MS Expedition

Sturdy at sea and strong in the ice, the 332-ft MS Expedition (formerly the Ocean Adventurer) is a polar expedition vessel built in 1975. She underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998 and a complete refurbishment of her cabin interiors in 2014. Another refurbishment in 2017 upgraded the ship’s technical specs, resulting in fuel efficiency and a minimized carbon footprint. Accommodating up to 128 guests, she is the perfect expedition ship for those looking for soft adventure and comfort.

Located across five decks and ranging in size from 113 to 294 square feet, the cabins come in eight different categories. Most of them are twin-bedded while some of them sleep up to three guests. They are all outward facing, and all include ensuite bathroom facilities, as well as a TV and DVD player.  The three owner’s suites are situated on the Bridge Deck, and the largest has a bathtub.

Life On Board

The social hub of the MS Expedition ship is the main lounge on the Upper Deck, complete with a theater-style auditorium that can accommodate all passengers, serving as the main briefing and lecture hall for presentations, documentaries, movies and slideshows about the destinations being visited for your education and enjoyment.Every evening, the team will recap the events and sightings of the day, providing you with scientific explanations along the way.

There is a 24-hour beverage station in the lounge as well as two bars, one adjacent to the dining room and one in the lounge. Seating in the bar area includes booths, comfortable swivel chairs and barstools. Other facilities include a gym and a staffed medical clinic. You can shop for souvenirs, gifts, or any essentials that you may have forgotten to bring, in the Polar Boutique on Deck 5.

On the Captain’s Deck is an extensive library where you can find polar books, reference and general reading materials in multiple languages covering subjects such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. The library is open 24 hours a day and also includes a selection of games for your entertainment.

The ample outdoor deck space includes a hot tub and an observation deck at the top of the ship, where you can watch for wildlife and enjoy the open ocean. You can also enjoy the breezeway, a semi-enclosed space with excellent views, and be sure to take advantage of the multi-leveled viewing on the bow when the captain opens up this sometimes-off-limits space, while an open bridge policy allows you to observe the operations of the captain and his officers, and learn about sailing and navigation.

MS Expedition’s window-lined dining room on the Upper Deck has unreserved seating so you can sit with and make new friends throughout the voyage, while enjoying delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Tables can accommodate groups of four up to eight. If weather permits, the unique polar dining experience of a barbecue buffet will be served alfresco on the Captain’s Deck. You can have a more private dining experience in the Clipper Club, just off of the main Dining Room.

Activities

An onboard fleet of 14 Mark V Zodiac landing crafts allows everyone on board access to easy exploration and landings anywhere that nature, opportunity or curiosity demands. You will be accompanied by destination experts who have been hand-chosen for their intimate knowledge of each locale.

Kayaks are carried aboard, with special guides present as well for this optional (added-cost) adventure activity. Snowshoes are available on select departures when needed. Walking sticks are provided for shore landings to assist you in navigating rocky, uneven polar terrain. For the more adventurous, a polar plunge is offered when conditions are suitable.

Giving you the opportunity to closely observe thousands of penguins (up to three different species), sea lions and plenty of whales, for many people, including singles, couples and families, a cruise aboard the MS Expedition will be the trip of a lifetime.