Name: Realm of the Polar Bear In Depth - M/V Greg Mortimer
Brand: Explore
SKU: GMSO

Realm of the Polar Bear In Depth - M/V Greg Mortimer

Arctic, Spitsbergen | Polar | Trip code GMSO

2119Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person

Sail into the kingdom of the polar bear on this 12-day adventure along the coast of Svalbard. Zodiac-cruise past glacial peaks, uncovering majestic fjords in the west and fossil-strewn desert plains in the east. Our packed itinerary includes daily expeditions, on foot and by Zodiac, exploring sweeping tundra, trapper camps and historic sites. Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears hunting on ice and walrus or bearded seals, hauled out on ice floes, while guillemots nest in the high cliffs above. At the end of each day, retreat to the comfort of your expedition ship, complete with 360-degree viewing platforms, a relaxing bar and observation lounge and on-board sauna.

Why we love this trip

Spot polar bear - Take your chance to see the Kings of the Arctic in their natural habitat.
Prolific wildlife - From reindeer and walrus to guillemots and puffins, spot the region's must-see animals with the help of expert guides.
Arctic scenery - Soak up the stunning glacial scenery from the extensive viewing decks on board the ship, as well as on Zodiac expeditions.

Key info & map

Arctic, Spitsbergen | Polar | Trip Code GMSO

Duration: 12 days

Included meals: 30 (11 breakfast, 9 lunch, 10 dinner)

Transport: Zodiac

Trip staff: Naturalist(s), Expedition Crew

Accommodation: 1 night(s) premium hotel, 10 night(s) premium boat

Is this the tour for you?

Polar travel requires a degree of flexibility, and our itinerary can change at short notice. While we'll always aim to visit our planned landing sites, weather and other factors might affect the running order of this trip. Our expert leaders and captain will have the final say.
Occasionally, during extreme weather, we might be unable to do Zodiac landings. There is a gym, sauna, and library onboard, so there's plenty to keep you busy.
It goes without saying it's going to get chilly! We recommend appropriate clothing, including waterproof outerwear and base layers - a recommended packing list will be provided beforehand.
While we hope to see polar bears and other Arctic wildlife during this trip, sightings can't be guaranteed.
That being said, if we're lucky enough to spot a polar bear, it's important to follow the instructions of your expedition guides.
It's worth noting that this trip isn't exclusive to Explore, and you'll be travelling with passengers from other companies.

Ship information

About the Greg Mortimer

The M/V Greg Mortimer is a world-class vessel that has been purpose-built for polar expeditions. With a 180-degree indoor observation lounge and an outdoor 360-degree open deck, as well as hydraulic viewing platforms, there's an all-around view for everyone, whether you're spotting wildlife or just taking in the stunning landscape as you cruise.

The ship carries a maximum of 130 passengers, with comfortable cabins available including outward-facing triple cabins, balcony staterooms and suites. The Greg Mortimer also boasts impressive facilities including a gym, sauna, spa, jacuzzis, wellness centre and library.

More about the Greg Mortimer

Exterior view of the Greg Mortimer by Scott Portelli

Trip information

Climate and country information: Arctic

Plugs

Type B (North American) - Two flat prongs + ground pin

Spitsbergen

Climate

Between May and September is the best time to visit this region, with summer temperatures reaching a maximum of 5 degrees centigrade. North of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set between the middle of May and the end of July, so you can expect to encounter the midnight sun during this period.

Time difference to GMT

GMT+02:00

Plugs

Type E/F (European Schuko) - Two round pins + ground contacts

Religion

Christianity (Lutheran)

Budgeting and packing: Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Whilst landings are included in the cost of your trip as per the outline itinerary, some departures aboard the MV Greg Mortimer have additional optional excursions which can be pre-booked with the ship operator directly. These will be charged at an additional fee, depending on the excursion and we recommend booking these in advance to ensure availability. Please speak to a member of our Polar team who will advise you on the booking process.

Clothing

Parkas
A complimentary parka is provided for you on board the ship and is yours to keep after the voyage. It has a comfortable wind-resistant inner jacket, which is detachable from the waterproof outer shell, and is designed to be worn over your essential base layers.
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry can be a challenge. Thin polypropylene gloves can be worn underneath warm outergloves. This allows you some protection from the cold when removing your gloves to operate your camera etc. We strongly recommend that you bring more than one pair of gloves, in case one gets wet (or lost).
Hat/Cap
Warm, woollen hat/cap to protect your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection, such as a balaclava.
Trousers
Water-resistant trousers of coated nylon or, even better, Gore-Tex® are essential for your comfort. They can be worn over your regular clothes to keep you warm and dry. We suggest that you purchase trousers a few sizes larger than you normally wear as you will be wearing them over other clothing. Gore-Tex® or similar fabrics are excellent for keeping out wind and water without trapping excess heat. Rain gear and Gore-Tex® products can be found in any outdoor sport clothing store. In addition to your waterproof trousers, warm ski pants are suggested if you have them. Warm trousers such as jeans, corduroys etc are also good.
Socks
Warm wool socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet.
Outer Clothing Woollen, knit or cotton sweaters/tops, polar fleece tops (medium weight), several cotton turtlenecks and T-shirts for layering on and off the ship.
Underclothing
Thermal underwear is highly recommended as it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Most polar travellers prefer a lightweight version.

Footwear

Complimentary waterproof boots will be supplied on-board. However, if you have extra small or large feet, you are advised to bring your own. Also ensure you take good walking boots and trainers for relaxing.

Luggage

20KG

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

Sunglasses and sun cream
Insect repellant
Personal toiletries
A refilllable water bottle
Books/reading material
Camera and memory cards
Seasickness remedy
Walking poles

Tipping

Local crew

The suggested amount is USD $15 per person per day spent on board. Tipping is a personal choice and is purely discretionary.

Arctic

Food and drink

Lunch price

£13

Dinner price

£20

Beer price

£3

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Spitsbergen

Food and drink

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Credit Card Acceptance

0

Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink: Transport Information

M/V Greg Mortimer, Zodiac

Ship description

The MV Greg Mortimer is a 104-metre ship, purpose-built in 2019 for expedition travel. Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the vessel is being built to world-class polar standards and has been designed in close consultation with expedition specialists. The MV Greg Mortimer is limited to just 130 passengers and guests can enjoy some added comforts such as spacious stateroom cabins, a large mud room with easy boarding access and a hydraulic viewing platform, offering unobstructed views of the wildlife. Other features include a library, Wellness Centre with a gym, sauna and spa and a multimedia room for keen photographers wishing to edit their photos after a day of exploration. As a modern and custom-designed ship, this vessel is at the cutting edge of nautical technology and will ensure a comfortable and safe passage through polar waters.

Cabins

The lead-in prices on our website are based on triple outward facing, Stateroom cabins. All staterooms have private bathrooms, ample storage, with twin beds. Many of the stateroom categories, have floor to ceiling windows that offer prime observation opportunities around the clock. Additionally, there are private balconies in most of the staterooms, allowing you to watch the world float past and take in the salty air of the open ocean. A full layout of the deck plan can be found under the Polar Ships section on our website. Your confirmed cabin type will appear on your Booking Confirmation, which will be sent on receipt of your deposit payment.

Ship dining

Meals are served in the large, spacious dining room with an open seating arrangement, perfect for swapping stories with your extended expedition family. A range of courses is offered at each meal time and you can enjoy a variety of house wines, beers and soft drinks which are included with your evening meal. Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the day and any additional drinks can be purchased at the fully-stocked bar.

On the last day of your trip, the team on the MV Greg Mortimer will provide a special farewell four-course dinner with cocktails - a perfect way to end your voyage and reflect on your magnificent time on-board.

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?

Essential Information: Government Travel Safety Advice

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

Visa Information

Norway: Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN Citizens.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Visa Documents

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.

Minimum age restrictions
For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information.

Your safety and enjoyment on tour
We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Your Tour Leader
All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Vaccinations

Travelling with Under 18's

Polar information: Ship information

The MV Greg Mortimer is a 104-metre ship, purpose-built in 2019 for expedition travel. Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the vessel is being built to world-class polar standards and has been designed in close consultation with expedition specialists. The MV Greg Mortimer is limited to just 130 passengers and guests can enjoy some added comforts such as spacious stateroom cabins, a large mud room with easy boarding access and a hydraulic viewing platform, offering unobstructed views of the wildlife. Other features include a library, Wellness Centre with a gym, sauna and spa and a multimedia room for keen photographers wishing to edit their photos after a day of exploration. As a modern and custom-designed ship, this vessel is at the cutting edge of nautical technology and will ensure a comfortable and safe passage through polar waters.

Additional Information: GMSO_2020

Realm of the Polar Bear In Depth - M/V Greg Mortimer

Why we love this trip

Itinerary

Is this the tour for you?

Ship information

About the Greg Mortimer

Trip information

Arctic

Plugs

Spitsbergen

Climate

Time difference to GMT

Plugs

Religion

Optional activities

Clothing

Footwear

Luggage

Luggage: On tour

Equipment

Tipping

Arctic

Food and drink

Foreign Exchange

Spitsbergen

Food and drink

Foreign Exchange

Transport Information

Ship description

Cabins

Ship dining

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?

Government Travel Safety Advice

Price Guarantee

Visa and Passport Information

Visa Information

Visa Documents

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions

Your safety and enjoyment on tour

Your Tour Leader

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book. Booking a land only package with Explore

Joining Tour Abroad

Insurance

Flight information

Flight Information

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

Vaccinations

Travelling with Under 18's

Dates, prices and booking

Reviews

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Contents

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore