Kayaking in the Antarctica, photo Aurora Expeditions.

'Greg Mortimer' – A proven benchmark in expedition cruising

When the expedition cruise vessel, 'Greg Mortimer', entered service in 2019, she marked a turning point for the industry. Today, several years and countless voyages later, she stands as a proven reference for a new generation of expedition cruise ships.

Greg Mortimer, photo courtesy Aurora Expeditions.

As the first cruise vessel to feature the ULSTEIN X‑BOW®, 'Greg Mortimer' introduced offshore‑grade seakeeping technology to the world of passenger cruising. What was once a bold design choice has since become a recognised advantage in expedition cruising, where comfort, safety and operational reliability are essential.

Greg Mortimer Kristian Yksnoy

The X‑BOW® reduces slamming, softens motions in head seas and minimises vibration, contributing to a more stable and comfortable crossing. Combined with stabiliser fins for beam seas, the vessel offers a level of comfort that supports both guest well‑being and onboard operations.

Greg Mortimer's X-BOW cutting the seas, photo: Scott Portelli/Aurora Expeditions.

Designed to operate in some of the world’s most demanding waters, 'Greg Mortimer' regularly crosses exposed ocean passages such as the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. Here, wave systems from multiple directions and rapidly changing weather conditions put both vessel and design to the test. 

With observation wings for the passengers, it is possible to get views from an angle outside the ship’s side, here on the 'Greg Mortimer'. Photo by Kristian Yksnøy.

Over the years, Greg Mortimer has received extensive attention in international cruise and travel media, not because of her distinctive appearance alone, but due to the tangible difference guests and crew experience at sea. While ship design cannot eliminate seasickness entirely, many passengers report that they cope better on board these vessels with their gentler motions and reduced vibration, a benefit that becomes especially clear on longer ocean crossings.

Naming Of The Greg Mortimer

Built in China and developed through close collaboration with Norwegian designers and suppliers, the vessel represents a global effort rooted in Norwegian maritime expertise. 

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Today, the X‑BOW® has been implemented on more than 120 vessels across multiple segments, and 'Greg Mortimer' is widely recognised as the ship that brought this technology into expedition cruising. Rather than a one‑off innovation, she paved the way for a growing fleet of modern expedition cruise vessels designed with the same philosophy: enabling exploration of remote regions while offering guests a calmer, more comfortable and more enjoyable journey.

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When voyaging is in the genes

For Norway, the relationship with the sea is so fundamental that it is reflected even in the country’s currency. For centuries, people have relied on the sea, not for conquest or adventure, but for survival, transport and connection. Long before the age of the Vikings, boats were already an essential part of everyday life, shaped by the need to operate safely and reliably in open, often unforgiving waters. Rock carvings and archaeological finds show that early vessels were carefully adapted to their environment, evolving over generations through experience rather than ambition.

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