This summer is our ‘Summer of Cruise’, and we are sampling every style of ocean cruise available. In the last Journal, we talked about our experience onboard the SeaDream II, a beautiful bespoke yacht, and this week we’re on a similar-sized ship, looking at an expedition cruise with AE Expeditions (Aurora Expeditions) and Audley Travel.
I travelled up to Aberdeen, first staying in the city at the Sandman Signature, before staying the night on Aurora’s Greg Mortimer. Travelling with AE Expeditions onboard the Greg Mortimer is all about doing things differently and doing them well. Carrying just 132 guests, the ship offers a much more personal experience than your average cruise, especially as AE features the Arctic and Antarctic as its flagship locations.
Greg Mortimer, Aberdeen
All 76 cabins are outward-facing, with most featuring private balconies, perfect for those quiet moments watching the sea go by. Inside, the rooms are calm and contemporary, with large en-suite bathrooms, plenty of space to unpack, and a really comfortable bed. The ship also has Starlink wifi, so you can keep in contact with friends and relatives, as well as modern flatscreen televisions for sea days when you might want to watch a film.
My Standard Balcony stateroom on Deck 4
Mealtimes onboard are relaxed and sociable. The main restaurant serves fresh, international and regionally inspired dishes, with plenty of choice. Dinner is a three-course menu with house wines, beers and soft drinks included. I had the fish option, but there was a meat or vegetarian option as well. With open seating, there are no set tables, so you’re free to chat with fellow travellers or join the expedition team for a story or two over dinner.
A selection of dishes onboard Greg Mortimer – Lunchtime menu
One of the best spots on the ship is the two-level observation lounge at the bow. With floor-to-ceiling windows and unbeatable views, it’s the place to be for wildlife-watching, daily briefings, or simply enjoying a cup of tea while you soak it all in. There’s also a cosy library, a welcoming lounge bar, and a wellness area with a gym, sauna and treatment room, handy for warming up after a chilly day out on the ice.
Greg Mortimer – Mudroom, the heart of the ship!
The real adventure happens off the ship, and the Greg Mortimer is built for it. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks makes it easy to head off for landings or water-based excursions, and the custom-designed mudroom means less fuss when gearing up. Whether you’re gliding past icebergs in a kayak or bouncing across the waves in a Zodiac, it’s all about getting close to the action as safely, efficiently and without delay.
The Greg Mortimer is also the first passenger ship to feature the innovative Ulstein X-BOW® design, which enhances fuel efficiency by reducing wave resistance, resulting in smoother voyages and up to 80% lower emissions compared to traditional bows. The ship’s Tier 3 engines further minimise environmental impact, emitting significantly fewer pollutants.
To protect delicate marine ecosystems, the Greg Mortimer employs virtual anchoring technology, allowing it to maintain position without deploying physical anchors, thus preserving the seabed. Onboard systems include reverse osmosis for freshwater generation, reducing reliance on port supplies, and food waste digesters that convert organic waste into water through anaerobic digestion.
Even the Bridge takes sustainability seriously.
Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vessel’s design. The company is a Certified B Corp, reflecting its dedication to social and environmental responsibility. Initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, sourcing sustainable seafood, and participating in coastal clean-up operations in regions like Svalbard and Iceland. This aligning with our philosophy, that cruising doesn’t always have to include a large impact on the environment.
Of course, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions on expedition cruising or travelling to the Arctic or Antarctic.
