Aurora Expeditions, Antarctica

Itinerary: Antarctic Explorer Express
Sailing: 6 February 2025
Ship: Greg Mortimer
Author: Caitlyn Paris, Marketing Manager – CruiseHQ                                                                                

When our Marketing Manager, Caitlyn, travelled to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions, she embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Aboard the Greg Mortimer, she explored the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula, braved the legendary Drake Passage, and even earned her place in the Society of Antarctic Plungers. Hear about her once-in-a-lifetime experiences from the White Continent:

1. A Ship Designed for True Exploration – The Greg Mortimer isn’t just any expedition ship; it’s built for Antarctica. Its revolutionary X-Bow design, inspired by an orca, cuts through waves smoothly, making crossings like the Drake Passage a dream (for me at least).

Instead of dropping anchor and risking damage to fragile ecosystems, the ship uses dynamic positioning satellite technology, allowing it to hover in place. It’s silent, stable, and designed to bring you as close as possible to the incredible Antarctic landscape without disruption.

While the focus is always on being off the ship as much as possible, it was also a beautiful floating sanctuary, a place to reflect, connect, and recharge after days filled with adventure.

2. Gear Up and Get Ready – Before sailing, we filled out a form to select the right size for our expedition boots and signature Aurora Expeditions parka. Once on board, everything was ready and waiting in our cabin, perfectly fitted. If your sizing wasn’t quite right—no worries—there was an opportunity to swap. And the best part? You get to keep the parka!

3. Learn, Then Experience: Attend the Expedition Lectures – The expedition team on board was phenomenal. Their lectures covering Antarctic history, climate, glaciology, and wildlife brought a new level of understanding to what we were experiencing.

The best part? Within an hour of learning something in the lecture room, we were outside experiencing it firsthand.

4. Photography Tips & Complimentary Photos – Even as someone who loves taking photos, I found the onboard photography workshops invaluable. The expedition photographer shared expert tips for shooting in extreme conditions, capturing the blues of the ice, the energy of wildlife, and the sheer scale of Antarctica. And if photography isn’t your thing? You’ll still go home with a collection of professional expedition photos, capturing every breathtaking moment.

TIP: Cold drains batteries fast, so if you’re bringing a camera or phone, pack extra power banks and batteries. Trust me you’ll be taking more photos than you ever expected!

5. Wildlife Encounters That Take Your Breath Away – The wildlife in Antarctica is constant and incredible. Everywhere we looked, there was something happening. One of the most unforgettable moments was when a minke whale suddenly appeared next to our ship, playfully breaching and circling us. Another day, the captain slowed the ship to a halt because we were surrounded by 15 to 20 humpback whales. The sheer number was unbelievable.

In total, we spotted five seal species: Weddell, Leopard, Crabeater, Elephant, and Fur Seals. Alongside them, the penguins provided endless entertainment, waddling over rocks, porpoising through the water, and even stealing pebbles from each other’s nests.

6. Neko Harbor, Deception Island & Paradise Bay – Each outing felt like stepping onto another planet, with its own unique character:

• Neko Harbor – A place where glaciers loom and Gentoo penguins shuffle along their well-worn highways in the snow.
• Deception Island – An active volcanic caldera unlike anywhere else in Antarctica. Walking along its eerie black-sand beaches, we watched steam rise from the shore as fur seals played in the surf.
• Paradise Bay – True to its name, this was one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen. The water was a perfect mirror, reflecting towering glaciers and jagged peaks. As the sun set, the mountains were bathed in hues of orange and pink, while our Zodiac glided through icebergs, their beauty standing out against the glowing sky.

7. The Society of Antarctic Plungers – There’s no way to prepare for jumping into freezing Antarctic waters, but there’s also no better feeling than the rush of adrenaline that follows. The encouragement from fellow travellers made it even more special. The countdown, the splash, the instant icy shock, and then the overwhelming cheers and laughter made it one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done.

8. The Mudroom Buzz – Aurora Expeditions is all about maximizing time off the ship, and we averaged two outings per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The mudroom became a place of anticipation and excitement, where we geared up for Zodiac cruises and shore landings. Everyone had their own locker to store their life jacket and boots, ready for the next adventure. Music played, energy was high, and the biggest question was always: What will we see today?

9. An Outdoor BBQ Like No Other – We were incredibly lucky with the weather—calm seas, clear skies, and sunshine that made the ice sparkle. One of the most unexpected highlights was an outdoor BBQ on deck. Everyone wore crazy hats, the sun was shining, and there was a feeling of pure joy as we enjoyed the fresh Antarctic air with music, great food, and even a bit of dancing.

10. A Journey That Changes You – Antarctica isn’t just a destination. It’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. It challenges you, inspires you, and reminds you of the sheer power and beauty of the natural world.

This journey aboard Greg Mortimer was more than I could have ever imagined, and if you ever get the chance to visit, don’t hesitate. You’ll come back changed, with a heart full of memories and a newfound love for the wildest place on Earth.