The Greg Mortimer holds a special place in the world of expedition cruising.
When it launched in 2019 it wasn’t just another polar ship — it was the first passenger vessel built with the groundbreaking Ulstein X-BOW®.
That single innovation changed how travellers experience wild seas, setting a new benchmark for comfort and efficiency in the harshest environments on Earth.
Named after Greg Mortimer, the Australian mountaineer who co-founded Aurora Expeditions, the ship reflects his pioneering spirit.
It’s designed for people who want adventure at the edge of the world, but don’t want to give up the warmth of a comfortable base when they return from the ice.
Over the years we’ve sailed on nine different expedition ships, and toured a bunch more through our jobs as photography guides, and the Greg Mortimer really stood out as something special.
We recently spent 10 days exploring Svalbard in the high Arctic onboard the famous GM, and it surpassed all our expectations.
It feels slightly more stripped back and adventurous compared to Aurora’s newer Sylvia Earle, but it doesn’t skimp on the essentials: smooth sailing, quick Zodiac operations, great food, and cabins that make you feel at home in some of the planet’s most remote corners.
Over time the Greg Mortimer has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and comfortable ships in the polar regions.
It’s luxurious without being pretentious, well-designed, well-run, and consistently delivers the kind of experiences that make an expedition unforgettable.
So what makes the Greg Mortimer different, and is it the right ship for your Antarctica or Arctic voyage? Let’s take a closer look.
Special Note: Jarryd will be working onboard the Greg Mortimer for two months in the upcoming Antarctic season as the Expedition Photography Guide. If you’d like to join him drop us a message as we have a special offer we can give to NOMADasaurus readers for any Aurora Expeditions itinerary (whether we’re onboard or not)!
Key Takeaways
- World-first design – The Greg Mortimer was the first passenger ship to feature the Ulstein X-BOW®, cutting through swells instead of slamming over them. The result is a smoother ride, improved fuel efficiency, and less seasickness.
- Drop-down viewing wings –…
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