperor penguin colonies. The unique biodiversity of the Ross Sea has been protected within the world’s largest marine protected area since 2016.
The human heritage of the Ross Sea coast is equally impressive. Since James Clark Ross discovered the region in 1841, countless expeditions have built base camps on scattered ice-free slivers of land, using them as staging posts for bold forays across the polar plateau. Many of them departed in a hurry, leaving artifacts, scientific equipment and sometimes entire huts behind. Today these sites are preserved as open-air museums and protected under the Antarctic Treaty System.
Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades of experience to selecting the ideal sites based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Leave the grandeur of the ice to the seals and penguins and head northwards, but your voyage is far from over. In the days ahead there is plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. If the mood takes you, join your expedition team in the lecture room for presentations and polar film showings, or meet your new travel mates in the bar, library or observation deck to reminisce on your Antarctic experiences.
These days at sea also offer time and space to reflect on the emotions and special moments you’ve lived over the past few weeks. You may like to review your photos, jot some notes in a journal, mark your passage on a map and reflect on your journey so far.
As you approach the rugged New Zealand subantarctic islands you have a rare opportunity to spot the endemic white-capped mollymawk (a type of albatross) in flight. The largest of the mollymawk family, over 90% of its population breeds on the Auckland Islands. Keep an eye out also for the playful New Zealand sea lion and southern right whale, which are known to frolic in these waters.
First visited by Māori navigators centuries ago, these islands are of great significance to Ngāi Tahu, the indigenous peoples of New Zealand’s South Island. Their natural beauty and astonishing biodiversity have now been recognized globally, but few have had the privilege to visit these far-flung shores, which are now yours to explore.
Auckland Islands (Maungahuka / Motu Maha)
Born of fire, scoured by ancient glaciers and shaped by the fierce hand of the Southern Ocean, there is an exquisite ruggedness to this group of weather-worn islands. This apparent bleakness belies the extraordinary abundance of life that thrives here. Roughly half of the world’s yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho), most of the world’s white-capped mollymawks and the entire population of Auckland Islands wandering albatross find shelter on these shores.
Embrace the spirit of exploration as your expedition team designs your voyage from day to day, bringing decades of experience to selecting ideal sites based on the prevailing conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Some places you may visit include:
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is home to a breeding colony of rare New Zealand (Hooker’s) sea lions and an enchanting rātā forest where yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) make their nests.
Carnley Harbor, Erlangen Clearing
Carnley Harbor offers superb Zodiac cruising through a landscape rich in human history. In 1864, five men became stranded here after their schooner, the Grafton, was wrecked, putting a sudden end to their sealing and tin prospecting ambitions. Hope to see the skeletal remnants of the Grafton, and the moss-covered remains of the Epigwaitt Hut, where they sheltered for 20 months.
Victoria Passage
Victoria Passage is a lively channel separating Auckland Island from the mountainous Adams Island to the south. Hope to Zodiac cruise these scenic waters, watching for sooty shearwaters, penguins and sea-lions frolicking in the pure waters.
Campbell Island (Motu Ihupuku)
Wind and weather permitting, Zodiac cruise sheltered harbors and coves in search of Campbell Island snipes and teals, yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) and New Zealand (Hooker’s) sea lions (whakahao). Hope to land at Beeman Cove, Perseverance Harbor, where an old meteorological station stands vigil on the windswept shoreline. Follow a boardwalk through tussock and upland tundra, then enter an otherworldly landscape where large-leaved megaherbs abound. Wonder at the Ross Lily, Campbell Island Daisy and Campbell Island carrot, whose brilliant flowers would look more at home in the tropics than these southern climes. Continue towards the nesting grounds of majestic southern royal albatross, whose wingspans can exceed 10 feet (3m). It is truly humbling to be in the presence of these great wanderers of the southern seas. Find a spot to quietly observe these marvelous birds as they go about their daily duties, undisturbed by their human visitors.
As your journey draws to a close, take some time to reflect on the experiences of the past few weeks. Perhaps take some time to organize your photos, jot some more notes in your journal or simply relax and soak up the ambiance on board as you farewell your travel mates…until next time!
Hopefully you become an ambassador for the great Southern Ocean, advocating for its conservation and preservation, and share your experiences with your loved ones, so they might visit and become ambassadors themselves.
After breakfast, say farewell to your expedition team and fellow passengers as everyone continues their onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
Included
Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1 (for guests arriving on preferred flights, which includes any flight arriving on Day 1); one night’s hotel accommodation in Hobart on Day 1 (with breakfast on Day 2); luggage transfer from your hotel in Hobart to ship on Day 2; transfer from pier to downtown Dunedin or to airport on final day; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; captain’s welcome and farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).
Exclusions
International or domestic flights to or within New Zealand, unless specified; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 days or more – 100% of deposit
119 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Ross Sea Odyssey cruise begins in Hobart, Australia (HBA), and ends in Dunedin, New Zealand (DUD). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Hobart at any time on Day 1. An arrival transfer from the Hobart airport to the group hotel is included (for guests arriving on preferred flights, which includes any flight arriving on Day 1). Plan flights to depart Dunedin no earlier than 12:00pm on disembarkation day. A direct transfer from the pier to downtown Dunedin, or to the airport midday, is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Various optional activities may be available on your Ross Sea Odyssey cruise. Photography tips are included on every departure. Per-person prices for the 2026-27 season: kayaking $1,330. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available and to reserve space with your booking.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Select double-occupancy cabins are available with no single supplement; inquire with your Adventure Specialist for details and availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate.
Families & Children
Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.
Travel Insurance
A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
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The Greg Mortimer is an adventure-ready expedition ship designed for comfortable cruising in rugged, remote areas. Built and launched in 2019, this activity- and conservation-minded vessel honors the esteemed Australian mountaineer of the same name. It is the sister ship to the Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson, and accommodates an average of 132 guests in 79 cabins. All cabins have ocean views and 85% have balconies.
This is the first passenger ship to feature the patented X-BOW® icebreaker hull. The design allows it to cross oceans more efficiently and comfortably. Its ice class 6 rating enables it to operate year-round in polar environments. Its ability to venture farther, paired with a design optimized for active off-ship excursions, sets the stage for incredible and far-reaching experiences.
This version of Greg Mortimer's cabin categories and amenities is for her Aurora Expeditions voyages. The Greg Mortimer: Lindblad also sails with a slightly different deck plan for other itineraries.
Why Sail Aboard Greg Mortimer
Choose the Greg Mortimer cruise ship for its spirit of adventure, focus on active excursions and novel design. Stemming from 25 years of polar expertise, its design enables unique vantages to experience the polar world. There are well-thought spaces to prepare for outings, and efficient means of on- and off-boarding guests for outdoor adventures. This state-of-the-art expedition vessel offers the ideal base camp for adventures at the outer limits of exploration. Greg Mortimer is certainly a top choice if you are seeking a purpose built, activity-minded, ice-class global expedition ship or Antarctica ship.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Greg Mortimer firsthand. Read our dedicated Greg Mortimer Ship Review, written by our founder and president who sailed aboard the ship in Antarctica. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Greg Mortimer, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips it sails. We can help compare the Greg Mortimer with other small cruise ships offering Northern Europe small ship cruises, small ship cruises in Australia, New Zealand small ship cruises, Antarctica cruises and Arctic cruises, including Greenland cruises and Iceland cruises.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
Purpose built and small enough to go where others cannot, the ship was designed in consultation with expedition leaders. The Greg Mortimer is designed for extreme conditions, active explorations, wildlife watching, education and learning, and a comfortable onboard experience.
Ulstein X-BOW®
The ship was designed and built by the Norwegian ship builders Ulstein Group. MV Greg Mortimer ship is the first tourist expedition ship in operation to offer Ulstein’s innovative, signature bow—the X-BOW®. This patented, inverted bow design is already used on over 100 vessels in commercial shipping. It enables increased sustainability, efficiency, safety and stability in polar regions. This state-of-the-art design, combined with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilizers, offers more comfortable cruising in rough seas, including the Drake Passage.
Moving among landing sites more efficiently lessens the ship's environmental impact, reducing fuel consumption up to 80% compared to older ships. This bow design also creates space for windows close to the water. Guests can view straight ahead and down into the ocean from a vantage point not possible with older ships that feature a traditional bulbous bow. This translates into the ability for passengers to appreciate the majesty of an iceberg immediately as it appears on the horizon.
Combine the bow design with multiple observation decks, including observation wings that extend out from the sides of the ship, and Greg Mortimer is a top choice for viewing the polar environment from the ship. The ship's larger volume displacement in the fore, plus inverted bow and slender hull lines offer higher fuel efficiency, less loss of speed in waves, more stability in turbulent waters, softer entry into waves, low acceleration levels, less spray, less slamming and bow impact, and reduced vibration. Additionally, Zero Speed™ dynamic stabilizers help create unrivaled stability and comfort.
Zodiac Launching Platforms
The ship carries 15 Zodiacs for off-vessel explorations. Board Zodiacs via four dedicated launching platforms accessed at sea level from the mudroom. These launch platforms make boarding the Zodiacs quick, efficient and safe. Wait times are minimized, getting you closer to the action for longer. Whether you’re Zodiac cruising through awe-inspiring fjords in search of wildlife or making a quick transit from ship to a shore landing site, these sturdy crafts will play an integral role in your expedition experience.
Activities Platform
Spacious activity preparation areas and loading platforms were designed and built in consultation with expert activity guides. A range of add-on adventure activities from kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring may be available. This expedition ship is designed to support these activities, making the transition from ship to sea or shore as smooth and efficient as possible.
Hydraulic Viewing Platforms
In addition to onboard observation areas, the Greg Mortimer features unique hydraulic viewing platforms. Designed in conjunction with Greg himself, these platforms can be used in calm waters during gentle cruising or when the ship is stationary. The fold-out design provides unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds.
Responsible Travel Features
Preserving and protecting the environment is reflected in several features of the ship. This ship boasts one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world due to low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver an 80% reduction in emissions (Compared to Tier 1 engines). The ship also features virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimizes the damage caused by conventional anchors.
Safety Features
The Greg Mortimer cruise ship features industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for a ship of this size. Additionally, its world class return-to-port equipment duplicates the propulsion system. This provides a back-up means to maintain operating systems in the event of engine failure. The Greg Mortimer ship is Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 compliant, it holds the BV (Bureau Veritas)* class and is fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements. The ship also features a fully-stocked medical clinic designed for use in remote areas.
Onboard Facilities
Designed by Aurora Expeditions, an Australia operator with decades of polar cruising experience, the social areas focus on comfort, efficiency and views. Wide corridors and stairways combined with high ceilings give the ship a spacious feeling. A central elevator and stairway provides easy access to all decks. Water bottle refill stations encourage guests to stay hydrated and conserve glassware. Striking polar art is prominent throughout the ship and in cabins. Some hallways act as galleries with historical images and interpretive information accompanying each photo, or offer a bulletin of guest and crew photos with names.
Lecture Theater & Lounge
Naturalists, expedition leaders and local specialists offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting. Join the team in the lecture theater for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change. Lectures and presentations have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.
The lecture theater and lounge comfortably accommodates all guests in a variety of seating arrangements. Clever rows of high-back barstool chairs, cocktail tables and cushy swivel chairs maximize space and ensure everyone can see and hear lecturers. Groups of sofas and chairs underneath large view windows line the sides of the room and are utilized frequently outside of formal lecture times. Numerous screens, a state-of-the-art lectern and a cutting-edge sound system ensure no lecture details are missed.
Dining, Bars & Lounges
Guests are treated to an array of food options with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas. Greg Mortimer features two restaurants: the main venue serving buffet-style family meals with à la carte dinner and reservations-required concept restaurant the Tuscan Grill. The Tuscan Grill is an Italian-style menu and reservations are made onboard through reception. It is included in the cost and open nightly.
Viewing windows keep the polar environment in sight while guests dine. Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day. The menu changes, but consistently features meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian options. A fixed menu of steaks, chicken and fish prepared to order is always on offer. A variety of house wine, beers and soft drinks also rotates with each sitting and are complimentary.
The bar area outside the lecture theater and lounge, known as the Elephant Bar, is the social heart of the ship. Tables and chairs near large ceiling-to-floor windows are occupied throughout the day. A large central bar staffed by efficient and engaging tenders offers a wide variety of beer, wine, champagne and spirits, with a nightly cocktail special and appetizers served each evening. This bar hosts daily happy hour for guests and expedition leaders to mingle.
Mawson’s Bar on Deck 7 is another popular social area with a totally different feel. A 180-degree wall of windows allows outdoor viewing in warmth and comfort. Doors to the outside observation deck allow guests to pop in and out, retreating indoors when it's cold outside. Similar cocktail tables and high bar-stools provide a variety of seating with unobstructed views.
Walk inside at the front of Deck 8 to enjoy an enclosed observation lounge. This lounge includes a bar, ceiling-to-floor panoramic windows, wildlife guides, books and binoculars. This set up encourages passengers to relax and share the day's highlights with newfound friends. Deck 8's open-air BBQ area is ready to host a special meal on a spectacular day. The two Jacuzzis and two plunge pools at the back of Deck 8 offer a tranquil and refreshing experience between activities.
Observation Decks
Multiple observation decks spread throughout the ship is designed for wildlife watching, scenic views, outdoor gatherings and photography. Outdoor observations are located on decks 5, 7 and 8. Deck 5 includes sheltered viewing platforms on starboard and port near the front of the ship. This deck also features the special hydraulic viewing platforms that extend out from near the bow. The aft of Deck 7 offers a large sun deck to enjoy on a calm day. The fore of Decks 7 and 8 features a teak, wraparound observation deck, extending onto outdoor walkways along both sides of Deck 8.
Spa, Sauna & Gym
Relaxing treatments in the Wellness Center spa encourage one to unwind after a day in the polar elements, as does the wooden sauna with a floor-length viewing window. The gym enables guests to maintain fitness routines with weight machines, spin bikes and treadmills.
Library
With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary to relax, read, organize photos or play board games with newfound friends. No need to pack a wildlife guide with an ample selection of informative nonfiction titles, guidebooks, travel journals, historical journals, coffee table books, novels and a selection of children's books. Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.
Mudroom
The specially designed mudroom is the launchpad for off-vessel shore excursions and activities. Guests have access to an open locker storage area for boots, jacket, personal flotation device and other outerwear. This removes the need to store these wet items in one's cabin. Rapid drying areas for drysuits and wetsuits provide the best opportunity for gear to dry out between outings. Four launching platforms from the mudroom efficiently embark Zodiacs for off-vessel explorations.
The mudroom also features bio-security clearance zones for washing and cleaning boots or outerwear as required. This ensures the polar surroundings remain pristine. Activity preparation areas, laser scanning technology and four dedicated, sea-level Zodiac loading platforms along both sides as well as the rear of the ship enable efficient ship-to-shore operations for guests and the 15 Zodiacs carried on board.
Other Facilities
The Greg Mortimer boat offers accessibility via an elevator serving all six guest decks. The ship's shop provides memorable gifts to bring back home and also supplies crucial forgotten items. On board, enjoy satellite WiFi throughout the ship. The open bridge welcomes guests for a visit with its modern and spacious viewing area. A lack of guest seating in the wheelhouse discourages lingering too long so that everyone has access.
Activities & Expeditions
The Greg Mortimer ship is designed to keep passengers engaged while cruising. Its heart lies in off-ship immersions into the unique environments in which it sails. Whether you seek adventure on land or at sea, a huge range of optional activities make the most of your experience in some of the most beautiful places on earth. This is the ship to nurture your inner adventurer.
All cruises include expected activities such as shore hikes, small craft explorations and photography. The menu of optional activities and the dedication to active exploration distinguishes cruises aboard this ship. Choose from sea kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, ski or snowboard touring (when available), scuba diving, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or alpine trekking and climbing. These optional activities will be your main mode of exploration through your trip. Guides will assess the conditions at each landing with an effort to join whenever conditions allow. Optional activities are popular and group sizes are limited. If you are interested, plan to book early. Additional fees apply.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
Up to 20 expedition guides aboard each departure help create a focus on immersion into the polar wilds in which the ship sails. Educational and entertaining guides keep guests engaged on topics such as history, culture, biology and climate. Naturalists and local specialists aim to deepen passengers' understanding of the region in which they're traveling. Each departure's 71-80 well-trained, international crew members are ready to make polar dreams come true, with an eye for detail and a passion for fun.
Each evening, guides conduct a review/preview lecture and slideshow to review the day's events and prepare guests for the next day. The tag-team nature of their presentations ensure there is always an expert to handle any question and the variety of disciplines overlap and enrich the topic at hand. Formal guide lectures during days at sea provide a foundation of knowledge that enhances the Greg Mortimer Antarctica ship experience.
Cabins & Greg Mortimer Deck Plan
All cabins are comfortable, with neutral tones and earthy touches of wood and stone. Each stateroom or suite offers the option of one king-size bed or two twin beds; spacious, private ensuite bathroom with heated floors, toilet and separate vanity sink; room-controlled thermostat; safe; 42-inch flat-screen TV; desk area; closet space; one mug and drink bottle per guest; and electrical outlets serving 220 volts, 60 hertz AC via a universal plug. Select cabins feature a wheelchair-accessible configuration. Find our detailed Greg Mortimer deck plan below and ask our experts for firsthand cabin recommendations.
A note on cabins with balconies: In our experience, balconies are used daily for activities ranging from a coffee break to reading, taking in sunsets and observing wildlife. Cabins with balconies benefit from a large glass view door and window—an immediate doorway into wilderness.
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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia
Cruise South Georgia to the Circle, with helicopter flightseeing
Le Commandant Charcot Unexplored Antarctica
A bold trans-Antarctic crossing paired with refined European luxury
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer Cruise
Off-the-beaten-path Weddell exploration for repeat travelers
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