franz josef land cruise on greg mortimer ship

Franz Josef Land Explorer (including Spitsbergen)

  • Overview

    Experience a rare chance to explore wondrous islands, on our inaugural Franz Josef Land voyage. From Svalbard, cross the Barents Sea to a world few have seen. Enter the Russian Arctic National Park and watch for polar bears, whales, walrus and seals. Enjoy long tundra walks and geological oddities. Get up close to spectacular bird cliffs and visit fascinating historic huts of explorers like Fridtjof Nansen. Highlights - Photograph unique stone spheres at Champ Island - Kayak beneath towering bird cliffs of Cape Flora* - Visit Nansen’s winter camp at Cape Norway - Search for rorqual and elusive bowhead whales - Watch for polar bears on land and ice *surcharge applies

    Duration: 15 days
    Passengers: 120 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Kirkenes, Norway
    Disembarkation Point: Kirkenes, Norway
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 1.25x - 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Longyearbyen; Embarkation Day

      Enjoy a guided group tour of colourful Longyearbyen. Late afternoon sees us warmly welcomed on board the Greg Mortimer.

    • Day 2/3 - At sea

      Settle into life on board the ship with entertaining and informative talks, while seabird and whale watching speeds your Barents Sea crossing. Enter Russia’s Arctic National Park into a world of mystery and remote wilderness rich in arctic wildlife.

    • Day 4/7 - Franz Josef Land

      From mysterious Bell Island to majestic Champ Island, we explore the central-most of the 191 islands in the archipelago. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings including the elusive bowhead whale and the Arctic’s top predator, the polar bear.

    • Day 8/11 - Franz Josef Land

      We discover new landings as we make our way west to Prince George Land and Alexandra Land. Cliffs around the islands host massive nesting colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and kittiwakes. Eighty-five per cent of the archipelago is dominated by gigantic tidewater glaciers and towering icebergs.

    • Day 12/13 - At sea

      After final landings in Franz Josef Land, clear Russian customs and relax on your return crossing of Barents Sea to Svalbard.

    • Day 14/15 - Longyearbyen; Disembarkation

      Possible landing or two as we round Svalbard’s northwest coast and sail south looking out for walrus and various whales. Back in Longyearbyen, bid new friends goodbye and transfer to airport. Itinerary and map are a guide only. The itinerary is subject to ice and weather conditions.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Sea Kayaking

    One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica and the Arctic.

    The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.

    USD$ 856 per person

    The Polar Bear

    To many people, the polar bear is the Arctic. The sight of such an impressive silky white bear wandering the frozen Arctic seas in search of seals symbolizes the cold, isolated nature of the Arctic so well. Polar bears are marine mammals because they spend so much of their lives away from land. In the high Arctic where there is always some sea ice to travel on, polar bears range over ice floes in the pack ice hunting seals all summer. In some areas (e.g. southern Hudson Bay, southern Svalbard) they are simply forced to come ashore. Polar bears rarely venture inland.

  • Inclusions

    Expedition Gear

    Complimentary expedition gear: backpack and water bottle on every voyage, Haglöfs parka for polar expeditions

    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Medical services on board
    - All shore excursions and lectures in the itinerary
    - Professional produced voyage log
    - All meals and accommodation during the voyage
    - Comprehensive pre-departure information
    - Port taxes & entry fees
    - Group sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen on arrival

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Items of a personal nature such as; Beverages / Laundry / Medical expenses / Gratuities / Internet & Wifi
    - Travel insurance (mandatory)
    - International and internal flights that are not specified
    - Government arrival and departure taxes
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
    - Passport and Visa expenses
  • Map
    997
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    GREG MORTIMER

    The Greg Mortimer, named after the Australian adventurer and Polar tourism pioneer (Greg Mortimer OAM), this unique vessel utilises some of the latest advancements in naval design & technology to revolutionise the small ship expedition cruising experience. The X-BOW makes sailing smoother and faster while protecting the vulnerable environments visited using a virtual anchoring system. Shore excursions are made easier, with four sea-level Zodiac loading decks & a specially-crafted activity platform, designed in close consultation with our world-renowned expedition & activity leaders. Unlike many new ships, the Greg Mortimer is not striving for absolute luxury. It will of course, be brand new, modern and comfortable in every way, but will stay true to a relaxed, comfortable and homely style of travel, purely focused on the expedition and destination. Ship Features: - Highly qualified and experienced expedition team and international crew - X-BOW® hull, designed to offer faster and more comfortable travel enabling the ship to pierce through waves and maintain speed of travel, lower fuel consumption and reduced air pollution emissions - All cabins feature twin or king bedding configuration and private bathroom. 80% of cabins include a private balcony. 60% of cabins can accommodate a third person - Purpose-built activities preparation areas including four Zodiac launching platforms for fast and safe transition off the ship as you embark on multiple daily excursions - Observation lounge and viewing platforms offer spectacular panoramic views of scenery and wildlife. - State-of-the-art lecture theatre, two hot tubs/plunge pools, art room, library, gym, wellness centre and more!

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 4
    Guests #: 120
    Crew #: 62
    Ice Class: 1A
    Speed: 12
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2019
    Length: 104m
    Width: 18
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 7400
    Registry: Bahamas
    Elec Outlets: 220V 2 Round plug
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
greg mortimer stateroom cabin

Stateroom

12 Jul 2020 - 26 Jul 2020
​Greg Mortimer features 15 porthole rooms, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
USD$ 8,092pp
USD$ 8,092pp
greg mortimer balcony stateroom cabin

Balcony Stateroom

12 Jul 2020 - 26 Jul 2020
With 58 rooms available, the Greg Mortimer's Balcony Staterooms are the most abundant cabin category on board. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
USD$ 9,112pp
USD$ 9,112pp
greg mortimer balcony suite cabin

Balcony Suite

12 Jul 2020 - 26 Jul 2020
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Greg Mortimer's two Balcony Suites are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Featuring private balconies, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area, these will sell out quickly!
USD$ 11,356pp
USD$ 11,356pp
greg mortimer junior suite cabin

Junior Suite

12 Jul 2020 - 26 Jul 2020
The Greg Mortimer's four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
USD$ 13,396pp
USD$ 13,396pp
greg mortimer Captain's suite cabin

Captain's Suite

12 Jul 2020 - 26 Jul 2020
The largest of all our rooms, the Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
USD$ 15,436pp
USD$ 15,436pp