Ultimate Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer Review

Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer: Expedition Vessel Features & Overview

• Operator: Aurora Expeditions

• Guests: Approx. 132

• Ice Class: Polar Class 6 (PC6)

• Year Launched: 2019

• Tonnage: ~8,000 GT

• Hull Design: X-Bow (wave-piercing technology)

• Style: Purpose-built expedition vessel for remote environments

• Best For: Active explorers who value sustainability, science, and a true sense of adventure

Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer Experience: First Impressions

• Boarding the Greg Mortimer in Ushuaia, Argentina, we immediately noticed how sleek and capable she looked—especially with her signature X-Bow design, built to cut through Drake Passage swells with significantly less motion and noise.

• As soon as we stepped aboard, the atmosphere felt intimate, purposeful, and professional. The staff greeted us like family, and the entire ship was buzzing with the energy of serious adventure.

Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer Accomadations: Cabin Guide & Comfort

• Cabins & Suites: Bright, modern, and cleverly designed. Many include private balconies, large windows, and ample storage space for expedition gear. We especially loved the thoughtful layout and minimalist Scandinavian-inspired style.

• Public Spaces: The top-deck observation lounge offered a warm, glass-wrapped sanctuary for whale watching, journaling, or connecting with fellow travelers. The mudroom and gear staging areas were spacious and well-managed, perfect for Zodiac transitions.

• Wellness: After a full day in the cold, the sauna with a view and onboard hot tub were welcome luxuries. The ship also featured a small gym and wellness center.

Dining on Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer: Cuisine Experience

• Dining aboard the Greg Mortimer was casual but high quality, with daily themes and global influences.

• The main dining room was open seating, encouraging community.

• The specialty restaurant was a fun change during the cruise

• The chefs were attentive to dietary restrictions and emphasized sustainable, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

• Afternoon tea was a highlight, and meals were both hearty and elegant—fuel for an active expedition lifestyle.

Expedition Team: Learning & Discovery

• Zodiac Landings: Two to three landings or activities per day, including penguin colonies, historic research bases, iceberg Zodiac cruises, and glacier hikes.

• Adventure Options: Kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, scuba diving (for certified guests), and even polar plunges. Aurora offers one of the most robust adventure menus in Antarctica.

• Science & Learning: Every staff member—glaciologists, marine biologists, ornithologists—was deeply passionate and generous with their knowledge. The ship's Citizen Science Program allowed guests to actively contribute to real-world environmental data collection.

Onboard Greg Mortimer: Comfort & Adventure at Sea

• Aurora provides a complimentary gear package (parka and boots).

• No formal dress code—expedition casual is perfect.

• Prepare for early mornings and active days—but ample time to rest and reset.

• If you’re prone to seasickness, the X-Bow makes a major difference in Drake Passage comfort.

Sustainable Travel: Aurora's Eco-Conscious Expeditions

The Greg Mortimer sets a high bar for responsible expedition cruising:

• First commercial vessel to feature the X-Bow, improving fuel efficiency and reducing spray/deck icing.

• Tier 3 engine compliance (lower emissions).

• Strict waste management, reusable water bottles, no single-use plastics.

• Aurora Expeditions partners with scientific institutions and conservation efforts.

Who Should Book: Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer

• Adventure-seekers who want to kayak, snowshoe, or even dive in Antarctica

• First-timers and repeat guests looking for a true small-ship experience

• Solo travelers, couples, and multigenerational families who value education and immersive exploration

• Travelers who care about sustainability, science, and connecting with like-minded explorers

Glacial Expeditions Takeaway: Why Choose Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer

"Sailing to Antarctica aboard the Greg Mortimer was more than a cruise—it was a life-affirming journey. The ship’s size fosters intimacy, but her capabilities offer grand-scale experiences. Whether gliding silently past glaciers or listening to our expedition leader narrate the tale of Shackleton, I was in awe every single day."

Plan Your Aurora Expedition: Next Steps & Resources

• Call: 920-404-1803

• Schedule an Appointment: Calendar Link

Glacial Expeditions | GlacialExpeditions.com | info@glacialexpeditions.com