
Greg Mortimer
Greg Mortimer
Greg Mortimer—Aurora Expeditions’ trail-blazing X-BOW® vessel—carries an intimate 132 guests into the planet’s wildest latitudes. Twin hydraulic viewing platforms fold out for eye-level whale and iceberg encounters, while four dedicated Zodiac loading doors speed every landing. Inside, sun-washed lounges, a lecture theater, and a wellness deck balance exploration with comfort. Purpose-built in 2019, this modern expedition ship pairs virtual anchoring and low-emission engines with a close-knit, research-grade expedition team to deliver immersive, eco-forward voyages.
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Ship Statistics

2010
Launch Year

10944
Gross Tonnes

142
Length

18
Width

EUR
Currency

14
Max Speed (Knots)

264
Capacity

145
Crew

132
Cabins
Facilities
Accommodation
The ship offers 76 outward‑facing cabins—85 % with private balconies—featuring ocean views, en‑suite bathrooms, ample storage, and individual climate control. All suite categories include complimentary minibar service.
Stateroom & Suite Categories
- Captain’s Suite (≈ 45 m² / 479 ft² including balcony) – The most spacious suite aboard, featuring a separate lounge area, large walk-in wardrobe, full private balcony, and premium amenities.
- Junior Suite (≈ 39 m² / 419 ft² including balcony) – Offers a bedroom with a separate living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony, and upgraded services for added comfort.
- Category A Balcony Stateroom (≈ 24–28 m² / 259–301 ft² including balcony) – Well-appointed cabins with full-size windows, step-out balcony, sitting area, and convenient midship location.
- Category B Balcony Stateroom (≈ 24–25 m² / 254–267 ft² including balcony) – Comfortable ocean-facing cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony, ideal for couples.
- Category C Balcony Stateroom (≈ 21–25 m² / 225–267 ft² including balcony) – Efficient and cozy accommodations with a furnished balcony and large viewing windows, located forward or aft.
- Aurora Stateroom Triple Share (≈ 21–23 m² / 230–245 ft²) – Designed for families or groups, with a porthole window, en-suite bathroom, and flexible triple bedding configuration on Deck 3.
- Aurora Stateroom Twin Share (≈ 16–23 m² / 170–245 ft²) – Practical cabins with porthole windows and twin bedding, ideal for expedition travellers seeking comfort and value on Deck 3.
Dining
Culinary Philosophy
Menus champion sustainably sourced regional produce—Patagonian king crab, Tasmanian cheeses, Arctic berries—complemented by Australian wines and local craft beers. One-sitting, open-seating service fosters an expedition camaraderie.
Restaurants & Bars
- Main Dining Room—single-sitting venue with panoramic windows and rotating à-la-carte dinners
- Bistro & BBQ Deck—al-fresco grills on calm days; hearty post-landing lunches inside when weather turns
- Observation Lounge Bar—all-day espresso, evening briefings, and Antarctic-themed cocktails
Onboard Facilities
Scandinavian blond timber, steel-blue textiles, and floor-to-ceiling glazing keep nature front-and-center, while hydraulic viewing platforms and a 360° open deck bring you even closer.
Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
- 180° Observation Lounge with library alcove and bar
- Tiered Lecture Theater for science talks and film screenings
- Hydraulic Viewing Platforms on Deck 5 for unobstructed wildlife photography
- Two Jacuzzis and a sheltered Sun Deck
- Cardio-equipped Gym plus sauna and massage room
- Mudroom with lockers and boot dryers adjacent to four Zodiac doors
- Open-bridge access when conditions permit
- 24-hour Medical Clinic
Deck Plans
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More Information About Greg Mortimer
Ship Overview
Entertainment & Onboard Activities
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Family, Kids, and Special Traveler Services
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Testimonials & Passenger Reviews
Brand Heritage
Aurora Expeditions—founded by legendary Australian climber Greg Mortimer—has guided small-group adventures since 1991. The ship bearing his name headlines a new class of purpose-built expedition vessels.
Design Description
The inverted ULSTEIN X-BOW® slices through swell, reducing pitch and fuel burn; interiors echo coastal Australia with neutral palettes and tactile natural materials.
Unique Features
- ULSTEIN X-BOW® for smoother, greener crossings
- Hydraulic Viewing Platforms that fold out from the hull
- Virtual Anchoring / Dynamic Positioning—protects fragile seabeds
- Four side-loading Zodiac Launch Platforms for rapid embarkation
- Return-to-Port Safety Tech with redundant propulsion systems
Programming favors citizen science, photography, and natural history over glitz.
- Daily Briefings & Lectures by expedition leaders, wildlife biologists, and geologists
- Documentary Evenings in the theater
- Photography Workshops on deck and in-classroom
Activity Programming
- Zodiac safaris and shore hikes (two + outings per day when conditions allow)
- Sea-kayaking, polar snorkeling, and climbing or ski-touring on select departures
- Citizen-science data collection (seabird counts, cloud observations)
- Gym & Yoga Space overlooking the wake
- Sauna, two Jacuzzis, and massage room
- On-demand physio and stretch sessions after strenuous landings
- Fully staffed Medical Clinic and robust IAATO bio-security protocols
- Interconnecting Balcony Staterooms support multi-generational travel
- Triple-share Aurora Staterooms for budget-minded friends or families
- Solo cabins and select voyages with reduced single supplements
- One wheelchair-adapted cabin and elevator access Decks 3-7
- Advance-notice menus for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets
Eco-Efficient Engineering
- X-BOW® hull lowers fuel use and CO₂ emissions
- Tier-III compliant engines burn low-sulfur MGO
- Dynamic positioning removes need to drop anchor on sensitive seabeds
Operational Practices
- Strict IAATO & AECO wildlife-distance rules
- Comprehensive waste-management and on-board recycling
- Single-use-plastic reduction across hotel operations
- Overall Experience: “A remarkable vessel that combines modern luxuries with true expedition spirit.” — Cruise Critic Editor Review
- Accommodations: “Full sliding doors and a good-sized balcony—felt like a private lodge in Antarctica.” — Cruise Critic, Dec 2021
- Dining: “Food, rooms, and friendly service were excellent.” — Cruise Critic “Flowerpotts” Review
- Entertainment & Activities: “Kayaking beside ice cliffs and standing on the hydraulic platform were absolute highlights.” — TripAdvisor, 2023
- Excursions: “Multiple landings every day—no wait times thanks to speedy Zodiac boarding.” — Cruise Critic, 2022
Greg Mortimer´s itineraries
Emblematic Antarctica
Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.
- 8 days
- Le Boréal