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A polar bear leaps across ice floes

Franz Josef Land Explorer

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Greg Mortimer
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Experience a rare chance to discover the wondrous islands of Franz Josef Land on the inaugural Franz Josef Land voyage. From Murmansk, cross the Barents Sea to a world few have seen. Enter the Russian Arctic National Park and watch for polar bears, whales, walrus, and seals. Enjoy long tundra walks and geological oddities. Get up close to spectacular bird cliffs and visit fascinating historic huts of explorers like Fridtjof Nansen.
A walrus sunbathes on the iceLittle AuksA walrus floats on the iceA pair of nesting albatrossRemarkable ice formationA polar bear leaps across ice floes
Highlights
  • Photograph unique stone spheres at Champ Island
  • Cruise beneath towering bird cliffs of Cape Flora
  • Visit Nansen's winter camp at Cape Norway
  • Search for rorqual and elusive bowhead whales
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Kirkenes, Norway | Embark

Arrive in Kirkenes, on the northern coast of Norway. Late afternoon sees you warmly welcomed on board the Greg Mortimer.

Day 2: Murmansk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enter Murmansk in Russia for clearance and formalities before crossing the Barents Sea to begin your adventures in Franz Josef Land.

Day 3-4: Barents Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Enjoy onboard lectures from your team of experts. On Day 4 the expedition team may try a landing in the tundra or a Zodiac cruise in front of your first glacier.

Day 5-11: Franz Josef Land

  • Ship
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
From mysterious Bell lsland to majestic Champ Island, you will explore the central-most of the 191 islands in the archipelago. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings including the elusive bowhead whale and the Arctic's top predator, the polar bear. We also discover new landings as we make our west to Prince George Land and Alexandra Land. Cliffs around the islands host massive nesting colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies and kittiwakes. 85% of the archipelago is dominated by gigantic tidewater glaciers and towering icebergs.

Day 12-13: Barents Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
On leaving Franz Josef Land, crossing the Barents Sea is again an opportunity to see whales (possibly the elusive bowhead whale) and large numbers of seabirds.

Day 14: Murmansk

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Back in Murmansk, we may discover the city on a tour while the ship goes through clearance procedures. 

Day 15: Kirkenes | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After an overnight cruise from Murmansk (approx. 12 hours), return to Kirkenes to disembark and bid new friends farewell after breakfast.

Ship/Hotel

Greg Mortimer

Kayak in Antarctica
Greg Mortimer- Comfortable Dining
Greg Mortimer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Greg Mortimer-Aurora StateroomGreg Mortimer-Aurora Stateroom Triple
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Aurora Stateroom Triple
230.34 ft² - 245.41 ft² - 6 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, three single beds, porthole window, desk area and 42" flat-screen TV
Greg Mortimer
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Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
170 ft² - 245.41 ft² - Greg Mortimer features 8 porthole rooms, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
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Balcony Stateroom C
224.97 ft² - 266.95 ft² - 14 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Greg Mortimer-Balcony Stateroom
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Balcony Stateroom B
254.03 ft² - 266.95 f - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Greg Mortimer
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Balcony Stateroom A
259.41 ft² - 301.39 ft² - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Greg Mortimer-Balcony StateroomGreg Mortimer
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Balcony Stateroom Superior
303.54 ft² - 432.70 ft² - With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Greg Mortimer's two Balcony Suites are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Featuring private balconies, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area, these will sell out quickly!
Greg Mortimer
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Junior Suite
The Greg Mortimer's four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage 418.71 ft² - points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Greg Mortimer
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Captain's Suite
478.99 ft² - The largest of all the rooms, the Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner 
  • Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team 
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
  • Waterproof Expedition Jacket
  • Gratuities for crew will automatically be added to your bill. Please advise at the time of settlement if you would like this to be removed.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
  • Optional Sea Kayaking: $1,090

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