Boasting dramatic snowscapes, magnificent wilderness and incredible wildlife, an Antarctica cruise is the ultimate holiday for adventure-seekers.

The first visitors ventured to the Earth’s southernmost continent almost exactly 100 years ago and the remote region remains to this day a place of wonder and mystery with relatively few inhabitants and visitors.

Overall, the total number of Antarctic visitors in 2017-2018 was 51,707, an increase of 17 per cent compared to the previous season – highlighting how it is increasingly becoming a popular choice for intrepid travellers.

The vast continent can today be explored by land, sea and air, but arguably the best way to discover the region is by cruise ship. With more and more expedition vessels being built every year, cruise lines are going above and beyond to deliver the very best experience.

Australian-based expedition cruise line, Aurora Expeditions, is one such cruise line offering unrivalled voyages to Antarctica.

Sales for Aurora’s polar expeditions were so phenomenal that the cruise line decided to launch a brand-new ice-class expedition ship this year, the Greg Mortimer – which has been purpose-built for the Antarctic region – to meet the ever-increasing demand.

\Greg Mortimer (named after the company’s co-founder) set sail on its first voyage in October, carrying just 126 passengers.

What sets Greg Mortimer apart from other expedition vessels is its unique design, featuring the patented Ulstein X-Bow – an inverted bow concept that enables gentler sea crossings (a blessing for passengers who suffer from seasickness), faster transit speeds and reduced emissions.

When we caught up with Aurora Expeditions’ managing director, Robert Halfpenny, following the launch of Greg Mortimer, he informed us that it had sold out in the first nine months, which is why Aurora is now planning to launch a second ship (due to be delivered in September 2021).

Of course, it is not just Greg Mortimer’s sleek, state-of-the-art design that makes it such a sales success story.

As Halfpenny notes, travellers today want “more authentic, real experiences” and judging from ABTA’s 2020 travel trends report released this month, this is only set to continue, with people increasingly wanting “slow travel” – with holidaymakers choosing to “slow down the tempo” and spend more time in one destination.

And this is exactly what Aurora Expeditions offers with Greg Mortimer – expedition cruising in its purest form.

The cruise line’s newest ship has been kitted out with 15 zodiacs to enable quick transfers to and from the shore. Days are kept action-packed with a variety of unique and exciting shore excursions, from diving and snorkelling to ski touring, climbing and snowshoeing.

One particularly thrilling shore excursion enables passengers to retrace explorer Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps on an alpine-crossing from King Haakon Bay to Stromness in South Georgia. Another activity that has already proven particularly popular is sleeping out on the ice under the stars in a thermal sleeping bag.

Sea days on board the luxury ship are filled with lectures about everything from history and geology to penguin-spotting. A stellar line-up of expedition experts will be on hand to answer passengers’ burning questions, along with renowned head photographer, Scott Portelli.

For those who simply want to enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife on their Antarctica cruise, two hydraulic viewing platforms built into the wings of the ship swing out to provide unobstructed views of penguins, seals, whales, and magnificent icebergs.

The ship has been kitted out with every facility and amenity possible so guests can enjoy their expedition cruise in style, including a large restaurant, two bars/lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, a library and a wellness centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa.

All staterooms have private bathrooms, personal storage options, twin and double-bed configuration options, ample storage, and daily cabin service.

Four of the five stateroom categories boast large floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled observation opportunities, and approximately 80 per cent of the staterooms on board have private balconies.

The best time to visit Antarctica is between November and March, and Aurora Expeditions offers various itineraries during this time, including (among others):

Christmas in Antarctica 2020

This itinerary combines the best of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia in one incredible voyage. Aurora Expeditions offers a 21-day Christmas in Antarctic itinerary, 8-28 December 2020, from £17,255pp based on two people sharing.

Spirit of Antarctica

Greg Mortimer sets sail from Ushuaia, Argentina before heading south to the Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Guests on board will have ample opportunity to spot incredible wildlife such as whales, seals and penguins. The 12-day ‘Spirit of Antarctica’ itinerary, 28 November – 9 December 2020, from £9,520pp based on two people sharing.

To help travel agents make crucial sales, Aurora Expeditions will be launching an online agent portal next year.

The cruise line has also just appointed a new business development manager in London, James Turner, who is responsible for initiating training and sales support with particular emphasis on tour operators, travel agencies and independent travel consultants.

WATCH: Antarctica cruise on board Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer

For more information, visit auroraexpeditions.com.au.