ARCTIC DISCOVERY ABOARD GREG MORTIMER - Wild Earth Travel
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ARCTIC DISCOVERY ABOARD GREG MORTIMER
Combining remote wilderness with rural culture, this voyage
offers a genuine glimpse of life in the Arctic. Witness calving
glaciers, marvel at sculpted icebergs, hike near a volcano, and
discover the world’s largest fjord at Scoresbysund. Encounter
polar bears, reindeer, musk oxen, whales, and Inuit
communities. This expedition will leave you with spectacular
photos and a lifetime of stories to share.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Longyearbyen. Embark the Greg Mortimer
Arrive in Longyearbyen, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora
Expeditions to commence a tour of Longyearbyen. On the drive to Camp
Barentz located in Advent Valley, your guide will give you an introduction to
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Longyearbyen’s fascinating history. At Camp Barentz enjoy a presentation in conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick
the large ‘lavvo’ - a traditional building common in northern Norway. You will morning fog that vanishes with the onset of the midday sun. Our experts will
also have the opportunity to meet the friendly huskies and perhaps pick up inform and entertain us with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice,
some souvenirs. A visit to the Svalbard museum is included back in town and early explorers like Nansen, Andree and Scoresby. Conditions permitting,
before embarking the vessel in the late afternoon. You’ll have time to settle there may be a chance for kayakers to launch their sea kayaks and the rest of
into your cabin prior to the compulsory briefings. Your voyage commences, us to cruise in the sea ice with Zodiacs. Perhaps if we have had a good
cruising out of the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps crossing, we may even have the opportunity to make our first landing on the
the occasional puffin. Find a spot on one of the observation areas watching Greenland coast, weather permitting.
for seabirds, including graceful ivory gulls, kittiwakes and guillemots. They rise
and fall skilfully, using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. Days 6-12 East Greenland
Please note: Sometimes our ship is unable to dock in Longyearbyen port due
to space and capacity. In these instances, we reach the ship by Zodiac. In the coming days, a host of choices are open to us, and depending on ice
Please ensure that you keep your wet-weather gear in your hand luggage to and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is ours to explore. Our
use in the Zodiacs, if the situation arises. Please ensure your cabin luggage experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area,
tag is completed clearly showing your cabin number and name. Our crew will will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows us to
deliver your luggage directly to your cabin. make best use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife
opportunities. We will generally make up to two landings or Zodiac excursions
per day; cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales that are feeding
Days 2-3 Svalbard
near the surface. Be prepared to experience ice, lots of it! East Greenland
Svalbard offers unspoiled, raw Arctic wilderness at its best. With majestic contains some of the Arctic's most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and
mountains, iridescent sea ice, countless glaciers and superb wildlife-viewing narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks up to 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
opportunities. Our experienced expedition team, who have made countless high. Glaciers create gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system
journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to creating breath-taking scenes. The landscape is filled with multi-coloured
day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions tundra home to musk oxen and Arctic hare. Throughout the area are ancient
and wildlife opportunities. We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers' huts, and modern Inuit hunters'
twice a day. You’ll want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises to witness cabins. A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the most
walrus colonies hauled-outs on sea ice or on beaches, under towering cliffs of isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with
nesting sea birds or glide past glistening icebergs in your kayak. Without a approximately 450 inhabitants. The community boasts an excellent museum,
doubt, our goal is to encounter the majestic polar bear on the pack ice, or gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and the opportunity to
witness large colonies of walrus hauled-out on sea ice. Our expedition team meet Inuit people. Explore Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world
work tirelessly, so that you may experience these incredible wildlife encounter. – a spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of
Ship cruising along spectacular fjords offers great opportunities for Scoresbysund are, Kong Oscar and Kaizer Franz Josef fjords, two of the most
photography, hike upon colourful tundra, perhaps tasting wild blueberries significant fjord systems in all of Greenland, each one encompassing several
along the way. smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil mountains that
protects areas from the strong winds, the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot
Days 4-5 Greenland Sea everything from muskox and arctic foxes to mountain hares and even reindeer
near the fjord. Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds including
As we cruise west across the Greenland Sea – the main outlet of the Arctic glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven and
Ocean – we may encounter whales feeding in the productive waters of the common eider. We will attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and
north. Sightings of fin whales are common and blue whales have been seen in rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration within
more recent years. As we approach East Greenland we may encounter more the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord we
pack ice where we may see seals and a variety of seabirds, including northern will marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. We will then head south
fulmar and migratory Brunnichs guillemots. This stretch of coastline is ripe for along the coast of Liverpool Land, with our passage dependent on ice
exploration, with its many secrets locked in place by drift ice for up to eight conditions. We aim to reach Scoresbysund, the world’s biggest fjord and a
months each year. The strong icy currents have isolated East Greenland from favourite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers dump into this
the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic
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fjord, the birthplace of the famous big Greenland icebergs. We plan to visit the formidable river of ice snaking down the valley. Eskimobugt No one can state
remote Inuit community of Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresby Town) and to hike across the exact age of the neo-Eskimo site at Eskimobugt, but it may only be a few
the tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied hundred years old. Subterranean winter houses designed with a tunnel that
3,000 years ago by Eskimos. This area provides excellent opportunities for sea faces the sea where occupants would crawl through to the stand-up living
kayaking in its maze of calm, interconnecting waterways. If we are lucky we chamber; at the opposite end is the sleeping platform. The walls were erected
may see musk oxen, Arctic hare and seals, and maybe if we are extremely with carefully laid stones while the roof structure would be built from whatever
lucky even a polar bear or narwhal, although due to the local hunting material was available - driftwood, walrus bone, and available skin covering.
traditions, these sightings are often very rare. Places we may land along the Fire hearths were created by laying rocks in a circle with a bed of white
east coast include: Cape Humboldt Cape Humboldt is a beautiful bay on Ymer quartzite stones. Learn from our historian about the incredible resourcefulness
Island. There is a good chance to take a tundra walk and see musk oxen of the Inuit people whose men travelled formidable distances by kayak to
graze. We will also keep a lookout for Arctic fox and ptarmigan. A lone hunt, and whose women crafted sophisticated garments from animal skins
trapper's hut looks over the bay and magnificent icebergs. Sefstrom Glacier and fur – a people for whom survival in such extremes was paramount. Hiking
Sefstrom Glacier adorns the narrow peaked waterway in Alpefjord. Enjoy here offers panoramic views, sightings musk ox and, occasionally Arctic hare.
Zodiac cruising and kayaking in this pretty area, where colourful Arctic flora Skipperdalen See some of the most striking sedimentary sandstone, shale
adorns the tundra ground. Ittoqqortoormiit Ittoqqortoormiit is Scoresbysund’s and siltstone formations imaginable. The alternating colours and patterns in
colourful Inuit community of approximately 500 people. Here you can explore the layers of rocks defied belief, and the layers of sediment here are
the village, the fascinating museum or sit in the beautiful Lutheran Church. estimated to have taken about 4,000 years to be laid down. You can also find
The locals are friendly and from underneath their Arctic fox-fur jackets, the shy the remains of a simple but highly effective wooden fox trap in use by
young children are keen to say hello and practice their English. Sydkap Norwegian trappers in both Greenland and Svalbard from the early 1900s to
Sydkap in Scoresbysund offers good walking and delightful views across the 1960s. Skippendalen is also a marvellous place to hike and paddle in kayaks.
sound. Kayakers will have good opportunities to explore the lonely beaches. Other possible landing points in the area include: • Rypefjord • Nordenskjöld
We may explore the ancient gravesites on the island, or the lakes with green glacier & Blomsterbugten • Alpenfjorden • FjordFonfjord • Bjorn Oya • Milne Land
tunnels and giant icebergs offer hours of enjoyment for kayak and Zodiac • Hekla Havn • Denmark Island
rides. Rømerfjord Rømer Fjord with its narrow channels and towering peaks is
simply stunning, and lies roughly 167 km / 104 mi south of Scoresbysund. Day 13 At Sea
There are great hiking options in the fjord where flowering tundra plants,
scattered bones of whales and muskox from centuries of hunting by the Inuit, During our sea crossing to Jan Mayen Island, our experts will offer informative
and fumaroles can be found. These are areas where heated groundwater boil and entertaining talks and presentations about Arctic exploration and to
to the surface creating bubbling pools and mineral formations as the water prepare you for your visit to Jan Mayen, one of the world’s most remote and
reacts with the atmosphere. Rode Ø Rode Ø Island is a glorious place for fascinating volcanic islands. You may wish to enjoy a remedial massage in the
Zodiac cruising, hiking and kayaking, with its rich red Devonian sandstone wellness centre, soak in the hot tub, or organise your photos freeing space on
geology. Discover the impressive mafic dyke that runs through the east side of your memory card for the coming days.
Rode Ø. Glaucous gulls find perfect perches and nesting sites along the top of
the basalt extrusions. Kayak along the maze of icebergs - pillars and arches, Day 14 Jan Mayen
caves and peaks that look as though an artist had sculpted them. Hare Fjord The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge volcano (2277m
The scenery here is breathtaking. Walk across the tundra alongside a ravine or altitude) is the world’s northernmost active volcano, and last erupted in 1985.
Zodiac cruise where you might find musk ox, along with flitting shore birds, The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and
seals and a variety of colours in the lush Arctic tundra. Kayakers can enjoy dolphins, and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If
sublime paddling in one of the most remote fjords in the world. Nearby is the the weather is friendly, we will try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively
spectacular and impressive Ø Fjord, a perfect place for small ship cruising. sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one of the landings used to
Nordvest Fjord If mountains rising 1,200 m / 3,937 ft straight out of the water supply the weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the eastern side of the
wasn’t enough, how about the fjord itself, descending to 1,500 metres? There island. If conditions allows, we may walk from Kvalrossbukta to Olonkinbyen
are also countless icebergs pouring out of the Daugård-Gensen Glacier. A (approximately three hours walk to visit the station). Our Zodiacs will be
great place for kayaking and Zodiac cruising with plenty of gorgeous bergs waiting for us at a small bay to transport us back to the ship.
while the glacier itself, seemingly small from a distance, proved to be a
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Day 15 At Sea
We continue our voyage east, sailing to the Norwegian coast. Our expedition
team will share their knowledge of Norwegian maritime history and fascinating
Norse culture through informative talks and lectures.
Days 16-20 Norwegian Coast
Lofoten is a Norwegian archipelago known for its dramatic mountain scenery,
wildly beautiful places of marsh and rock, green fields, reflective lakes, and
white sandy beaches by crystal-clear seas. The region offers superb
opportunities for ship cruising, kayaking and Zodiac excursions through the
fjords, to spot seals, sea eagles and perhaps whales. Learn about Norway’s
oldest export at the Lofoten Stockfish Museum, enjoy a Zodiac cruise through
spectacular and narrow Trollfjord, a two kilometre-long, 100-metre-wide gorge
flanked by steep mountains on either side. Stroll through picturesque villages
dotted with red and white fishermen’s huts, surrounded by soaring granite
peak. We plan to land at Torget Island and hike to Torghatten, a fascinating
rock formation with an equally interesting legend describing the hole in the
mountain having been created by a troll's arrow. En route to Bergen, we hope
to visit other charming villages including a visit to the beautiful and historic
stave church at Kvernes and maybe Runde Island - one of Norway’s premier
seabird nesting islands.
Day 21 Disembark Bergen
Disembark in historic Bergen, located in the heart of the Fjord Norway region
in the southwest coast. It’s the country’s second-largest city and is surrounded
by mountains and fjords including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and
deepest. Bergen is also rated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and is
therefore an ideal place to relax after your voyage. Bid a fond farewell to your
fellow expeditioners as we all continue our onward journeys. Your voyage
includes a transfer to Bergen airport. NOTE: At the conclusion of the voyage,
we do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day
of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Please Note:
Please note that all of our itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions
and not all landings are guaranteed. Our itineraries are flexible and will
change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of
surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.
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YOUR SHIP: GREG MORTIMER
YOUR SHIP: Greg Mortimer
VESSEL TYPE: Expedition
LENGTH: 104 metres
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 132
BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2019
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 132 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 ULSTEIN X
make sure your camera is locked and loaded!
Zodiac launching platform
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info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.comZodiacs 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
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info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.comAlthough 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
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info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.comINSIDE YOUR SHIP
Aurora Stateroom Twin Balcony Stateroom - B
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info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.comPRICING
12-Sep-2021 to 02-Oct-2021
Aurora Stateroom Twin 15800 AUD pp
Balcony Stateroom - B 18000 AUD pp
Optional extras & upgrades
Sea Kayaking. From 2430 AUD
Kayaking in the far-flung corners of the world is an experience guaranteed to
refresh your soul. Paddling in small groups, you'll glide between ice floes,
brash ice and icebergs dotted with wildlife.
Optional tours and excursions available. Please contact us for more
details.
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info@wildearth-travel.com | wildearth-travel.comYou can also read
