Antarctica Cruises

M/S Expedition

Style & Features

The MS Expedition provides an intimate small-ship cruising experience, accommodating just 134 passengers. This 105m long ship was built in Helsing Skibsvaerft, Denmark in 1972 and had quite a history before being refurbished in 2009 to sail guests around the spectacular landscapes Antarctica. The spacious cabins feature ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the world’s most remote regions. Social spaces include the Discovery Lounge, the popular Polar Bear pub and the library, a gym and sauna, medical clinic, an outdoor barbecue area, as well as a large heated mud room. All guests receive a complimentary parka jacket and the use of wellington boots for the duration of the cruise.

Dining

Prepared by professional chefs, the cuisine is international and of the highest quality. Breakfast and lunch are buffets, and a four course meal is served for dinner. There is a large deck with barbecue facilities as well as the popular Polar Bear Pub in which to enjoy a drink.

Kayaking

Weather permitting, you will head out in kayaks on days where zodiac landings are also available. Kayaking as part of a group led by experienced and skilled leaders allows an opportunity to experience these remote regions from another vantage point. This activity must be booked prior to your trip.

The Greg Mortimer

Style & Features

A modern and custom-designed ship with cutting edge of nautical technology, accommodating 100 landing passengers plus kayakers and divers in the polar regions, with an average of 120 per voyage, the Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future. Not only is the ship bigger to contend with adverse weather conditions, its added creature comforts make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. The Greg Mortimer ’s class 1A ice- strengthened hull is purpose-built to get through sea ice and pack ice. The ship carries the latest ‘return to port’ technology, sonar equipment and satellite communications, and features the cutting edge X-Bow® design for greater stability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Pioneering the patented X-BOW® design, the Greg Mortimer takes expedition cruising to another level. Unlike conventional bow design, this state-of-the-art design allows for more gentle sea crossings and faster transit speeds as well as reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. More comfortable for you; better for the environment.

The Greg Mortimer features dedicated observation areas that include a combination of outdoor platforms, an observation lounge offering 360-degree unobstructed views, as well as state-of-the-art, custombuilt hydraulic platforms. There is also a lecture theatre, photo/art room and library, two jacuzzis/plunge pools, gym and wellness centre.

The four sea-level zodiac-launching platforms are conveniently located close to activity preparation areas and the locker and mud room. 15 zodiacs allows for multiple daily adventure activities such as landings ashore, zodiac-cruising, kayaking, ski and snowboard touring, snowshoeing, trekking, and snorkeling.

Dining

Meals are served in a large restaurant with family style dining and a private dining area will also be available on request. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild. You’re welcome to 24 hours complimentary coffee, tea and snack facilities in addition to a range of different menu options and courses for each meal.

Accommodation

After a long day exploring the wonders of your destination, you need somewhere where you can simply relax and take a break from real life. The Greg Mortimer is the perfect place to take five and recuperate after exploring – with creature comforts and wellbeing considered as part of the overall design.

All staterooms have private bathrooms, personal storage options, twin and double-bed configuration options, ample storage, international power outlets and a daily cabin service, as well as all the basic amenities that you’ll need onboard. Of course, the prospect of unexpected wildlife encounters is always on the table so your accommodation needs to have a view as well! Across four of the five stateroom categories, you’ll find large floor to ceiling windows that offer prime observation opportunities around the clock.

There are private balconies in roughly 80% of the staterooms, allowing you to watch the world float past and take in the salty air of the open ocean. We have introduced three cabin categories to our Balcony Stateroom category. These have been classified into category A, B or C depending on the cabin size and deck location.

MV Sea Spirit

Style & Features

An all-suite polar expedition ship boasting spacious suites and social areas for 114 guests and a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Renovated in 2017, MV Sea Spirit spends her winters in Antarctica and has an ice-strengthened hull as well as retractable fin stabilisers for smooth sailing and can reach a speed of up to 15 knots. The presentation lounge is where all lectures, briefings and presentations take place and the bar and club lounge is a great place for socialising. Other social spaces include a gym, jacuzzi and library. There is also an open-bridge policy.

Activities

As with all expeditions to the polar regions excursions are weather. and wildlife dependent. The team on board will aim to have you out exploring by zodiac or on land at least twice a day.

Accommodation

MV Sea Spirit has a choice of seven different suite categories. All are en-suite, have a porthole, picture window or a private balcony to ensure that no-one misses out on sightings and spectacular scenery. Amenities include in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, TV/DVD, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.

Dining

The main restaurant offers contemporary international cuisine and there is also an outdoor bistro at the jacuzzi area for an al fresco alternative for lunch – a light meal (soups, pasta, salads and desserts) is served in the Bistro if weather permits. The bar is a great place to enjoy in the evening and there is complimentary self-service coffee and tea offered 24/7.