June 22, 2025 – 12 Days in the Beautiful Arctic
- 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.
New Scientist 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 program 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 minimize 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.