By: Torben Lonne
The MS Expedition guarantees voyages in comfort and style, and unlike most expedition cruise operators that promise space comfort and professionalism and fail to deliver, the Expedition provides these and more at an affordable price.
An ideal choice for guests going on a cruise to the Arctic and Antarctic region, the MS Expedition guarantees a beautiful and fun-filled adventure.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several people commended the staff on their due diligence in ensuring the cabins were clean and the the whole liveaboard spotless. -
Some people noted that the crew were friendly and vary helpful when asked questions about the doings of the boat.
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The divers said the briefings were done well and every concern was covered.
Things we don't like:
Some divers said that the water on the dives wasn't clear at some locations.- Some people noted that the food lacked variety.
Some divers said that the water on the dives wasn't clear at some locations.Where to book:
Where to book:
Diving on the MS Expedition in the Arctic
Owned and operated by Canada-based travel company G Adventures, the Expedition Cruise Ship is one of the fastest expedition ships plying the waters of the Arctic, Antarctic region. MS Expedition was built in 1972 as a CRO-PAX vessel under the name “MS Kattegat” before it was converted to a cruise ship in 2008 with the name changed. MS Expedition’s hull is ice-strengthened and ice-classed 1B. Only two higher ice classes exist- (1A Super and 1A).
With a maximum of 134 guests in 59 cabins, the 345feet/meter MS Expedition offers an intimate cruising experience. Renovated in 2009, the vessel has large decks that offer panoramic views of the unique landscape of some of the earth’s remote regions. The cabins are spacious with en-suite bathrooms. The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets with European two-pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only although an international adapter may be required.
There are six different categories spread across the five decks, ensuring they fall within the budgets of prospective passengers.
Boat features
Unlike most expedition ships where public places are small, there are lots of large open areas on the MS Expedition, with all public spaces offering fantastic views that can be enjoyed by guests during sea crossings and in-between land excursions. A raised observation platform provides passengers with a vantage point from which they can see unique wildlife. The large aft deck also offers additional viewing options and can host barbecues on a sunny day.
Passengers can also relax and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the lounge, the pub and the dining area without being cut off from the remarkable environment. The MS Expedition has a lonely planet library stocked with a variety of books, newspapers, and guidebooks. Passengers can relax in the Discovery lounge, which also doubles as a briefing room. The Polar Pear Pub, with its wide selection of beverages, is an excellent spot for passengers to unwind and reflect. The boat also features a gym with state-of-the-art equipment along with a soothing sauna. Other places of note on the MS Expedition include the heated mudroom, a gift shop, a medical clinic and a computer room with internet.
Meals are prepared by the boat’s professional chef and served in the Albatross Dining Room. A variety of gourmet international cuisines is prepared and served three times daily to guests. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Breakfast and lunch are a buffet, while dinner is served plated. Coffee, tea, and water are all provided free of charge, with exceptional afternoon tea service and snacks and coffee sourced from a partnership with MI Cafecito.
With the safety of guests a priority as in most expedition ships, the MS Expedition is equipped with new and regularly serviced lifeboats and life-rafts. Its four partially enclosed lifeboats provide capacity for all passengers and crew. Also, she has full cold-weather immersion suits for all. Other safety equipment includes first aid kits, oxygen, life vests, bilge pump alarm, emergency flares, E.P.I.R.B. Distress System amidst others.
Best time to go
The best time to go on an expedition trip aboard the MS Expedition is between the summer months of June and September.
Itinerary
The MS Expedition runs an itinerary ranging from 8days/7nights to 22days/21nights during the Arctic season. The trip usually includes three land tour types. The first begins in Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, travels through Orkneys, along the Norwegian coast and ends at Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen.
Expedition’s following tours circumnavigate Svalbard Island, starting and finishing at Longyearbyen. Season’s final tour travels to Greenland from Longyearbyen and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Antarctic cruise tours on MS Expedition offer itineraries starting from Montevideo, Uruguay or Ushuaia, Argentina. Cruises include crossing the Drake Passage and traveling along the Antarctic Peninsula. The itineraries visit the South Shetland Islands, Falkland Islands, Weddell Sea, and South Georgia Island.
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