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Just launched: Arctic expedition cruise with Richard Dawkins, Svalbard, Norway

Contact our booking partner Polar Routes to reserve your cabin or ask a question

Contact us

Phone +44 (0)20 3196 1001

22 June 2025 – 12 days  From £12,236  Save 15% with our early booking discount for the first 50 guests (see the price grid, right, for cabin options and details)

We are excited to launch a brand-new expedition experience with evolutionary biologist and highly regarded author Richard Dawkins!

Explore the northernmost region of Earth, the realm of the polar bear and the midnight sun, while travelling aboard the Greg Mortimer, which is at the cutting edge of nautical technology. This cruise will be a truly enriching trip of a lifetime.

Enjoy a full programme of talks, shore visits and Zodiac boat safaris covering topics including glaciology, botany, marine biology, astronomy and the history of polar exploration, deepening your connection to this remote and rugged archipelago. Accompanied by and with talks from Richard Dawkins and speakers from New Scientist, including Leah Crane and Russell Arnott, along with the highly knowledgeable and supportive expedition team, experts in exploration, science and wildlife.

Witness polar bears on substantial ice flows (June is one of the best months to spot them), as well as a plethora of other wildlife species on land, at sea and in the air. June is when minke, humpback and fin whales arrive back to the Arctic having spent the winter in warmer tropical waters. During this time, the tundra and hillsides are in bloom as the ice melts away and endemic flowers begin to blossom. The towering cliffs and dramatic mountain ranges are teeming with millions of seabirds laying their eggs. 

Explore the Arctic town of Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement. Situated in a valley on the shores of the idyllic Adventfjord, it is surrounded by steep mountains and several glaciers. 

This unique cruise will be hosted aboard a new state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Greg Mortimer, the first passenger ship to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, allowing a sleeker cruising experience and reducing fuel consumption. You will experience the majesty of Norway’s Svalbard with its ancient glaciers, glass-still fjords, imposing pack ice and distinct landscape where wildlife thrives at nearly 80° north. With no more than 128 guests, an amazing viewing space and a ship-build designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, the Greg Mortimer guarantees a far more enjoyable guest experience than the other older and larger expedition ships. 

Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science. An ideal environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers to relax.

In partnership with AE Expeditions and Polar Routes.


LIFE ON BOARD YOUR ARCTIC EXPEDITION CRUISE

Your expedition is a carefully curated mix of daytime activity offboard, designed to immerse you in your polar surroundings, and talks while on board. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.

The expedition team will help you experience a range of activities centred around daytime exploration via Zodiac boat safaris (investigating coves, glaciers and wildlife), guided hikes (exploring pristine beaches and stunning wildernesses) and photography (helping you improve your skills with a camera). They will aim to deliver two shore excursions every day.

In the evening, during ship relocation, on landing excursions and during Zodiac cruises, Richard Dawkins, the New Scientist experts and the expedition crew will give informative lectures on board. These will cover wildlife, marine biology, exploration, history, photography and research. As well as Richard's three fascinating lectures, talk topics will include:

  • Arctic atmospheric phenomena
  • Climate change and how to refreeze the Arctic
  • Geology of Svalbard – ancient history, fossils and coal
  • Physics and folktales of the Northern Lights
  • Extremophiles – organisms that survive extreme conditions
  • The largest land predator on Earth – the polar bear
  • Polar whales and Arctic ecosystem engineering
  • Arctic black smokers and the origin of life
  • How to navigate in the polar environment
  • Reading weather patterns, the ice and the currents
  • Underwater landslides and tsunamis

Plus, both on board and in the Zodiacs, the expedition crew will give you introductions to and commentary on many of the Arctic phenomena you are experiencing.

    You will have the opportunity to participate in the unique citizen science programme run by AE Expeditions. It is designed to be a hands-on, immersive and transformative experience that helps you protect the beauty of our planet. Various sampling and data collection projects will be conducted on your voyage and a citizen science coordinator will be on hand to introduce and assist you. 

    Your expedition can be as active or as leisurely as you want it, and no activity or talk is mandatory.

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    DAY 1: ARRIVE IN OSLO

    After touching down at Oslo Airport, you will be met and take a short transfer to a nearby hotel. The New Scientist Discovery Tours team and AE Expeditions will be on hand to welcome you and discuss pre-embarkation procedures. We will make sure the next day's flight to Svalbard and embarkation go as smoothly as possible.

    If you have time, we recommend taking the short journey into the thriving capital city of Oslo, which boasts innovative architecture, captivating landmarks and an inspired food scene. This very green city is covered with parks and forests, but it is the fjord piercing into the city centre that sets it apart. Explore the Botanical Gardens, go island hopping or visit the new Munch Museum, dedicated to the life and works of artist Edvard Munch.

    DAY 2: FLY TO SVALBARD, EXPLORE LONGYEARBYEN AND EMBARK ON THE GREG MORTIMER

    After breakfast, you will take a flight to Longyearbyen on Svalbard’s largest island, Spitsbergen. The airport is overlooked by the Global Seed Bank and has views over the Isfjorden inlet, where whales are regularly spotted. 

    Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement (with a population of over 1000) and is only 1316 kilometres from the North Pole. Due to the large amount of scientific research undertaken there, the town has residents from 53 different countries. 

    Before embarking on your voyage, you will visit Camp Barentz, a traditional "lavvo" structure, where you will hear about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, meet huskies and enjoy lunch. While journeying to Camp Barentz, you will get a sense of the steep mountains and glaciers that have inspired many, including Philip Pullman in his depiction of Svalbard’s armoured bears in the His Dark Materials trilogy.

    A visit to the Svalbard Museum is included back in town before embarking on the vessel in the late afternoon. The museum presents 400 years of Svalbard’s history and reveals the close relationship between the land, sea and nation here. 

    While exploring the island, your luggage will be transferred to the ship and your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.

    In the late afternoon, you will transfer to the Greg Mortimer to settle into your cabin, attend the safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as the crew "throw the lines" and set sail through the beautiful Isfjorden, escorted by gliding fulmars and perhaps the occasional puffin. Find a spot in one of the observation areas to watch seabirds, including graceful ivory gulls, kittiwakes and guillemots.  

    In the evening, you will get to know your fellow guests, the friendly New Scientist team and the expedition team at an informal captain’s welcome dinner. 

    DAYS 3 TO 11: EXPLORING THE SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO

    You will spend the next nine days exploring the Arctic wilderness at its best. 

    Each day will include a mixture of activities, including Zodiac boat safaris (robust inflatable boats), walks and informal photography tuition. You will visit deep fjords, mountain ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils. You can even participate in a polar plunge. While by no means mandatory, such cold-water body immersion is proven to release a cocktail of invigorating chemicals. 

    Once nature and the expedition leader have decided the day's itinerary, the onboard talks from Richard Dawkins, New Scientist and the expedition crew will be slotted in.

    The onboard expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea ice conditions and wildlife encounters. 

    You may see walruses hauled out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra coming out in brightly coloured wildflowers. You will visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with majestic polar bears on pack ice. Your expedition team members are just as keen as you to find them – they will be on constant watch to spot these inspiring creatures. 

    This expedition operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining this voyage. Plans will change daily but the expedition team are there to ensure you have the most immersive experience possible.

    On the final evening aboard, the captain will host a farewell reception with a four-course dinner and cocktails.

    DAY 12: DISEMBARK AND RETURN TO OSLO

    After disembarking back at Longyearbyen, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Oslo, from which you can return home or continue your adventure.

    If you wish to see more of Oslo, our partner Polar Routes can arrange additional nights.

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    Contact our booking partner Polar Routes to reserve your cabin or ask a question

    Contact us

    Phone +44 (0)20 3196 1001

    Contact our booking partner Polar Routes to reserve your cabin or ask a question

    Contact us

    Phone +44 (0)20 3196 1001

    Highlights

    • Fascinating talks from evolutionary biologist and author Richard Dawkins, plus New Scientist contributors and expedition crew
    • Venture close to 80° north, searching for polar bears on pack ice
    • Discover the thrill of seeing species such as walruses, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic foxes, guillemots and puffins
    • Cruise along blue glacier fronts and through stunning fjords on an intimate, purpose-built polar expedition ship
    • Enjoy tundra hikes amid stunningly beautiful scenery
    • Daily Zodiac boat safaris exploring fjords and glaciers

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    Meet the expert

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    Richard Dawkins is probably the best-known evolutionary biologist in the world today and certainly the best-known atheist. He was the first professor of the public understanding of science at the University of Oxford, a position that was created by software billionaire Charles Simonyi especially for him. He is famous for his combative attacks on religious belief and, academically, for arguing that natural selection operates at the level of the gene. Richard gained a zoology degree from the University of Oxford.

    He has been described as "the most influential science writer in the world" and has the unusual distinction of being a fellow of both the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Literature.

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    Leah Crane is the physics and space reporter at New Scientist, covering topics ranging from private space flight to cosmology and quantum mechanics. She received her physics education at Carleton College in Minnesota and now lives in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to joining New Scientist in 2016, her work had been published at outlets including SpaceNews, Eos, Smithsonian and Symmetry. She writes New Scientist's weekly space newsletter, Launchpad. She previously accompanied a New Scientist group to Antarctica, where she was able to apply her varied expertise to polar issues with great success. 

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    Russell Arnott holds a combined master's degree in oceanography from the University of Southampton, UK, and a PhD in marine biology from the University of Bath, UK. He has worked as a commercial oceanographer and his research has taken him all over the world, from the Southern Ocean with the British Antarctic Survey up to the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Sweden.

    With a passion for public engagement, Russell works with the charity Incredible Oceans, speaking at science events around the world. He has also made many marine-focused TV and radio appearances, including for BBC Radio 4’s Natural Histories

    Russell joined the University of Bath in September 2016 to study phytoplankton morphology and its influence on turbulent interactions, and is currently lecturing in polar science at the University of Exeter, also in the UK.

    Having worked as a science consultant on a number of books, Russell recently co-wrote his first book, Ocean Endangered, with researcher Celine Van Weelden. It combines up-to-date marine science with a balanced look at the state of our oceans, empowering the reader to take action for a better planet. 

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    Isabelle Howells is the expedition leader for the cruise. She works closely with the captain, bridge staff and expedition team to determine the best itinerary for the expedition. Taking into account all the weather challenges and nature opportunities that may arise. Her love for the ocean led her to the Arctic, where she worked as a whale-watching guide and trained as a commercial sailing skipper. Her vast experience includes working in Iceland, Tromsø and Svalbard, and on traditional sailing boats and expedition ships as Expedition Leader in the East Greenland region. Isabelle also works for the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators and the Cornish Maritime Trust. Onboard, she encourages guests to spend as much time outside as possible: the longer you stay out on deck, the more you’re guaranteed to see!

    Further guest speakers will be announced soon

    Their talks will cover such subjects as glaciology, botany, marine biology and the history of polar exploration.

    During your time on board, you will be accompanied by a highly acclaimed expedition team. Many are recognised world leaders in their fields, and they will enthusiastically share their knowledge to ensure that each moment is interesting and educational. 

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    WHAT'S INCLUDED

    • 10 nights aboard the Greg Mortimer polar expedition vessel
    • Full board throughout the cruise, including snacks, tea and coffee, plus beer, house wine and soft drinks at dinner
    • One night at a hotel in Oslo with breakfast
    • Return flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen, Svalbard
    • Captain's welcome and farewell receptions on board
    • Talks from Richard Dawkins and New Scientist guest speakers
    • Talks and guided activities from the onboard expedition team
    • All Zodiac cruising and landing activities led by the expedition team
    • Transfers between airports, hotels and your ship
    • Free limited wi-fi onboard
    • 3-in-1 AE Expeditions polar jacket
    • Complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage
    • Photo log of the expedition by the onboard photographer
    • Daily cabin service
    • Half-day exploring Longyearbyen
    • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
    • 24-hour support

    WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

    • Travel insurance
    • International flights to/from Oslo
    • You can choose any of the double cabins for solo use at a supplement. If you would prefer, we can try to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender who is willing to share a cabin
    • Items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcohol and soft drinks outside of dinner, laundry, medical expenses, and phone charges
    • Appointments with the ship's doctor, including any prescribed medication
    • Gratuities for onboard crew

    PACE AND PHYSICALITY

    The emphasis of our Arctic expedition is to get you off the ship as much as possible. Zodiac boat safaris, hiking, kayaking and scuba diving are all available, but how much you participate will be at your discretion. The ship is very comfortable and you can enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant wildlife from it at your leisure.

    To join most excursions, you need to be able to climb down into a Zodiac boat.

    The hike on land will be no more than a few kilometres and will be at a slow pace, so as to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes, flora and fauna.

    A suggested kit list will be sent to you prior to departure. A 3-in-1 polar jacket is supplied and is yours to keep.

    Accommodation

    Greg Mortimer

    Launched in 2019 and named after the Australian polar explorer and founder of AE Expeditions, the Greg Mortimer is a 104-metre purpose-built expedition ship featuring a state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW® hull design. This has a piercing effect on smaller waves, making for a smoother, faster voyage while leaving less marine disturbance in its wake. The ship operates with low energy consumption, high fuel efficiency and a streamlined design to reduce emissions. It also utilises virtual anchoring, using a combination of GPS, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises damage compared with conventional anchors.

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    Accommodating a maximum of 128 guests, it has one of the smallest capacities in expedition cruising, which makes for an intimate and friendly experience. Its smaller size and ice-strengthened hull also give you the opportunity to explore a wider range of remote sites. The relaxed atmosphere on board includes an open seating restaurant and bridge access – even in your pyjamas, for a midnight polar bear sighting.

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    The ship has a wide range of dedicated observation points, including an indoor 180-degree lounge, a 360-degree open deck and two hydraulic viewing platforms. There is also an innovative floating dock that ensures you can quickly and easily participate in Zodiac boat safaris and shore landings. The hydraulic viewing platforms allow unobstructed views of nursing whales, nesting seabirds and the bow pushing through pack ice. Elsewhere on board, you can enjoy the well-stocked library, wellness centre, hot tubs, sauna, informal restaurant and separate bar.

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    All staterooms have an ocean view, private bathrooms, ample personal storage, desk, safe and 42-inch television. They are available in twin, king double bed or triple-share configuration.

    In addition, you can also choose a balcony stateroom, with full-length window doors that open onto a private balcony. These are available in twin and king double bed configuration, and can be booked as interconnecting rooms if you are in a group who would like more than one room. There are four different types available based on room size, ranging from C, B, A to superior.

    The four junior suites and the captain's suite are the largest rooms. Both room types include a separate lounge area, plus binoculars to keep and a stocked minibar with champagne.

    You can choose any of the double cabins for solo use at a supplement. If you would prefer, we can try to find another solo traveller of the same gender who is willing to share a cabin.

    AE Expeditions is an award-winning, Australian-owned company that has been exploring the world by sea for more than 30 years. 

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