As part of an exclusive showcase designed to highlight its small-ship expedition offering ahead of its new Arctic season, G Adventures’ first programme to operate in the northern regions since 2019, I was invited to look around the company’s MS Expedition.
There is no doubt that the company’s Arctic programme relaunch represents a significant moment for the expansion of their expedition portfolio as they offer affordable, adventurous and educational small-ship expeditions for travellers in some of the most remote regions of the world, from Antarctica to Greenland.
She has now been extensively refurbished with new engines, an upgraded common lounge area and refreshed cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Certain cabins are equipped with full-body misting showers or bathtubs and offer a choice of bedroom layouts, be it double, twin, bunk, or other combinations.
All the cabins provide outside-facing ocean views, offering glimpses of some of the most remarkable and remote landscapes on earth. Depending on the cabin type, you view the scenery through either portholes or windows. What you have here is an adventure-ready, well-designed expeditionary ship with spacious public areas and generously sized cabins designed with a vintage feel to keep things cosy but also close to the action.
I use that word “vintage” deliberately, as the bar area has an almost private pub feel to it with its leather seats and dartboard. The Lounge also has a bar with very comfortable seating and a large screen for the evening lectures.
The hallways are wide and feature informative, helpful notices and charts. I have to say I found the food in the spacious dining room to be very good. There’s also a small gym, should you feel the need to burn off the excellent food!
With only 128 passengers on board, embarking and disembarking on her 11 zodiacs is quick and easy. Each voyage features a team of expedition experts who organise activities such as wildlife observation and educational lectures.
If you would like to do your bit for the environment, G Adventures estimates that the refurbished vessel will reduce its per-person, per-day carbon footprint by up to 30% in part due to improved engine efficiency and modernised onboard systems.
All in all, an outstanding addition to G Adventures' already enviable reputation for its land and marine tours.
Full details of the ship’s Arctic trips can be found here: https://www.gadventures.com/destinations/polar-regions/arctic-tours/?sortBy=wwwdepartures_en&destinations=Arctic
If you are passionate about hiking in the wild, check out our Naturalist Journeys page to discover other exciting destinations.
Originally published in Holiday & Cruise Magazine
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Steve Newman
Steve Newman is a former primary school teacher who gave it all up to become a freelance travel writer and photographer. When he’s not exploring the world, reviewing hotels or interviewing fascinating people, he’s birdwatching in the hills and on the beaches of his beloved Northumberland.