Set out on a journey into the wild beauty of Southeast Alaska, navigating secluded coves, mist-filled fjords and the lush reaches of the largest temperate rainforest on Earth. Explore by Zodiac, kayak and on foot as you watch for whales breaching in quiet bays, brown bears foraging along salmon streams, and bald eagles calling from towering spruce and hemlock. The voyage culminates at the mighty Hubbard Glacier, where a wall of luminous blue ice showcases Alaska’s awe-inspiring glacial power, offering a dramatic finale to this remarkable expedition.
- Discover little-known coves and inlets of the Inside Passage by kayak, and seek out a host of wildlife, from brown bears and moose to several species of whale
- Navigate spectacular icebergs—and watch for new ones calving—as you explore the face of the six-mile-wide Hubbard Glacier by Zodiac
- Navigate spectacular icebergs—and watch for new ones calving—as you explore the face of the six-mile-wide Hubbard Glacier by Zodiac
- Kayak along sheer cliffs and forested backwaters in Misty Fjords National Monument
- Explore the wild and remote areas of Southeast Alaska by special use permit with the Tongass National Forest
- Soak in the midnight sun from the Greg Mortimer's top-deck hot tubs—perched at the ship's highest point, with 360-degree views of Alaska's dramatic wilderness unfolding around you
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Arrive in Vancouver by early afternoon. Embark this evening in time for cocktails and an introduction to the staff and crew.
Meals Included: Dinner
Trace the wild and scenic coastline of British Columbia, exploring inlets and islands and watching for whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife. As the ship sails toward Alaska, enjoy talks from your expedition team or relax with a book in the lounge or on the observation deck.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise through the serene waters of Misty Fjords National Monument, where sheer cliffs soar more than 2,000 feet above the deep, blue fjord. Wisps of cloud drift along the winding waterway, draping over emerald peaks and creating the ethereal mists that give this remarkable landscape its name. Explore by Zodiac or kayak to get closer to the forested shoreline and the many dramatic waterfalls that cascade down the towering cliffs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Navigate the Wrangell Narrows, a spectacularly scenic waterway inaccessible to larger ships. Explore the coastline by kayak or Zodiac, and venture ashore to follow bear trails through the lush temperate rainforest. Along the way, naturalists share insights into this vibrant ecosystem.
In the evening, cruise Frederick Sound, watching for orcas and humpback whales surfacing and sea lions weaving through the clear water around the ship. Train your binoculars on the shoreline to scan for moose and Sitka black-tailed deer, as well as the black bears, wolves and bald eagles drawn to the salmon-rich banks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, nature is your guide as you venture out with the flexibility to follow wildlife sightings and take advantage of shifting weather conditions. Explore spectacular bays and secluded inlets, tracing bear trails and salmon-rich streams. Or head inland for a peaceful walk through the forest, listening for the calls of bald eagles echoing from the towering spruce and hemlock trees. If conditions allow, paddle a kayak near the intertidal zone to search for the fascinating creatures that thrive there.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing morning on the Gulf of Alaska as you trace the rugged coastline north toward Yakutat Bay. Keep watch for the towering summit of Mt. Fairweather, rising more than 15,000 feet into the sky. This afternoon, the ship enters the bay and makes its way toward the mighty Hubbard Glacier—a six-mile-wide expanse of ice within Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. If ice conditions allow, there may be a chance to Zodiac cruise for up-close exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the breathtaking bays of Chichagof Island, part of the ancient Tongass National Forest. This remote island hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of brown bears and supports an incredible diversity of wildlife. Conditions permitting, paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard along rugged shorelines, or venture into the temperate rainforest for a rewarding hike.
After lunch, spend time on deck with the naturalists as you cruise along the outer coasts of Chichagof and Baranof Islands, keeping a keen eye out for the marine and terrestrial wildlife that frequent these shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark in Sitka and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
Greg Mortimer
| Length | 104 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2019 |
| Passengers | 132 |
Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the Greg Mortimer is built to world-class polar standards – designed in close consultation with our expedition specialists, taking advantage of our more than 25 years of experience.
The Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future, with just 132 passengers on board in the polar regions. Not only is the ship bigger to contend with adverse weather conditions, its added creature comforts make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. The Greg Mortimer remains true to our ethos and focus on multiple landings, flexible itineraries and family atmosphere – just with an improved home base!
As a modern and custom-designed ship, the Greg Mortimer is at the cutting edge of nautical technology. Robust, powerful and built with our guests in mind, this ship marks a significant investment in our fleet's capabilities. From the European Arctic to the depths of Antarctica, and other far-flung destinations in-between, the Greg Mortimer will make your journey a breeze!
Greg Mortimer X-BOWX-BOW™
Our expeditions face some of the worst Mother Nature can throw at us. However, this won't be problem on the Greg Mortimer with the introduction of the patented X-BOW™, created by Norwegian ship designer ULSTEIN. As one of the leaders in marine engineering, ULSTEIN's X-BOW™ is an inverted bow concept that's been built on over 100 vessels in the shipping industry. Excitingly, we are the first expedition cruise operator to utilise this technology for the challenging open ocean waves!
Hydraulic viewing platforms
Although there is no doubt that you'll love the aesthetics of the Greg Mortimer, we are all here to admire the spectacular landscape and spot the elusive wildlife in their natural habitat. To ensure you get the best views possible, the new ship features unique viewing platforms, custom-built for the Greg Mortimer. Accessed from Deck 5, the two platforms fold out hydraulically for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds – make sure your camera is locked and loaded!
Zodiac launching platform
Zodiacs are a vital part of getting up close and personal on your adventure – sneaking into areas that the Greg Mortimer can't reach. On this new ship, there are specially designed launching platforms that enables us to load Zodiacs easily and quickly, allowing you to spend more time exploring on the two to three daily landings. There are 15 Zodiacs that are boarded from either side of Deck 3 (sea level), perfect for when there is a group of fluffy cute penguin chicks that we need a photo of!
Activity Platform
Regardless of your destination, we offer a number of additional activities to allow you to see more of the environment. From kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, it's these optional activities that often leave the biggest impression on your trip as a whole. Onboard the Greg Mortimer, there is a spacious prep and loading platform for these activities and more – designed in consultation with our expert activity guides.
Environmentally friendly
Climate change and carbon emissions continue to be major issues that everyone needs to be aware of and actively managing. This includes reduced emissions into the air and sea, lower energy consumption, high fuel efficiency, reduced light pollution for minimal wildlife disruption and lower on-board plastic use. It's vital to also mention the state-of-the-art virtual anchoring technology of the X-BOW™, which means the ship can float anchorless while launching Zodiacs, kayaks etc, without disturbing delicate sea floor areas.
Safety features
This starts with the return-to-port equipment – not compulsory on a ship of this size – which duplicates the propulsion system. This enables the ship to maintain operating systems and comfort in the event of engine failure. Furthermore, the Greg Mortimer is Polar Code 6 compliant, holds BV class and is fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements. It's also built with a Rolls Royce stabiliser system. If there's an incident or accident during your adventure, the ship has an on-board, fully-stocked medical centre – where our trained medical team can provide necessary treatment in a timely fashion. Safety continues to be an issue that our team takes very serious and the Greg Mortimer allows us to create an environment where you can concentrate on the brilliant landscape and wildlife, without worrying about your wellbeing.
Ship Life
Greg Mortimer is designed to serve your every need. It's your bedroom, bathroom, lounge, dining room and even your observatory. Make yourself at home, the Greg Mortimer is yours to enjoy!
Observation Points
Let's face it – you don't want windowless rooms when travelling around some of the most beautiful locations around the world. This is why the Greg Mortimer is designed with plenty of dedicated observation spaces – ideal for keen bird spotters, wildlife watchers and those wanting to watch the scenery go past. From the indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor 360-degree open deck, both on deck 8, to the 270-degree open sundeck on level 7, there are plenty of observation points to share around the ship! If these are full, then you can take up a spot on one of the two hydraulic viewing platforms on deck 5. Aurora Expeditions also has an open bridge policy, which means at any point you can come up to the bridge and check out what the captain and officers are up to. From watching navigational practices to observing mapping techniques, you can get a firsthand look at the inner workings of the Greg Mortimer.
Shore excursions
Although the ship is fun, the real enjoyment comes from the many shore excursions that are available. Depending on the weather and itinerary, it's possible to take two to three landings daily, taking a look at everything from rock formations and ancient ruins to cute groups of penguins. We know time is of the essence in these wild locations, so the Greg Mortimer has been designed with 15 Zodiacs, which means you can maximise your time on shore. From four dedicated sea level launching platforms, transfers are quicker, safer and enable you to get closer to the action for a longer period of time. Just remember to charge your camera before you step onto the Zodiac!
Activity options
From kayaking and skiing to diving and climbing, these are one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you need to take advantage of. Aboard the Greg Mortimer there is a specially designed launching platform for all activities, a concept overseen by our activity experts. This area also includes individual lockers in the expansive mudroom and rapid drying areas for wetsuits so you can quickly get warm after exploring in the elements!
Dining
From the moment you step onto the Greg Mortimer, we aim to give you the best hospitality service possible. Starting with the official Captain's welcome, as our guests, you're welcome to 24 hours complimentary coffee, tea and snack facilities in addition to the range of different menu options and courses for each meal. Meals are served in large dining room/restaurant with family style dining, perfect to swap stories with your new expedition family. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild, preparing yourself for another exciting day to follow. On the last day of your trip, the team on the Greg Mortimer put on a special farewell four-course dinner and cocktails – a perfect way to reflect on your time on the ship and consolidate lifelong friendships with the people you've met on-board.
On-board entertainment
When you’re relaxing during a sea day or you have a little downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do onboard the Greg Mortimer? Plenty! On all our expeditions, there are experts who lead presentations in the spacious lecture room so you can understand the region a little better. These often include topics as broad as history and culture to biology and climate change, these presentations aim to educate and entertain. If you're keen to just watch the surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, you have access to two bars/lounges where the stunning floor to ceiling windows offer a special perspective on the landscape. The Greg Mortimer is also decked out with other facilities for your enjoyment. There is a library on Deck 5 with books and maps and a Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear! Keen photographers and artists will revel in the multimedia room on Deck 5.
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Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
