Building Cabins

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

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

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

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: