Speaking to TTG in London, Michael Woods, brand marketing manager for the Australian company, said he was excited for the UK’s potential.
Craig Upshall starts in April as sales director UK and Europe, from a 20-year background with Rocky Mountaineer, Royal Caribbean, Island Cruises and American Airlines.
“This is the very first time we will have someone permanently based here and while Aurora is currently only on-sale with limited operators here, we see Craig as being able to drive that forward for us,” said Woods. “We think that the UK could provide as much as 16% of our customers for the Antarctic for example; at the moment we get 7% from Europe overall. Australia is our major source market, making up 90% of passengers.”
To be named the Greg Mortimer – after the company’s founder, who was also the first Australian to summit Everest without oxygen – Aurora’s second vessel will herald several firsts in the world of expedition cruising.
It will be the first leisure expedition ship to use the patented Ulstein X-Bow technology, which operates with an inverted bow making it much more stable and less subject to vertical motions induced by waves.
This will be particularly relevant for crossing the notorious Drake’s Passage across to Antarctica, which will also be shortened on the new ship.
As well as improving the comfort of the crossing, the new technology also allows for a reduction in fuel consumption and air emissions. Virtual anchoring and satellite geo-positioning will also mean the ship can remain stationary while anchorless, leaving the delicate sea floor undisturbed.
The 104-metre ship will also feature a 360-degree open viewing deck and indoor passenger lounge with panoramic windows with unobstructed 180-degree views.
The Greg Mortimer will also offer the first-ever hydraulic side viewing platforms, which will mean passengers can see wildlife at much closer range.
The ship will have a sea-level activity platform at the stern too, where there will be four rear exit points from a dedicated ‘Mud Room’ for guests’ outdoor clothes and equipment, as well as quick access to 15 Zodiacs for excursions.
“Not only will this ship adhere to our high environmental standards, it will make for a much smoother journey all-round, and give our guests a much more connected experience,” said Woods.
