Polar Expedition Cruises Aboard the M/S Expedition - G.A.P Adventures

First Antarctic Season A Success

2010-03-25T17:10:00.001-04:00

The MS Expedition has just finished an incredible first season in the Antarctic. With the ship full to capacity, an outstanding Crew led by Capt. Nicolai, and a stellar Expedition team led by Christopher Gilbert, it is no surprise that the passenger feedback and comments were phenomenal:

'The best vacation of my life'
'I wish we could start all over again'
'I hate to go home'
'There was so much wildlife it was hard to keep the 5M rule'
'I was moved to tears - it rivaled only the birth of my son'

Watching pods of whales play off the bow, giant Albatross fly over it, scores of penguins come up close to investigate, and fur seals cross your path without a second thought, it makes you want to start all over again from day one. Even the dreaded 'Drake Passage' couldn't put a damper on the experience. Words cannot begin to describe what it was like, being a part of something so much bigger then yourself! We, here onboard, feel grateful just to have been a small part of it.

Now we are underway, heading north, towards a new destination and looking forward to our next group of passengers. Hope to see you onboard soon!

A Fresh New Look

2009-03-23T17:27:00.002-04:00

As months of work on the M/S Expedition become weeks and days we are now putting together some of the final touches. The ship is a frenzy of activity with over a hundred workers onboard every day feverishly working on everything from cabins to the electrics to engine and even giving her a nice fresh coat of paint. The reality that we were almost ready hit home today as I watched them begin to ingrave the name of the ship onto the hull. I have a picture of that for you soon.

Zodiacs: There is no better way to get around

2009-03-12T18:25:00.003-04:00

Zodiacs: There is no better way to get around

The most exciting part of any expedition cruise is actually when you get off the ship. Cruise ships use different types of tenders, or landing craft, or RIB boats to transport passengers to and from the ship to land. Some of these tenders are massive holding over a hundred passengers and are enclosed, blocking all views of the surrounding areas. Over the years we have fallen in love with Mark V Zodiacs. They are strong, fast and durable. Perfect for shuttling passengers to and from a landing site anywhere on the globe. We use 4 stroke engines that are not only much better for the environment than 2 stroke engines but are also significantly quieter. This makes zodiacs the perfect viewing platform for watching polar bears or leopard seals.

We will have 12 operational zodiacs onboard making it possible to do a zodiac cruise with all passengers off the ship at the same time. These zodiac cruises will take place in amazing spots like Iceberg alley in Antarctica or the bird cliffs of Alkhornet in Spitsbergen.

Definitely the best way to see the wildlife while not disturbing them.

Bridge in Sunshine

2009-03-03T18:16:00.003-05:00

Somedays in Rauma you do get some sunshine. Today was a beauty.

Building Cabins

2009-02-26T17:35:00.002-05:00

Installing brand new cabins is no easy task. Months of work have gone into the installation process. It all starts with bringing in the wet units (bathrooms). All have to be lifted off the pier by crane and then loaded in through the stern doors as you can see in the first picture. They are then moved into position and secured into place. Then the flurry of activity occurs with pipes being installed, all the wiring done, everything has to be insulated and a multitude of other tasks. Then only can you start thinking about installing the wall panels. Dont forget cutting in port hotels and windows to make sure that everyone onboard will be able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise with Antarctic mountains in the background. We then get to the point when the walls are up and window panel is cut as in the third picture, all is needed is furniture. Hope you are looking forward to seeing them finished, I know I am. Now we wait for all of the dirty work to be finished so the beds, chairs, wardrobes, tables, curtains, lighting and everything else we need to make your expedition more comfortable can be installed.

Expedition Update: Front Deck Viewing Area

2009-02-12T13:18:00.004-05:00

Winter in Finland is not surprisingly a lot like it is in Canada. With the exception being that I find myself living onboard the M/S Expedition. Looking out over the bow you can see the sea ice coming into the harbor in Finland.

Taken from the bridge the picture below shows the front deck of the ship. We have added the red railing that will soon be painted white along our two tiered viewing platform. This will be great when sailing through the Lemaire Channel in Antarctica or sailing in the sea ice in Spitsbergen. But the best experience of all is when whales are playing in the front of the bow. This platform allows people to stand right on the edge and others above to give as many people possible the best view. Our goal is to have many open deck areas for wildlife and scenery viewing. Our top deck will be open as a viewing area as well as the large back deck so all of our passengers can enjoy the fresh air.

Coming soon onsite blogging

2009-02-10T17:15:00.004-05:00

This week is going to be exciting in the world of the Expedition Blog. I am currently at the airport on my way to Finland to spend a couple of weeks onboard the Expedition. It is going to be quite exciting as this was one of the last pictures I have received of her about 2 weeks ago. Not only is she way further in her development apparently the whole place is covered in snow and the sea is covered in ice. The development is coming on well according to our contractors and the yard but I am keen to see for my own eyes how she is taking shape.

Hope to show you some pictures of the coming cabins, some of the workers and some updates on the developments onboard.

Keep your eye on this space as it should be heating up, well that's probably the only way I can keep warm.

Finland here I come!

Expedition Logo Unveiled

2009-02-10T17:11:00.003-05:00

Well there it is the new M/S Expedition Logo.
After months and I mean months 7 different designs, 5 different designers and finally me getting to the point of frustration it has been completed and ready to go. I could not be more psyched! We will be selling Expedition branded gear and other goodies onboard during the cruises.

In a variety of colors and styles I think it will look great. Love to hear comments or feedback opsmarine@gap.ca

We also have the simple design:

Update: M/S Expedition's Common Areas

2009-01-27T11:06:00.012-05:00

While our construction team is hard at work onboard the ship getting everything put together we have come up with design pictures of the common areas so we can get a sense of what she will look like on completion.

One of the major pluses of the Expedition is the large amount of space onboard for our passengers. Both the dinning room and the Expedition Lounge can seat all passengers and staff comfortably and smaller more intimate areas such as our library and the Polar Bear Pub allow for a some quite time or a smaller gathering.

Expedition Lounge

The Expedition Lounge can accommodate all passengers onboard at one time. This multi use room will be the main gathering point for all briefings, recaps and lectures. The room has brand new AV facilities including wireless audio and 3 screens that presentations can be viewed from. In the evenings the room will host movies or live entertainment or be a quiet place to have a drink and take in the scenery through the panorama windows.

Library

The Library is separated from the lounge by glass doors. This room is for quiet reading and will be stocked mostly with books based on the destinations that we are traveling to. There will be a number of games and novels here too for people to use while onboard. The room is located next door the the computer room that will have 3 machines for passengers to use for email.

Polar Bear Pub

Located in the aft and connected to the back deck, the Polar Bear Pub is our informal meeting area for passengers to enjoy a beverage or a snack while out on the back deck soaking in the scenery.

Dining Room

Our Dinning Room can accommodate all passengers and staff and will be where all meals are served. Surrounded by windows passengers will not miss a thing as they dine on international cuisine.

Azores Islands: Volcanoes & Wildlife

2009-01-22T22:09:00.004-05:00

The maiden voyage of the M/S Expedition take place in the remote and tranquil Portuguese islands of the Azores.

The Azores are Europe’s best-kept secret: tranquil, verdant, diverse, beautiful and always welcoming. Even the most experienced traveller will be touched by the sapphire blue and emerald green lakes, fertile prairies, volcanic cones and craters, colorful flora, wildlife and UNESCO world heritage sites. The nine islands of the Azores enjoy year round mild temperatures and is peaceful with a population of 250, 000 inhabitants, for whom the words “stress” and “pollution” are not part of their vocabulary.

We will explore remote bird colonies by zodiac, take tours of the ancient cites and marvel at the geological phenomenon of these volcanic islands. Since they were first settled in the 15th century, each island has developed at a different speed, depending upon the quality of its harbour, terrain, crops, and its distance from the others. Today this is reflected in their diversity, each island offering its own individual character that makes the Azores such a varied entity.

Our expedition team is made up of a great variety of minds to give you a broad perspective of these islands their history, geology and wildlife. We are excited to have 2 local guides onboard with us for these trips to speak on the day to day life that the people lead in these islands.

This trip is ideal for those who enjoy dramatic scenery, stunning landscapes, volcanic cones and craters, love of wildlife, with a chance to spot whales and variety of birdlife.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Expedition Crew

2008-12-29T13:49:00.002-05:00

The Holidays in Finland

2008-12-23T14:16:00.003-05:00

As the yard quiets down over the holidays it looks like the M/S Expedition and her crew will be having a White Christmas. It is very interesting to look at how differently different nationalities celebrate the Holiday season.
Generally there are many similarities here is some insight into some typical Finish traditions, how close or different are they to yours?

In Finland they setup the tree on Christmas Eve, decorating it with fruits, candies, cotton and tinsel.

The Christmas festivities are preceded by a visit to the famous steam baths, after which everyone dressed in clean clothes in preparation for the Christmas dinner, which is served at 5-7 in the evening.

Christmas gifts may be given out before or after the dinner. The children do not hang up stockings, but Santa Claus comes in person, often accompanied by as many as half a dozen Christmas elves to distribute the presents.

The main dish of the dinner is boiled codfish served snowy white and fluffy, with allspice, boiled potatoes, and cream sauce. The dried cod has been soaked for a week in a lye solution, then in clear water to soften it to the right texture. Also on the menu is roast suckling pig or a roasted fresh ham, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.

Moving to a New Location

2008-12-23T14:08:00.006-05:00

The M/S Expedition moved locations this week, not to far just 2 docks over. She left her location early about 7:00am and took about a hour before she was settled in her new in the yard. The move was to allow a larger ship into the ship yard as well as allowing the Expedition better access to the electrical connection and she is now in a better location to receive all of the new parts and cabins that will be installed in the next few weeks.

From Pole to Pole Onboard the M/S Expedition

2008-12-10T11:30:00.011-05:00

Welcome to the M/S Expedition blog. Over the coming months this space will be updated regularly covering everything to do with G.A.P Adventures new ship the M/S Expedition. We will discuss the massive retro fit process that is going on at the moment, we will discover and look deeper into the destinations that the ship will travel too and I will answer questions and give detailed insight into what it is like to take an expedition trip onboard a G.A.P Adventures expedition cruise ship.

In early June, G.A.P Adventures announced the purchase of a new ice class ship to replace the famous M/S Explorer. While the Explorer can never be replaced we have taken this opportunity to rebuild a ship to make it more comfortable for our passengers and more efficient in the zodiac and technical operations. This multi-million dollar renovation is taking place in Rauma, Finland. The Finnish are some of the premiere ship builders in the world and build new ships there very often for some of the largest cruise lines in the world.

The ship will be there for the entire renovation process departing in late March to head down to the Azores for her maiden voyage. We have put together an exciting and diverse set of itineraries onboard the M/S Expedition taking our passengers to some of the most remote and least visited destinations on the planet. We will explore each of these trips in greater detail over the next few months and we will have live updates from our staff working onboard the ship during the voyages.

The upcoming itinerary of the M/S Expedition is as follows:

Explore the Azores 10 Days

Located slap bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean this Portuguese outpost is filled with unique and in habituated wildlife. Including large numbers of endemic sea birds, large pods of dolphins and I have been told it is sperm whale central. Eight of the nine islands are volcanic with massive volcanic lakes and other geologic phenomenon rarely seen The islands were colonized in 1439 and served as a battle ground for pirates fighting against the king. There are 2 UNESCO heritage sites including the Town of Angra do Heroismo, the 400-year-old San Sebastião and San João Baptista fortifications are unique examples of military architecture and the island of Pico with its unique vineyards and local wine.

Departures: April 8th to April 17th, 2009 and April 17th to April 26th, 2009

United Kingdom - Britain, Ireland and Scotland May 2009

Britain & Ireland in Bloom 13 Days

Cruising along the the coast of Britain and Ireland exploring some of the remote islands and shorelines of the United Kingdom. This is a trip of exploration to visit local communities and geological and natural phenomenon around the coast. We will visit the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO Heritage site a massive area of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns the highest being 12 meters. A trip to Ireland is not complete without a visit to a whiskey distillery as well as soaking in some local culture and history.

Departure: May 1st to May 13th

Wild Scotland 13 Days

One of the last real wildernesses, the peaceful and uninhabited Hebridean and Northern Isles are an undiscovered world of deserted white beaches, lofty and craggy cliffs bristling with birdlife. A profusion of wildflowers cover the landscape, clinging to cliffs, sprouting from the sand and covering the meadows.

Departure: May 13th to May 25th, 2009

Norway and the Arctic May through September 2009

Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears 15 Days

Starting in the ancient town of Edinburgh we cruise up magnificent coast of the Noway to the Arctic sanctuary, Spitsbergen (Svalbard). This expedition explores some of the worlds most picturesque fjord systems carved out by glaciers millions of years ago. We will visit the ancient monuments of the Orkneys and the Shetland Islands making our way north the days get longers as we visit historic towns and cities on the Norwegian Coast. A voyage filled with maritime and viking history, magnificent scenery and as we arrive into Svalbard wildlife like no other.

Departure: May 25th to June 8th, 2009

Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise - The Realm of the Polar Bear 9 Days

Spitsbergen, or Svalbard as it is known in Norway, is still a relatively unknown archipelago of islands that offer travelers an opportunity to experience the best the Arctic has to offer!! While navigating through pack ice we can expect encounters with polar bears and the prey that they stalk; the bearded, ringed and harp seals.

We round out our days in the ice by going ashore to view the lugubrious walrus, the unique subspecies of reindeer found only here and the more than 160 species of flowering plants that paint the tundra in purple, red, pink, yellow and white. Vociferous seabirds - little auks, guillemots, black legged kittiwakes, northern fulmars gather to breed in massive colonies at the edge of these productive marine waters. Breathtaking mountain and glacial scenery provide the backdrop to your daily encounters in this Arctic wonderland of natural and cultural history.

Departures: Mondays Starting June 8th to August 31st, 2009

Arctic Highlights - Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland 14 Days

Sailing from Spitsbergen to Greenland, follow the ice's edge always on the lookout for wildlife. Navigating south, explore this remote landscape not only by ship but also on foot and by zodiac. This journey highlights the contrast and change in the Arctic as you move south finally ending in the "land of fire and ice" Iceland. Inuit villages, unique wildlife and remote destinations are some of the highlights on this truly unforgettable voyage through the Arctic.

Departure: September 8th to September 21st, 2009

Antarctica

Beginning on October 31st, 2009 we begin our Antarctic program.

Antarctica is a continent unlike any other, removed, remote and mysterious. We offer 4 different cruise itineraries that focus on the last continent. The tip is a true expedition without a set itinerary we take into account the local conditions and weather systems to offer our passengers as much time as possible in the ice, with the penguins and visiting scientific research stations.

Grand Voyage to Antarctica 24 Days

Our most extensive voyage to the sub Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia and past Elephant Islands towards the peninsula takes place in November. This allows for amazing light conditions as the sun is still low in the sky and the opportunity to view male elephant seals during their courtship period are two very unique opportunities you will have on this voyage. With extended periods and 2 landings a day this expedition is with out a doubt the best and most economical way to spend the most time possible in these remote and breathtaking destinations.

Departure: October 31st to November 23rd, 2009

Antarctica Classic 11 Days

Our most popular Antarctic itinerary starts and ends with the once in a lifetime experience that is the Drake Passage while enjoying lectures and soaring albatross. With at least 4 full days down in the peninsula see adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Fur, elephant, weddel and leopard seals as we navigate through the waters of the world's most southerly continent.

Departures: November 2009 through March 2010

Spirit of Shackleton 20 Days

Tracing the backwards the path of Sir Ernest Shackleton's infomous voyage we visit his grave in the restored whaling station of Grytviken in South Georgia. Taking place in the middle of the season we will encounter hundreds of thousands of King Penguins with their chicks. Finally spending the last few days exploring the South Shetland Islands and the peninsula. We hope to take an Antarctic plunge in the caldera of Deception Island.

Departures: December 2009 and January 2010

Beyond the Antarctic Circle 13 Days

This 13 day voyage allows for some extra time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and we will attempt to pass the Antarctic circle. Having more time doing landings give more opportunity to enjoy the wildlife and the once in a lifetime experience.

Departure: March 2010