Greg Mortimer Arctic and Antarctic Cruises

Smooth expedition operations with modern balcony comfort

A polar cruise on board the Greg Mortimer

74 Reviews

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What we love about the Greg Mortimer

X-BOW comfort — Smoother crossings mean more energy for landings and wildlife watching.

Four Zodiac doors — Less waiting as 15 boats move guests between ship and shore.

Balcony expedition living — Private polar views without losing the ship's active, sociable focus.

+15

Greg Mortimer is one of the ships we put high on the shortlist for travelers who want active, well-run expedition days without giving up modern cabin comfort. The design philosophy is simple: reduce the friction between briefing, mudroom, Zodiac and the polar landscape. If your priorities are getting outside, learning from the expedition team and returning to a comfortable private space, this ship makes a compelling case. If you want resort-style entertainment, multiple restaurants or a floating hotel atmosphere, another vessel will suit you better.

The Ulstein X-BOW is more than a distinctive profile. It is designed to reduce pitching and vibration while improving fuel efficiency, which can make exposed polar crossings feel steadier. Four dedicated sea-level loading doors and a fleet of 15 Zodiacs then keep expedition operations moving: less time queuing on stairways means more attention for the landing, Zodiac cruise or wildlife call that brought you here. The exact route and activity program always remain subject to weather, ice, safety and the expedition team's judgment.

Greg Mortimer carries up to 130 guests, a scale that feels sociable without becoming anonymous. Around 85% of its staterooms have balconies, giving many travelers a private place to watch ice, seabirds and changing light when they do not want to leave the cabin. Hydraulic viewing platforms fold out from the ship to create another close-to-the-water perspective, while observation areas, the lecture theater and library keep the shared spaces focused on discovery rather than decoration.

What we especially like is the balance. Greg Mortimer is unmistakably an expedition ship, yet the cabins and public spaces feel contemporary rather than utilitarian. Guest feedback repeatedly highlights comfortable accommodation, efficient landings, a capable expedition team and a friendly onboard atmosphere. Choose it for an active Arctic or Antarctic voyage where the ship supports the day instead of becoming the main attraction.

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Amenities on board the Greg Mortimer

Hot Tub

Spa

Bar

Mudroom

Rubber Boots

Sauna

Fitness Center

Medical Services

Library

Internet/Wifi

Expedition Parka

Lecture Theater

Zodiac Fleet

Observation Lounge

Food & Drinks on board the Greg Mortimer

Meals on Greg Mortimer follow the rhythm of an expedition day. Breakfast and lunch are generally served as buffets, while dinner is plated in the open-seating main restaurant. That arrangement keeps things relaxed and sociable: after a landing or Zodiac cruise, guests can exchange sightings and impressions rather than disappear into separate dining venues.

Current voyage information includes house wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, plus tea, coffee and snacks during the day. Exact menus and service can vary by voyage, so we see the dining experience as warm, practical and convivial rather than restaurant theater. Dietary requirements should be shared well before departure so the operator can confirm what is possible on the specific sailing.

Greg Mortimer's take on sustainable traveling

Double/Matrimonial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

More about this cabin

More info about the Greg Mortimer

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Type

Mid-Sized Ship

Capacity

130 Year built

2018

Class

Ice Class 1A

Length

104.40 Crew members

71–80 + 14–24 expedition team

Cruising speed

12 knots

Gross tonnage

7400

Beam

18.4 Draft

5.3

Reviews of Greg Mortimer

Anonymous

Greg Mortimer

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Great ship. Our stareroom room with a balcony was very comfortable, thd batroom was a good size and the service was great. The amenities were fantastic, the wifi worked well and do didbthe TV. The crew was respectful and condiderate and the food delicious Source: https://tinyurl.com/29kmsmeo

Graemme D.

Greg Mortimer

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The Greg Mortimer was WONDERFUL. The cabin was good, roomy enough for two people. I enjoyed the food. I do think they should think about expanding the hours that food is available, especially for breakfast and lunch. I would choose this ship again. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2c6zw4bo

Brenda

Greg Mortimer

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The ship was excellent. No issues w/cabin or service. The food for the most part was great. Yes, I would sail the GM again! Source: https://tinyurl.com/2yqkch3s

Avraham C.

Greg Mortimer

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All extra class. Thank you for the excellent vegetarian food. Want to come back to the Great Mortimer even tomorrow... Source: https://tinyurl.com/2yjpxtu3

Chantal

Greg Mortimer

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I would choose this ship again. The cabin was comfortable, well-laid out, and very user-friendly. The beds were comfortable, as were the pillows, and there were extra pillows and blankets, too. There was plenty of space for clothes - both in closets and in drawers, and there was a safe in the closet which was a nice “plus”, though we didn’t feel the need to use it. (Ditto the bar fridge.) Suitcases fit easily under the beds, so were not in the way. It would have been nice to have seats on the balcony, though I understand that in rough seas, which we did encounter at times, that could be a problem. (On a future trip I would take a small squeegee to clear the windows and balcony railing, which became coated with rain or spray at times. Clearing with a cloth was OK - and made a huge difference! - but a squeegee would have been more efficient.) There were more than enough electrical plugs for appliances, etc. (make sure you have European adapters), and USB-A plugs for devices. If you have devices which need USB-C plugs, though, make sure you take your own adapters, as there are no USB-C plugs. The heated floor in the bathroom was a definite plus. It was a luxury to step into a pre-warmed shower, and wet clothes - whether from spray in the Zodiac or hand washing - dried quickly. Water pressure in the shower was great. Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion were provided and regularly replenished. It was a pleasant surprise to find that the two hot tubs were open during much of the trip. That was a treat. There was also a sauna and exercise room, neither of which I used. The food ranged from good to excellent, the menus varied, and all the staff were friendly, attentive, and personable. They made an effort to get to know people and to remember specific things we enjoyed. Amazing! My only “complaint” about the food is that there was too much of it and it seemed that much too much would go to waste. We were told that staff “down below” would get access to whatever was leftover (which, in itself, was a bit disconcerting, as I would have hoped that the staff were fed as well as we were. They all worked very hard to make the trip comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for us.) but even then it seemed that there would be a lot wasted. We certainly didn’t need 3 full and varied meals each day given how little we did physically on most days. The dining room was comfortable, but much too noisy. It was difficult to have conversation, which was unfortunate. It was a bit quieter in the Tuscan “restaurant”, but the menu there wasn’t very interesting and did not vary, so it was not as desirable as the main dining room. A rather heavy refillable metal water bottle was provided for everyone and there were water stations throughout the ship. Taking water on the daily excursions really wasn’t necessary, as they were all relatively short. I had a smaller plastic bottle which I took for the longer excursions and hikes. This was much lighter than the provided water bottle would have been. While we encountered rough seas at times, and sea sickness was an issue for many, I understand that the ship’s design helped mitigate this considerably. (I also understand that the Captain made route decisions to try to avoid storms, very rough seas, etc. I’m sure this was done more than we were made aware of, and I greatly appreciate this, too.) I made use of the Meclizine provided, and this also helped, I’m sure. The Muck Boots provided were excellent, which came as a very pleasant surprise. They were comfortable, fit well with heavy socks, and easily accommodated the Spenco arch inserts I had brought. We walked and even hiked in them for hours and my feet were always comfortable and warm, and I got no blisters. I will be getting a pair for use at home. Source: https://tinyurl.com/27rhj9yr

Steven

Greg Mortimer

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Great boat. Perfect. Nice cabins, spacious and well equiped, leisure areas and dining facilities. Food was generally great although vegetarian options became a little repetitive. Would definately highly recommend. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2bfzog4j

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