Greg Mortimer

AE Expeditions Greg Mortimer Cruise Deals See All AE Expeditions Cruises Find Out More About AE Expeditions

An advanced, purpose-built expedition ship AE Expeditions drew on centuries of collective experience to map out the Greg Mortimer ship: purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote luxury cruise destinations on earth. The Greg Mortimer has redefined luxury expedition cruising for the future.

The first passenger ship to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, allowing the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, the Greg Mortimer offers the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration.

The Greg Mortimer ship is packed with dining and entertainment options that make your luxury cruise holiday on-board the ship just as enjoyable as the time spent exploring your destinations. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.

Greg Mortimer Restaurants and Bars

The Greg Mortimer ship is packed with restaurants, with the main dining room serving up a wide, ever-changing menu of meals and snacks available 24 hours a day. The Tuscan Grill is the place to go for a wide variety of meats cooked to perfection. 

If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, then the Elephant Island Bar serves up all of your favourite beverages and is the perfect place to take in your surroundings. You can enjoy beers, wine and more alcoholic beverages with your meal in the dining room. 

Greg Mortimer Entertainment

The Greg Mortimer ship offers a huge selection of entertainment to keep you busy whilst cruising to your destination. Observation points allow you to take in your surroundings with several different spots offering beautiful vantage points. If you want to unwind, then the jacuzzi and sauna allow you to take some time to relax and recharge. 

AE Expeditions Greg Mortimer Promotions

Book your cruise today and enjoy a cruise holiday on your terms. Whether you are looking for the best cruise deal or plan on upgrading your cabin, we have all the cruise promotions you need here. 

AE Expeditions Promotions

AE Expeditions - 25% global sale

Greg Mortimer Ship Facts

What's Included with AE Expeditions

From the start, AE Expeditions was destined to be different. Our passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends burns just as brightly as it did 30 years ago, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions.

Daily shore excursions, guided walks, Zodiac cruises and some activities^
An experienced team of destination specialists, activity leaders, and local guides*
House wines, beer and soft drinks included with dinner
Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket on polar voyages
Complimentary Starlink wifi onboard
Complimentary use of fitness centre
Comprehensive pre-departure information and Antarctic or Arctic Primer booklet
Entry fees to historic or tourist sites
Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and snacks
Captain’s Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktail, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
An informative and entertaining lecture program by our team of experts
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)

Greg Mortimer Frequently Asked Questions

The AE Expeditions Greg Mortimer was launched in March 2019.

The AE Expeditions Greg Mortimer was last refurbished in 2023.

The AE Expeditions Greg Mortimer has 8 decks, a length of 104 metres, a width of 18 metres, and a weight of 7,400 tonnes.

The AE Expeditions Greg Mortimer has a capacity of 130 passengers with 74 cabin crew members.

There are 79 cabins on-board the AE Expeditions Greg Mortimer with 2 wheelchair-accessible cabins.

Explore Greg Mortimer

Dining Room
Tuscan Grill
Excursions
Hydraulic Viewing Platforms
Zodiac Launching Platform
Custom-Built Activity Platform
Lecture Lounge
Mudroom
Observation Points
Bars and Lounges
Library & Multimedia Centre
Observation Lounge
Wellness Centre
Gym
Jacuzzi
Sauna

Greg Mortimer Cabins & Suites

Aurora Stateroom Triple
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Balcony Stateroom Category A - Solo
Balcony Stateroom Category B - Solo
Balcony Stateroom Category C - Solo
Captain's Suite
Junior Suite

Related Blogs

5 Experiences to Enjoy on an Expedition Cruise
19November2025
19 November 2025

5 Experiences to Enjoy on an Expedition Cruise

Immerse yourself in adventure and explore phenomenal destinations in new and spectacular ways with an expedition voyage. Embark upon unique, incredible excursions that offer unforgettable experiences, ensuring the voyage of a lifetime. Polar plunge Brave the cold and embrace the adrenaline with a polar plunge, the ultimate iconic expedition experience. This exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime moment involves jumping into the icy waters of the polar regions in the Arctic and Antarctica, combining the thrill of the extreme cold (around freezing at 0°C) with the breathtaking beauty of these pristine destinations. Participants will jump into the water or can use a ladder if they’d prefer, remaining in the water from a few seconds to a minute. Why immerse yourself in such a cold environment, you might wonder? Despite the rapid breathing and increased heart rate, the strong sensation of the cold not only promotes a rush of endorphins in your body but leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalised afterwards.Following the brief immersion in the freezing water, the cruise line’s attentive crew will be immediately on hand with warm towels and blankets (and a little tipple!) for you to cosy up in afterwards.   Snorkelling with wildlife Snorkelling is an immensely popular, effortless activity that many choose to participate in whilst on expedition cruises around the warmer climates, like the Galapagos Islands, just off the coast of Ecuador. There’s an abundance of beautiful wildlife and diverse ecosystems living beneath the waves to explore. In the Galapagos, explorers will have the opportunity to swim with an array of spectacular animals, from penguins and sharks to turtles and an endless variety of fish. For those considering a trip down under, there are expedition itineraries that offer you the opportunity to swim with whale sharks off the coast of Australia.   Submarine dives If you’re curious to explore the underwater world but would prefer to remain dry, or you’re keen to dive deeper than even advanced scuba divers, there are several luxury cruise lines offering submersible excursions on their expedition itineraries, including Seabourn and Scenic. These state-of-the-art designs feature a transparent, dome-shaped cockpit that provides nearly 360-degree view, taking you hundreds of feet below the water’s surface and discovering biodiverse environments teeming with life. The experience offers a close-up view of marine creatures in their natural habitats, often seeing species that are rarely, if ever, encountered by humans. From coral reefs and spectacular marine life to fascinating shipwrecks and incredible landscapes, these excursions are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.   Helicopter rides Soar the skies and witness stunning destinations from a dramatic bird’s eye view with expedition helicopter excursions. Enjoy an aerial perspective of breathtaking remote landscapes including glaciers, volcanoes and tropical archipelagos. Helicopter excursions can often land in places otherwise unreachable by ship or foot, offering a unique way to explore and enjoy these spectacular destinations. These experiences can utilise the elevated vantage points and increase chances of spotting wildlife with minimal disturbance.   Zodiac excursions Zodiacs are an incredible way to access shallow coves and coastlines, offering a dynamic way to view wildlife close to the shore that the expedition vessel cannot reach. Your expert naturalists will narrate your excursion as you cruise along, enriching your experience with information about the beautiful surroundings and wildlife that you’ll encounter. The splash and wind as you traverse icy glaciers and towering rock formations is an incredible feeling that immerses you in the heart of some of the world’s most phenomenal destinations.   Kayaking While state-of-the-art helicopters and submersibles can offer you a phenomenal multi-dimensional experience, there’s something intimate and special about the immersive water-level exploration in your own kayak, where you can truly appreciate your surroundings. Glide quietly along the coastlines icebergs or fjords and expect close-up wildlife encounters with seals, birds, penguins, turtles or even whales, if you’re lucky! Expert guides will always lead the excursions from the ship, providing valuable insights into the local ecosystems and geology of the destination to deepen your understanding of the destination. If you’re curious about an expedition or interested in booking the adventure of a lifetime, call our luxury expedition experts and they can use their personal experience to help curate your perfect trip!

View Article

Our Exclusive Interview with Expedition Expert: Conrad Combrink
03October2025
03 October 2025

Our Exclusive Interview with Expedition Expert: Conrad Combrink

Our Exclusive Interview with Expedition Expert: Conrad Combrink Our team were fortunate enough to sit down with Conrad Combrink, Silversea's Senior Vice President for Expeditions and Destination Management, and a true expert in this extraordinary way to cruise. He shares his unique insights into expedition cruising, plus some expert recommendations and first-hand experiences when sailing to some of the world's most spectacular destinations on a Silversea expedition. Learn More About Silversea Expeditions Why Choose a Silversea Expedition? "I think what makes Silversea expeditions different is that we were truly the first luxury operator in the space. Back when we started in 2008, there were really no luxury options for any traveller on an expedition, and it wasn't until Silversea started that we introduced luxury to this incredible experience – the expedition cruising experience. And for us, that is how we innovate.  It's the experience that we offer on board the ship, bringing that beautiful Silversea luxury and the service that we are so well known for to the segment. But it's also our commitment to delivering the destinations. We have got an incredibly focused team just on research and development, looking at all our destinations, and we will never take our guests to a destination unless we are intimately familiar with it. The reality is, no matter how well equipped your ship is, without an incredible expedition team the experience will fall flat. So, we spend a lot of resources in training and developing and making sure that we have got some of the most qualified staff in the industry on our ships." How do the Four Expedition Ships Differ? "So, we have 4 ships in our fleet – we have Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Endeavour, which is the latest addition to our fleet, and we have our purpose-built ship for the Galapagos, Silver Origin. In fact, Silver Origin was our very first purpose-built for a destination ship. She's an amazing little vessel, 100 guests, and she operates year-round in the Galapagos. She is fully staffed with an Ecuadorian team, some of the most incredible team members, and extremely well-equipped, beautiful, modern and we are very proud of Silver Origin. Silver Endeavour joined our fleet in 2022; she’s an extraordinary vessel of 228 guests – a remarkable vessel, extremely luxurious, very, very modern. We operate Silver Endeavour in the polar regions, mainly Antarctica, as well as in the Arctic. She focuses mainly on our fly-cruise programme, which is our beautiful, innovative programme where our guests fly across the Drake Passage to Antarctica and spend six nights on board Silver Endeavour, and then they fly back to the South American continent, which is an incredible experience just to fly across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind are two beautiful older ladies, but with age comes experience! These are the two ships, in fact, that launched Silversea Cruises back in the 1990s. These ships have been converted beautifully to expedition ships, and they operate worldwide with a focus, again, on the polar regions. Silver Wind operates basically a north-south polar itinerary; she will do Antarctica, and we've used Silver Wind on the West Coast of Africa expeditions. She spent the summer in the British Isles, and she does a lot of the Canadian Arctic itineraries for us, including voyages like the Northwest Passage. Silver Cloud is a Southern hemisphere ship, in fact, she doesn't come into the Northern Hemisphere at all. She does Antarctica during November to March, and then she transitions either through the Indian Ocean to Australia where she operates the Kimberley season. Alternatively, she does French Polynesia, Cook Island, South Pacific, she does Micronesia, Melanesia, and then she spends two or three months on the West Coast of Australia doing the Kimberley region." Will There Be Any Advancements to the Silversea Expedition Fleet? "With four ships in the fleet, we're always looking at opportunities to expand. Although there's nothing that I can officially announce, there's always opportunities for us to either add to our fleet through new boats or through acquisitions. In terms of changing our profile and adding what I sometimes refer to as toys (i.e., helicopters and submarines), that is not Silversea, we don't believe in that. I don't say there's anything wrong with it, we just, at Silversea, believe the destinations should shine. Naturally, we take a little bit of an old school approach to expedition. I've been in the expedition industry for over 30 years, and so I like the traditional approach of expedition voyages, where it's all about the destination, and therefore we focus heavily on how we deliver that, how we can make the destination shine. We do so through scouting missions, through research and development, working with local communities where they are available, local tour operators, tourism organisations, but we also invest heavily in our staff. For us, our expedition staff really is the star of how we deliver our experiences. Therefore, we have come up with industry leading training programmes. We have got an online curriculum for Silversea expedition staff that they have to complete before they go on our ships to really enhance their destination knowledge. We do regular training on board our ships for our team, and we do seasonal trainings in the field, so it's just a comprehensive training and development programme that truly is industry leading – and for us, that is innovation. That is how we can make sure that our guests have the very, very best experience because ultimately, they decide to go to these destinations because the destination attracted them, and we need to make sure that that we live up to their incredible expectations." Do Silversea Offer Any Unique Expedition Destinations? "Many people consider expeditions polar, and I guess that is true. The expedition industry started because of expeditions to Antarctica back in the early 1970s. In fact, 1969 was the first expedition voyage to Antarctica and expedition travel has become a little bit synonymous with these regions. However, that is not the only destination that expedition companies offer, and at Silversea we like to explore the world. We were the first and only company a few years back that offered an expedition to Bangladesh, for instance. So, we always try to find these interesting destinations. We were the first company to offer the West Coast of Africa, which is one of our most popular non-polar expeditions. We start in Cape Town, and we go all the way up to Lisbon along the West Coast of Africa. This expedition is really about seeing life along this extraordinary coast that is not easy to visit. It's just over a month-long journey; we visit Namibia, Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, and countries like Togo, Benin, Ghana, further along Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde Islands. These are destinations that are extremely difficult to get to and very hard once you're there to travel as the infrastructure is just not there. We deliver the cultural element and showcase these destinations because we've got such great relationships with the communities and with the destinations, and it's fascinating not only to learn about the history, but also to see the different cultures. Not so much a wildlife expedition, it really is more of the human element and life along that coast. On the other side of Africa, we also visit the Indian Ocean – starting in Cape Town, going all the way through the Indian Ocean up to the Seychelles, visiting extraordinary places like Mozambique. We have visits to Ilha de Mozambique, we go into Tanzania, Zanzibar, the incredible islands of the Seychelles, Aldabra Atoll – a UNESCO World Heritage site that, in fact, has more giant tortoises than the entire Galapagos combined. We also visit the Kimberley region – a spectacular part of Australia. It's an area larger than England, and it's all about natural history. One of the most incredible expeditions that we that we offer is Micronesia and Melanesia, in places like Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Raja Ampat. These are very cultural and very diverse in the communities – the different cultures and different tribes that we visit – but also an opportunity to snorkel in some of the most pristine waters and most untouched and beautiful healthy coral reefs in the world. There are some itineraries that are under development at the moment that I can't say too much about, but I'm really excited as we continue to explore this incredible planet that we live on!" What is Your Favourite Itinerary and Why? "This is a question I get often, and it's a little bit like asking who is your favourite child – I guess that you're never allowed to say you have a favourite, but most of us do. For me, although I'm absolutely, incredibly in love with the polar regions, I think there's just something so incredibly fascinating about visiting these destinations, I love culture, I love different tribes, learning about history, learning about how people live in places that you know, are a little bit more off the beaten track and seldom visited. So, I guess my favourite destination in the world must be the Micronesia and Melanesia area – Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. I find places like the Federated States of Micronesia – Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei – absolutely fascinating. The history, from the colonialism to the role that the region played in the Second World War, is absolutely fascinating. And in the cultures of places like Papua New Guinea, where we visit different islands almost every day – you might think that it's just another island, another sandy beach, another palm tree, but that’s not the case. Every island has a different tribe and is developed differently, and you can really see it – people are still trying to keep their cultures alive where we don't have these modern influences. I can share a story: When I was a young expedition leader, we were visiting an island in the Federated States of Micronesia – an island called Ifaluk – and I remember having a conversation with the village elder, with some guests. We were introduced to a young man in his early 20s, who just came back from an exchange programme in the United States, in Los Angeles, and you can't imagine the difference between this village and Los Angeles. One of our guests asked him: “If you could bring something from your time in Los Angeles back with you onto the island to make your life easier, what, what would it be?” And he seemed a little bit perplexed. He thought about it for a moment, and his answer was literally tea bags – he enjoyed tea bags, and it was just such a wonderful moment where you just realise that we overcomplicate our lives. Most things that we think are essential in our lives are probably not, and you see this in these regions of the world where people are not poor – this is their life. This is how they live life in a very simplistic, simple manner, and it's really incredible to see and to take our guests there and experience that." What Was Your Most Memorable Expedition Moment? "When we travel to the polar regions it's all about natural history, and a little bit on polar exploration and learning about these incredible people, like Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen. But the big attraction, of course, has to be nature. I remember, a couple of years back, I was in a Zodiac in Antarctica, and we were doing a Zodiac cruise. One of my favourite activities is Zodiac cruising in Antarctica – you get to cover such a big area, you see a lot of wildlife, you see a lot of scenery, and it's a great easy way to explore. We were in a place called Neko Harbour – absolutely stunning, and one of the most beautiful areas in the Antarctic Peninsula. While we were on this cruise, we could hear the sound of whales blowing – it’s a very distinctive sound and, because it's so quiet in Antarctica, you can really easily hear any kind of noise. We could see the blows probably about half a mile or so away from our Zodiacs, so we slowly got closer and closer and then at one point made the decision to switch off our engines, just to witness the whales a little bit in the distance. But, because we are just interacting as another species in Antarctica, there's no threat from us to any of the wildlife, and none of the animals down there see us as a danger or as a threat. A specific whale came closer and closer to our Zodiac, and we realised quickly it was a mother and a calf. She started swimming around the Zodiac, coming right up to the boat and swimming just under the surface, turning around and spy hopping. At one stage she was nudging her little calf up to the surface, almost saying, “hey, look at these humans,” and it was just the most remarkable wildlife encounter. There was not a dry eye on that Zodiac. It was such an emotional experience to have this interaction with a 15-metre-long, 40-tonne animal and just realise that we are two different species interacting, and that we share this planet and coexist here. It was an incredible experience." What Advice Would You Give a First Time Expedition Cruiser? "Expedition travel is different than a regular cruise. In fact, it's not a cruise. We use the ship as a platform to take our guests to these remarkable destinations. So, prepare a little bit, learn a little bit, and read up. We send all of our guests reading lists ahead of their departure, of books or a watch list of some documentaries about their expedition. I highly recommend that that you do that because you'll just be a little bit more aware of the destination. Antarctica, specifically, is such a beautiful experience, such a fragile, unique environment - and it's an environment that is still very inhospitable. Listen to the expedition staff. They are extremely well equipped to lead these expeditions; they know this area, and they know what is the best and the safest way to deliver and make sure that we follow the rules. It's a fragile environment and we need to keep it as pristine as possible, and that's what makes tourism in Antarctica successful, is that we have very clear parameters on how we can operate, and it's on all of us a responsibility that we stick within those so that we don't have a lasting impact on the environment at all." What are Your Top Three Packing Essentials for an Expedition Cruise? "When planning your expedition, especially your Silversea expedition, we will send you a packing list. Regardless of which destination you go to, whether it's the Kimberley islands, the Indian Ocean, the British Isles, Svalbard, Antarctica, or Galapagos, you will get a packing list from us, and I would recommend you stick to that. There's no need to pack more – certainly don't pack less. When it comes to Antarctica, or the Arctic regions, most people tend to over pack. If you follow the guidelines that we give in our packing list, you will be absolutely fine. For our polar expeditions, we provide a parka which is more than adequate – it’s waterproof, it's windproof, so you'll be very warm. It's an easy to put on and take off, and you can wear it on board the ship, going out on deck, and the same thing when in Zodiacs. We provide our guests with backpacks, so you don't have to bring a backpack on any of our expeditions, and we provide complimentary water bottles as well, so you don't have to bring a water bottle – we don't use plastic water bottles on our ships. For the polar regions, our recommendation is layers – 3-4 layers. Gear these days is so technical, so you don't have to be dressed like a woolly mammoth anymore as the gear is absolutely superb. For the tropical regions, bring insect repellent and sunscreen in addition to the clothing – those things are important. What I do always just want to remind everybody is, whether it's in the tropics or in the polar regions, stay hydrated and use sunblock! It's pretty remarkable how easy it is to get sunburned in the polar regions and how easy it is to get dehydrated there. You think that you need to stay hydrated in the tropical areas and drink more water there, it's equally true in the polar regions. In fact, most people get more dehydrated there because they just don't think about the amount of liquid they take in, but it’s super important."

View Article

Our expedition cruise to Antarctica
30November2023
30 November 2023

Our expedition cruise to Antarctica

Our expedition cruise to Antarctica on board Silver Endeavour It's the ultimate cruise of a lifetime - an expedition to Antarctica. Our luxury product executive Jo embarked on an epic expedition to Antarctica and shared her highlights from her trip. Silversea Expeditions   Silversea boasts the largest group of Expedition Ships in the industry and each vessel with its' individual amenities and a history of exploration that dates back to 1995, is a testament to Silversea's success at providing passengers with unforgettable expedition experiences. On board Silver Endeavour   An Expedition Cruise is something I've always dreamed of experiencing and it's safe to say it went beyond all of my expectations! Stepping aboard alongside Specialist Cruise Concierge, Katie, I was immediately in awe of not only Silver Endeavour's beauty but also Silversea's staff who gave us the warmest welcome! The ship is simply stunning with clean fresh décor and beautiful spaces, all built with a purpose. The staff are amazing and what stood out most to us was that they were as excited as us to be there as we departed, spotting whales and taking in the breathtaking scenery. Despite its' smaller size, like the rest of the ships in Silversea's fleet, you'll never be short of ways to entertain yourself on-board Silver Endeavour. When it comes to meal times, take your pick of four delightful dining options including Silversea's signature, The Restaurant, as well as The Grill and Il Terrazzino serving up authentic Italian dishes. If you'd prefer a light bite, the Arts Café is the perfect place to grab something to eat and enjoy a quiet catch up with your fellow passengers. We spent our time on-board staying in Silver Suite, which is a firm favourite amongst Silversea guests, featuring a private veranda boasting stunning ocean views, spacious living and dining areas and a personal butler service that made our voyage feel extra special. No matter which suite you choose to stay in, you can be sure to find everything you need to experience ultimate comfort at sea! Exploring Antarctica   Something that makes a Silversea Expedition so special is the destinations that they allow you to explore. Visiting the Polar Regions is something that not everyone can say they've experienced, so when I was offered the opportunity to sail around Antarctica on-board Silver Endeavour, I felt extremely lucky! Embarking from St George Island, we were so excited for our first landing in Orne Harbour. It was there that we took our first steps onto the Antarctic Peninsula, taking a hike to see colonies of chinstrap penguins and phenomenal views. That same afternoon we headed out on our first zodiac cruise at Whilhelmina Bay, during which we saw dramatic icebergs and humpback whales, which was an unbelievable start to our voyage. The next morning's activity was at Peterman island so we took a short zodiac to shore where the knowledgeable on-board expedition team had designed three trails, one out to see colonies of Gentoo penguins, another up to an amazing view point and finally to see some more colonies of Adelie penguins, which was a real bucket list ticker for us! An Unforgettable Experience   Another highlight of our Antarctic trip was the day we headed out on a kayak excursion. Taking a short zodiac out, we slid into the 2 man kayaks and then we were off to explore the tranquil waters of Paradise Bay and Skintorp Cove. It was phenomenal, the water was so still and calm and we kayaked in our group of 12, led by two guides Tommy and Tyler for around 4km, before stopping still for a moment to take in the calm and quiet, which was simply amazing. To make our already perfect day even better, before we headed back on-board, a zodiac of Silversea staff came out to us with champagne, hot chocolate and cookies, which is just one example of them going above and beyond to make every stage of our voyage incredible. I hope that I've inspired you to book that expedition cruise you've been dreaming of and offered some insights into life on-board an expedition ship.If you have any questions or would like to know more about what offers are available with Silversea, please get in touch with our Cruise Concierge. We provide personalised service, alongside our first-hand experiences and offers you won't find elsewhere. Simply call our Cruise Concierge today on 0808 278 3751. 

View Article

Our Expedition cruise on board Seabourn Venture
09July2025
09 July 2025

Our Expedition cruise on board Seabourn Venture

Our Expedition on board Seabourn Venture Embark upon the adventure of a lifetime with Seabourn Venture! Designed for those curious to explore further and discover the intricate beauty of remote destinations, Seabourn expeditions are truly exceptional voyages that will create memories of a lifetime, one I was fortunate enough to experience. Discover all Seabourn Venture sailings Whether you're an adventure-seeker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about life on an expedition ship, here’s a glimpse into what awaits you... Steph's expedition cruise with Seabourn I recently had the chance to experience one of our expedition cruises first-hand aboard Seabourn Venture in a Veranda Suite around the Shetlands and Orkneys. One of the main things that drew me to an expedition cruise was the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in harder to reach places and see incredible wildlife in their natural habitats and this certainly didn't disappoint. I started my journey in Lerwick in Shetland, where I enjoyed a coastal walk and an excursion to Jarlshof, an extraordinary archaeological site in Sumburgh. This prehistoric and Norse settlement offered a fascinating glimpse into thousands of years of human history, with remnants of Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking, and medieval buildings all in one location. The guide brought the site to life with stories and historical context, making it a truly enriching experience. Our next port of call was Fair Isle, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the trip, marked by my first experience disembarking via zodiac. We began with a scenic hike up to a lighthouse, taking in sweeping views of the rugged coastline while accompanied by the calls of noisy oystercatchers. From there, we made our way to a spot known for puffin sightings and were lucky enough to observe these charming birds up close as they landed, interacted with one another, and caught fish. Before returning to the ship, I took a peaceful walk along a small beach with crystal-clear waters. On our zodiac ride back, we made a brief detour through a sea cave, where we were delighted to spot a playful seal swimming nearby - an unforgettable end to an incredible visit. While in port at Kirkwall, I had the chance to explore some of Orkney’s most fascinating cultural and historical landmarks. We began with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a striking example of Romanesque architecture. Following that, we took a shore excursion to the Ring of Brodgar, part of Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Neolithic stone circle is set in a dramatic landscape of lochs and rolling hills and our guide painted a vivid picture of the ancient rituals that may have taken place there. We concluded the tour in the charming fishing village of Stromness, where we enjoyed the highly recommended local ice cream. At Copinsay Island, we embarked on a zodiac cruise that offered an incredible opportunity to observe the island's rich birdlife and thriving grey seal population up close. The cliffs and shoreline were alive with seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, shags, and fulmars, while the seals basked on the rocks or bobbed curiously in the water nearby. As if that wasn’t memorable enough, I also had the chance to take part in a submersible dive—an unforgettable experience that took us 30 meters beneath the surface. From the comfort of the sub, we watched jellyfish drift silently by, surrounded by the peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere of the deep. This was a bucket-list moment and a true highlight of the expedition. On board Seabourn Venture   I would highly recommend Seabourn Venture to anyone looking to embark on an expedition cruise. The ship provided a stunning selection of elegant and comfortable spaces to relax in between explorations and the team on board really brought the journey to life, sharing expert knowledge on the surrounding areas and their fascinating history. There are four hot tubs, a small infinity pool, a gym and wellness spa facilities, as well as several bars and lounges on board. At meal times, Seabourn Venture offers dining excellence in terms of range, themed options and quality from The Colonnade, which provides informal dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, to The Restaurant, a more formal venue, though relatively relaxed based on the Expedition environment. The service was exceptional - friendly, intuitive, and personal. Whether it was remembering your coffee order or keeping your wine glass full, the crew consistently went above and beyond. Discover all Seabourn Venture sailings If my experience has inspired you and you think you may like to embark on your own voyage, please get in touch with our expedition specialist concierge on 0808 163 3075. 

View Article

Our Award-Winning Service


Travel Weekly Large Cruise Agency of the Year 2023
Travel Weekly Large Cruise Agency of the Year 2023
Best Luxury Travel Agent 2022
Best Luxury Travel Agent 2022
UK Cruise Awards Winners 2023
UK Cruise Awards Winners 2023
Best Specialist Cruise Agent 2023
Best Specialist Cruise Agent 2023
Best Use Of Content 2023
Best Use Of Content 2023
TTG Luxury Cruise Agency Of The Year
TTG Luxury Cruise Agency Of The Year
Best Workplaces in Travel 2024
Best Workplaces in Travel 2024
You've added to your wishlist. To view, go to Wishlist

Request a Callback