M/V Greg Mortimer is a newly launched, purpose-built expedition vessel: elegant, stylish and beautifully appointed.  Although new in itself this concept ship brings with her many years of operational knowledge and experience and years of consistently high customer feedback with Aqua-Firma guests onboard her predecessor Polar Pioneer.   

At 104 metres in length Greg Mortimer has been built to world-class polar standards and is capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves. She provides a high standard of accommodation onboard, yet maintains a focus on being able to offer multiple landings, a plethora of adventure options and flexible itineraries in a relaxed atmosphere.

Please click on any side photo to view ships gallery.

The ship offers the patented X-BOW™, created by Norwegian ship designer ULSTEIN, which is an inverted bow concept that’s been built on over 100 vessels in the shipping industry, however, this is the first cruising vessel to utilise this technology. The state-of-the-art virtual  anchoring technology also means that the ship can float anchorless while launching zodiacs,  kayaks etc, without disturbing delicate sea floor areas.

For exceptional views of  the spectacular polar landscapes, the ship features unique viewing platforms.  The two platforms fold out hydraulically for unobstructed views of potential wildlife and  seabirds.  There are also specially designed launching platforms, enabling passengers to board the 15 zodiacs easily and quickly.

For passengers partaking in any of the various activities offered onboard (kayaking, diving, climbing and ski touring), there is a spacious prep and loading platform.  There is also an indoor 180-degree lounge, outdoor 360-degree open deck and 270-degree open sundeck.

Depending on the weather and itinerary, it is possible to take two to three landings a day.  On days at sea and when you have a little downtime between onshore excursions there will be informative lectures offered on subjects such as history, culture, biology or climate change.  There is also a well-stocked  library with books and maps and a wellness centre, including  gym equipment, sauna and spa as well as access to bookable treatments.

Meals are served in the large dining room/restaurant. On the last day of the voyage, there will be a  special  farewell  four  course  dinner  and  cocktails,  the  perfect  opportunity  to  reflect  on  your polar experience with your fellow passengers and expedition staff.

"The Greg Mortimer was the perfect size for us.. we liked the informal atmosphere on board and were impressed with the ship's performance.  Even in the gale force winds that we encountered in the Scotia Sea, its unique bow construction and stabilisers meant that normal ship life carried on uninterrupted; it cut through sea ice with seemingly little effort and, though it kept clear of icebergs, it was able to sail quite close to them, and it took us deep into fjords and bays to give us some wonderful views of glaciers and mountains.

Its interior, too, was extremely well-designed, very comfortable and with every detail cleverly thought through. The 'hotel' services were top notch and there was a huge variety of great food and an incredibly professional, able and friendly team preparing and serving it.... and the Expedition Team were top notch too - a remarkably talented, knowledgeable and extremely capable bunch who were completely focussed on giving all of us 'expeditioners' the best possible experience..."

Mr and Mrs Griffiths U.K