At Ulstein, we are delighted to hear from cruise expedition travellers who have experienced the innovative X-BOW design. Their stories highlight our design's remarkable stability and comfort for expedition cruising. Join us in celebrating these unforgettable journeys and the pioneering spirit of our X-BOW vessels.
This is the story from Alex Loizou:
When a viral Drake Passage video surfaced showing huge swells crashing over the bow of Quark Expeditions'Ocean Explorer, it wasn't just the power of the Southern Ocean that made waves. The real star? The ship's cutting-edge X-BOW design.
A handful of commercial and military vessels aside, it wasn't until 2019 that passengers could experience this innovative inverted bow when AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) launched the Greg Mortimer. It was the first passenger ship to feature the ULSTEIN X-BOW - a sleek, wave-piercing shape that reduces drag and minimises the wave 'thumping' associated with conventional bows in rough seas.
"On the Greg Mortimer we tried out one of the hydraulic viewing platforms that extend and gave us a unique perspective of the ship."
The result?
Smoother sailing, improved fuel efficiency, and a ride that aims to be as calm as possible, even when Mother Nature can be anything but.
Having sailed aboard the Greg Mortimer ourselves, we can confirm the effect is more than marketing spin. Navigating Arctic waters, the ship felt remarkably stable. Engine vibration was minimal, and despite the unconventional profile, the bow's shape is barely noticeable on board as the elevated observation deck on this ship sits above the sloping nose.
Forward-facing double-high glass atrium
Later X-BOW vessels such as AE Expeditions' Sylvia Earle,Douglas Mawson, and Quark Expeditions'Ocean Explorer use the bow shape to dramatic effect by incorporating a soaring, forward-facing double-high glass atrium. It's a breathtaking design feature that offers unfiltered views of crashing waves - and in the case of that nowfamous expedition cruise video, views that quite literally took social media by storm.
Operators across the industry have embraced the X-BOW revolution
These include National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions when they expanded their fleet with the launch of the National Geographic Endurance in 2020, followed by National Geographic Resolution in 2021. These ships, and all X-BOW vessels, benefit from the bow being in view, rather than tucked below the protruding upper decks, so guests can see the ship edging through ice floes or cutting through the water.
On board National Geographic Endurance and Resolution there are even small extended viewing areas at the side of the vessel to give even better views, whilst on the Greg Mortimer we tried out one of the hydraulic viewing platforms that extend and gave us a unique perspective of the ship.
Of course, expedition doesn't mean compromise.
These state-of-the-art ships come loaded with all the comforts of modern cruising. Expansive decks for wildlife watching, al fresco dining against epic backdrops, and even glass-domed igloos for an unforgettable night under the polar sky. Swift embarkation and disembarkation are made via side Zodiac doors and rear activity platforms, meaning you can speedily zip off ashore with less waiting around. If landings in Antarctica or the Arctic don't burn enough energy, many ships offer gyms, saunas, and even yoga studios.
Guests can expect comfortable accommodation ranging from porthole cabins to balcony suites and we're especially partial to the underfloor heating in the Greg Mortimer's bathrooms - a delight after a chilly morning hike ashore. Dining is equally well thought out. Relaxed lounge bars and main restaurants with open-seating à la carte menus foster a sociable, story-sharing atmosphere after a day of high adventure.
Whether it's Ocean Explorer's dramatic crossing of the Drake Passage that's gone viral or the quiet glide of the Sylvia Earle through a frozen sound, the X-Bow design is a symbol of expedition cruising's bold spirit that has always been key. However, while the engineering might be high-tech, the real magic lies in the fantastic expedition teams of all of our partners who transform each voyage into an unforgettable exploration.
---
You can read Alex's story at Mundy Adventures here.
