ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel

Page created by Martin Campbell
 
CONTINUE READING
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER)
This combination of our popular Arctic itineraries (Svalbard
Odyssey and Jewels of the Arctic) will allow you to experience
the best of the European Arctic over 24-days. Starting on
Spitsbergen, you’ll explore its coastline of calving glaciers,
towering bird cliffs and pack ice and spot walruses, reindeer
and even polar bears! After crossing the Greenland Sea, our
ship will follow East Greenland’s coastline filled with the largest
fjord system in the world, calving icebergs, friendly native
communities and untouched tundra-covered valleys, before
reaching its finishing point, Iceland.

                                                                          ITINERARY

                                                                          Day 1 – Embark Kirkenes
                                                                          Arrive in Kirkenes, Norway and join a pre-arranged half day excursion or
                                                                          activity prior to boarding the Greg Mortimer late afternoon. Airport transfers will
                                                                          be included if arriving on preferred flights into Kirkenes. You’ll have time to
                                                                          settle into your cabin before our important briefings.

                                                                          Days 2 to 3 – At Sea

                                 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
                                                           info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel
Over the next two days at sea, enjoy informative and entertaining lectures from        Day 25 – Reykjavik, Iceland
our expert expedition team including naturalists and historians before reaching
Svalbard’s southeast coast.                                                            Disembark the Greg Mortimer in the northern town of Akureyri, then enjoy a
                                                                                       scenic transfer to downtown Reykjavik.
Days 4 to 12 – Svalbard Archipelago
                                                                                       Please Note:
Cruise northwards along the west coast of Spitsbergen. As we sail along the
north coast, we explore rarely visited places in search of the mighty polar bear.      In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering
From Zodiacs we enjoy magnificent views of sweeping glaciers winding their             flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action
way into the sea. We may walk on smooth raised beach terraces to a superb              to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject
viewpoint or hike in the mountains on the tundra where pretty-coloured                 to change due to ice and weather conditions.
wildflowers and lichen grow and where reindeer graze. We may visit trapper
huts of yesteryear where Russians would hunt and survive the cold harsh
winters, all while remaining alert for wandering polar bears and their cubs. We
might come face-to-face with the formidable pack ice of the Arctic Ocean,
keeping our eyes peeled for walrus. We will listen to the cacophony of sea
birds and see them feeding. If conditions allow, we may push north into the
pack ice in hopes of finding polar bears ranging over the frozen landscape on
the hunt for seals.

Day 13 – Longyearbyen
Stretch your legs and explore Longyearbyen, gateway to Svalbard. Often, a
Svalbard voyage will start or end here, but on this unique voyage it is a
midway point.

Days 14-16 – Greenland Sea
Relax while crossing the Greenland Sea to Greenland, photographing seabirds,
searching for pack ice, polar bears and enjoying informative talks.

Days 17-23 – Greenland
We may visit Kaiser Franz Joseph, Kong Oscar Fjord and aim to reach
Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord and birthplace of the famous big
Greenland icebergs. We hope to visit the remote Inuit community of
Ittoqqortoormiit. We will keep a sharp eye out for musk ox, arctic hare and
seals and if we are extremely lucky, we may see polar bears or narwhals.

Day 24 – Denmark Strait
We continue on with our Arctic adventure and cruise across Denmark Strait on
our way to Iceland. We take time to reflect on our various experiences, gaze at
northern fulmars and black-backed gulls, and spot dolphins and whales from
the ship’s bow.

                                        0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
                                                                        info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel
YOUR SHIP: GREG MORTIMER
YOUR SHIP:                     Greg Mortimer

VESSEL TYPE:                   Expedition

LENGTH:                        104 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY:            120

BUILT/REFURBISHED:             2018

Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the Greg
                                                                        -BOW™
Mortimer is built to world-class polar standards - designed in
                                                                        Our expeditions face some of the worst Mother Nature can
close consultation with our expedition specialists, taking
                                                                        throw at us. However, this won't be problem on the Greg
advantage of our more than 25 years of experience.
                                                                        Mortimer with the introduction of the patented X-BOW™,
The Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future,
                                                                        created by Norwegian ship designer ULSTEIN. As one of the
with just 120 passengers on board in the polar regions. Not
                                                                        leaders in marine engineering, ULSTEIN's X-BOW™ is an
only is the ship bigger to contend with adverse weather
                                                                        inverted bow concept that's been built on over 100 vessels in
conditions, its added creature comforts make for a more
                                                                        the shipping industry. Excitingly, we are the first expedition
enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. The Greg Mortimer
                                                                        cruise operator to utilise this technology for the challenging
remains true to our ethos and focus on multiple landings,
                                                                        open ocean waves!
flexible itineraries and family atmosphere - just with an
                                                                        Hydraulic viewing platforms
improved home base!
                                                                        Although there is no doubt that you'll love the aesthetics of the
As a modern and custom-designed ship, the Greg Mortimer is at
                                                                        Greg Mortimer, we are all here to admire the spectacular
the cutting edge of nautical technology. Robust, powerful and
                                                                        landscape and spot the elusive wildlife in their natural habitat.
built with our guests in mind, this ship marks a significant
                                                                        To ensure you get the best views possible, the new ship features
investment in our fleet's capabilities. From the European Arctic
                                                                        unique viewing platforms, custom-built for the Greg Mortimer.
to the depths of Antarctica, and other far-flung destinations
                                                                        Accessed from Deck 5, the two platforms fold out hydraulically
in-between, the Greg Mortimer will make your journey a breeze!
                                                                        for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds -
Greg Mortimer X-BOWX
                                                                        make sure your camera is locked and loaded!
                                                                        Zodiac launching platform

                                0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
                                                         info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel
Zodiacs are a vital part of getting up close and personal on your          compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements. It's also built
adventure - sneaking into areas that the Greg Mortimer can't               with a Rolls Royce stabiliser system. If there's an incident or
reach. On this new ship, there are specially designed launching            accident during your adventure, the ship has an on-board,
platforms that enables us to load Zodiacs easily and quickly,              fully-stocked medical centre - where our trained medical team
allowing you to spend more time exploring on the two to three              can provide necessary treatment in a timely fashion. Safety
daily landings. There are 15 Zodiacs that are boarded from                 continues to be an issue that our team takes very serious and
either side of Deck 3 (sea level), perfect for when there is a             the Greg Mortimer allows us to create an environment where
group of fluffy cute penguin chicks that we need a photo of!               you can concentrate on the brilliant landscape and wildlife,
Activity Platform                                                          without worrying about your wellbeing.
Regardless of your destination, we offer a number of additional            Ship Life
activities to allow you to see more of the environment. From               Greg Mortimer is designed to serve your every need. It's your
kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, it's these                bedroom, bathroom, lounge, dining room and even your
optional activities that often leave the biggest impression on             observatory. Make yourself at home, the Greg Mortimer is yours
your trip as a whole. Onboard the Greg Mortimer, there is a                to enjoy!
spacious prep and loading platform for these activities and                Observation Points
more - designed in consultation with our expert activity guides.           Let's face it - you don't want windowless rooms when travelling
Environmentally friendly                                                   around some of the most beautiful locations around the world.
Climate change and carbon emissions continue to be major                   This is why the Greg Mortimer is designed with plenty of
issues that everyone needs to be aware of and actively                     dedicated observation spaces - ideal for keen bird spotters,
managing. This includes reduced emissions into the air and sea,            wildlife watchers and those wanting to watch the scenery go
lower energy consumption, high fuel efficiency, reduced light              past. From the indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor
pollution for minimal wildlife disruption and lower on-board               360-degree open deck, both on deck 8, to the 270-degree
plastic use. It's vital to also mention the state-of-the-art virtual       open sundeck on level 7, there are plenty of observation points
anchoring technology of the X-BOW™, which means the ship                   to share around the ship! If these are full, then you can take up
can float anchorless while launching Zodiacs, kayaks etc,                  a spot on one of the two hydraulic viewing platforms on deck 5.
without disturbing delicate sea floor areas.                               Aurora Expeditions also has an open bridge policy, which
Safety features                                                            means at any point you can come up to the bridge and check
This starts with the return-to-port equipment - not compulsory             out what the captain and officers are up to. From watching
on a ship of this size - which duplicates the propulsion system.           navigational practices to observing mapping techniques, you
This enables the ship to maintain operating systems and                    can get a firsthand look at the inner workings of the Greg
comfort in the event of engine failure. Furthermore, the Greg              Mortimer.
Mortimer is Polar Code 6 compliant, holds BV class and is fully            Shore excursions

                                  0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
                                                            info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel
Although the ship is fun, the real enjoyment comes from the               reflect on your time on the ship and consolidate lifelong
many shore excursions that are available. Depending on the                friendships with the people you've met on-board.
weather and itinerary, it's possible to take two to three landings        On-board entertainment
daily, taking a look at everything from rock formations and               When you're relaxing during a sea day or you have a little
ancient ruins to cute groups of penguins. We know time is of the          downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do
essence in these wild locations, so the Greg Mortimer has been            onboard the Greg Mortimer? Plenty! On all our expeditions,
designed with 15 Zodiacs, which means you can maximise your               there are experts who lead presentations in the spacious lecture
time on shore. From four dedicated sea level launching                    room so you can understand the region a little better. These
platforms, transfers are quicker, safer and enable you to get             often include topics as broad as history and culture to biology
closer to the action for a longer period of time. Just remember           and climate change, these presentations aim to educate and
to charge your camera before you step onto the Zodiac!                    entertain. If you're keen to just watch the surroundings and
Activity options                                                          keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, you have access to two
From kayaking and skiing to diving and climbing, these are                bars/lounges where the stunning floor to ceiling windows offer a
one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you need to take advantage           special perspective on the landscape. The Greg Mortimer is also
of. Aboard the Greg Mortimer there is a specially designed                decked out with other facilities for your enjoyment. There is a
launching platform for all activities, a concept overseen by our          library on Deck 5 with books and maps and a Wellness Centre
activity experts. This area also includes individual lockers in the       complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little
expansive mudroom and rapid drying areas for wetsuits so you              sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage
can quickly get warm after exploring in the elements!                     at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear! Keen
Dining                                                                    photographers and artists will revel in the multimedia room on
From the moment you step onto the Greg Mortimer, we aim to                Deck 5.
give you the best hospitality service possible. Starting with the
official Captain's welcome, as our guests, you're welcome to 24
hours complimentary coffee, tea and snack facilities in addition
to the range of different menu options and courses for each
meal. Meals are served in large dining room/restaurant with
family style dining, perfect to swap stories with your new
expedition family. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft
drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild,
preparing yourself for another exciting day to follow. On the last
day of your trip, the team on the Greg Mortimer put on a special
farewell four-course dinner and cocktails - a perfect way to

                                 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
                                                           info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel
INSIDE YOUR SHIP
                                                            Balcony Stateroom - A            Balcony Stateroom - B

                                                            Balcony Stateroom - C            Balcony Stateroom Superior

                                                            Captain's Suite                  Junior Suite

                   0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
                                          info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com
ARCTIC COMPLETE 2021 (GREG MORTIMER) - Wild Earth Travel
PRICING
18-Aug-2021 to 11-Sep-2021                                                            Stand-Up Paddleboarding. From 670 AUD
 Balcony Stateroom - C                   28000 AUD pp                                 Paddle through the water while marine life swim by as you enjoy the view of
                                                                                      the landscape from your paddleboard.
 Balcony Stateroom - B                   28700 AUD pp
                                                                                      Iceland Complete
 Balcony Stateroom - A                   29100 AUD pp
                                                                                      Discover the world’s largest lava mass in Cross Eldhruan and later continue to
 Balcony Stateroom Superior              31500 AUD pp                                 the birthplace of icebergs; Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and Skaftafell National
 Junior Suite                            37200 AUD pp                                 Park.

 Captain's Suite                         42800 AUD pp                                 Across Iceland’s Wilderness
                                                                                      Glaciers, thundering waterfalls and Viking legends are some of the highlights
                                                                                      on this exciting escorted tour.
Optional extras & upgrades
Sea Kayaking. From 2020 AUD                                                           Arctic Fjords & Coastal Highlights
Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to         This 10-day trip-of-a-lifetime takes you through the very best of Norway - an
refresh your soul. Paddling in small groups, you'll glide between ice floes,          unmissable experience!
brash ice and icebergs dotted with wildlife.
Photography. FREE
All of our expeditions and itineraries offer fantastic photography experiences.
However, on selected expeditions, a photography expert will offer lectures and
presentations.
Scuba Diving. From 1520 AUD
Go beyond the average adventure and delve deep into the waters of
Antarctica and the Arctic exploring dive sites where no one has gone before.
Available to experienced dry-suit divers only.
Snorkelling. From 780 AUD
No experience needed! This is your chance to don a dry-suit and take the
ultimate plunge into the icy waters of Antarctica and the Arctic for an up-close
underwater experience. Not for the faint-hearted!
Rock Climbing in Greenland. From 900 AUD
Greenland Only. Experienced climbers can explore the remote and rugged
summits of East Greenland on a rock climbing adventure!

                                        0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
                                                                       info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.com
You can also read