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 Aurora Expeditions, Australia’s leading expedition cruise company, has confirmed the founder and well-known Australian explorer and mountaineer, Greg Mortimer OAM, will be the expedition leader aboard the maiden voyage of Aurora Expeditions’ new ship, the Greg Mortimer, departing Ushuaia, Argentina on 31 October, 2019.

Construction of the new, purpose-built ship is progressing ahead of schedule, with the new ship set to feature the latest innovations in naval technology, enabling Aurora Expeditions to continue pushing the boundaries in remote exploration. The Greg Mortimer will be the first expedition ship to use the patented Ulstein X-BOW®, which allows for more gentle sea crossings, faster transit speeds as well as lower fuel consumption and air emissions.

Aurora Expeditions managing director Robert Halfpenny said construction of the ship is progressing quickly, with more than 60 per cent of the build now complete.

“Everyone involved is incredibly excited to see the ship take shape, with the structural framework and exteriors now complete,” Mr Halfpenny said.

“Work on the interiors commenced earlier this month and once the cabins are complete, the focus will turn to soft furnishings.”

Aurora Expeditions founder Greg Mortimer said the ship embodies the company’s commitment to sustainable and efficient expedition cruising.

“Various teams from crew members, voyage leaders and operational specialists have been consulted on the ship design to ensure all details align with Aurora Expeditions’ steadfast pursuit of sustainable practices,” Mr Mortimer said.

“Antarctica is simply the most extraordinary place on earth and holds a very special place in my heart. I’ve been back almost every season for 25 years and can’t wait to head up the maiden Greg Mortimer voyage and share the experience with guests.”

Greg Mortimer has always been at the forefront of adventure and exploration – in 1984 along with his expedition partner Tim Macartney-Snape, the duo became the first two Australians to reach the summit of Mt Everest, and even more impressively – they did so without the aid of supplementary oxygen.

Departing on 31 October, 2019 from Ushuaia, Argentina, Greg will escort the maiden 12-day Spirit of Antarctica voyage taking guests through pristine Antarctic landscapes where whales are starting to arrive, penguins are breeding and fur seal pups are being born.

There are spots available on the maiden voyage, but they are filling up fast with an exclusive early bird offer of 10 per cent off all cabin categories when booked before 31 December, 2018.