Arctic and Antarctic Cruises on the M/S Expedition

Continuing our tradition of ground-breaking polar expedition travel, we are proud to announce that we have acquired a new ship - the M/S Expedition! She will be taking G Adventures travellers to the destinations that have inspired bold explorers for centuries. Join her as she travels in a yearly cycle from the icy realm of the Penguins - the great white continent of Antarctica, to the remote islands of the North Atlantic and finally to the land of the Polar Bears - the Arctic.

At a nimble 105 metres (345 ft) in length, with a capacity to hold 120 guests, the M/S Expedition is an ideal vessel to ply polar waters. We will be investing $15,000,000 in refurbishment and retrofit to ensure that the ship is suited for our style of expedition travel. With a focus on top of the line safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, we will be transforming the M/S Expedition into one of the world's leading polar expedition cruise ships.

The M/S Expedition's Current Location

How can you prepare yourself?

Every evening, usually before dinner, the Expedition Leader will give you a briefing on the plan for the next day. This will include details about where we are planning to visit, who or what we will be likely to see and how to prepare for the elements. The areas that we visit are generally remote and wild and it is important to remain flexible as everything we do is dependent on the local conditions.

What happens on an excursion?

There really are no hard or fast rules about excursions!! But, generally, you'll get on the Zodiacs and go on shore to see a particular point of interest. You could be on shore for an afternoon (such as at the fasinating ex-whaling station at Grytviken on South Georgia Island), or spend a couple of hours wat the vast, remote bird colony (such as the black-browed albatross colony at Steeple Jason in the Faulklands), or even a Zodiac cruise in and around grounded icebergs (in Iceberg Alley off the Antarctic Peninsula). On trips to inhabited areas (such as Norway or the Azores), you will probably discover the town on a guided tour, then have free time to stretch your legs and explore on your own.

What should I bring on an excursion?

Your Expedition Leader will let you know if you need any special gear (and the dossier provides a great packing list) but here are a few extra things that are handy:

• Binoculars - Some of the most unique wildlife are some of the most reclusive, so a good pair of binoculars is essential.
• A waterproof Daypack or a dry bag - Sometimes you can keep your bag dry on the Zodiac rides, but there are no guarantees!
• Memory Cards and batteries - Chances are you are only going to be there once and you will take more pictures than you can imagine.
• Zip lock bags - These are lifesavers to keep your camera gear dry when the elements pick up.
• Fingerless gloves - These are handy to have inside your mittens, so that you can take pictures even when it's cold outside.
• Sunglasses - The reflection from the sun on the snow or the water can be pretty bright!