If you’ve always yearned to explore the icy wilderness of Antarctica, then 2021 could be the year you do just that. Book now to guarantee your spot on the Greg Mortimer, a strengthened vessel tough enough to break through icebergs, with revolutionary nautical technology. A new smooth, streamline bow cuts down on seasickness, even in the roughest conditions – a game-changer when crossing the infamous Drake Passage.
The Greg Mortimer
The Greg Mortimer has been purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. On board, you’ll discover spacious communal areas including a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, an open-seating dining area, a gym, sauna and a library filled with books on pioneering adventurers.
However, we predict you’ll be glued to the windows, especially in the observation lounge, awaiting your first iceberg sighting. The boat also has two outdoor jacuzzis with amazing views, and innovative hydraulic viewing platforms, which fold out to offer unobstructed views of passing marine life, be it whales, seals, wandering albatross or giant petrels.
The stylish suites and cabins, most with private balconies, come in a range of sizes, with twins, doubles, triples and even interconnecting rooms available for families – a rarity on expedition ships of this calibre.
Voyage Highlights
Antarctica is the last great untamed continent on the planet. This 22-day voyage will see you cross the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands, where memories of your first big iceberg sighting are likely to last a lifetime. From here you’ll head south to the Antarctic Peninsula. With around 18-24 hours of daylight each day, there’s plenty of time to explore this frozen realm and generally you’ll enjoy shore landings or zodiac excursions twice a day.
Photograph curious seals as you zodiac through glassy waters between iridescent blue icebergs. Wander pebbly beaches to visit penguin rookeries. Watch for humpback, minke and orca whales. And climb snow-covered ridgelines for breathtaking views of the ice-speckled ocean. The truly adventurous can even add on activities like sea kayaking and Antarctic snorkelling.
If weather permits, the return journey will start with a landing on Elephant Island, the desolate refuge of Shackleton and his crew after their ship Endurance was crushed in pack ice in 1916. Enjoy five days in South Georgia, visiting some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth and walking among Atlantic fur and elephant seals. Finally, you’ll call at the Falklands Islands, where you’ll find albatross colonies, penguin rookeries, white-sand beaches and cosy cottages serving afternoon tea.
Expedition cruising is all about adventure and camaraderie, and with an average of just 126 passengers on board, this is one of the smallest Antarctic expedition vessels.
This trip is from £15,500 per person based on twin share (excluding international flights). Special Offer: No single supplement on selected 2021 and 2022 voyages. Book by 15 October 2021.
