In the Realm of the Polar Bear

Your Cabin/Suite 

There are a range of cabins and suites available and all feature outside views (window or porthole), full private en-suite bathrooms a writing desk and reading desk. Category 2 cabins measure 15sqm with a porthole, Category 3 cabins measure 15sqm with a window and Category 4 cabins measure 15sqm with a large window. These cabins categories all have twin beds. Category 5 suites measure 30sqm, have multiple windows with a separate living and sleeping area and have a Queen size bed.

Your Space 

Spacious public areas provide panoramic views of the beautiful Arctic landscapes and include the Polar Bear Pub, Discovery Lounge, and a fine dining room serving international cuisine, large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting. There is also a barbecue deck, a top 360° view observation deck and a fitness centre and sauna. Enjoy a casual drink in the Polar Bear Pub with direct access to the back deck, relax with a book in the Lonely Planet Library or with a glass of wine in the Discovery Lounge, spend your days on the observation deck enjoying fantastic scenery and keeping your eyes peeled for passing wildlife. The Expedition Lounge is equipped with state of the art audio visual equipment, including multiple screens and will host the lectures, evening films and pre landing briefings and recaps.

Your Dining 

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is served to your table in the dining room which can accommodate all passengers in one sitting. The Dining Room features large windows so whilst dining you are not missing out on the spectacular scenery. All meals include a vegetarian option and most dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notification. Afternoon tea is also served daily.

Life Onboard 

The expedition team includes experts in marine biology, history and geology with one onboard expert for every 10 guests. Together they provide a vast in-depth knowledge and experience that will enrich your travels in unforgettable ways. A fleet of Zodiacs are used for landings and nature cruises, and an open bridge policy allows interaction with the Captain and navigation crew, further fostering the expeditionary nature of every voyage.

For you comfort

Ship stabilisers ensure a smooth ride in rough waters allowing you to enjoy more of your time at sea and with a focus on security and comfort, the crew of the MS Expedition is committed to the ship’s continued safe operation. The ship has forward-looking sonar which further enhances its adept abilities in navigating the Arctic waters, the ship being designed to Ice Class 1B specifications for service in sea ice. G Adventures’ environmental policies meet and exceed industry regulations and with a keen focus on their guests’ comfort, you will be provided with both a parka jacket and rubber boots for use on board, the jacket being a gift for you to keep as a memento of your expedition.

Ship Directory

Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.

We are delighted you have chosen the MS Expedition for your upcoming voyage. The 134 passenger vessel is large enough to provide stability and speed and yet small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas, making her an ideal vessel for expedition cruising. Completely refurbished in 2009, the atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal with ample public space; relax with a book in the Discovery Lounge or perhaps join new found friends in the Polar Bear Pub to discuss the day’s events and wildlife sightings.

The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft and the Captain, Officers, expedition team and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and expertise. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship. In addition, the expedition team, with their in-depth knowledge and experience, be it marine biology, history or ornithology, are dedicated to offering you the best possible experience during your time on board and ashore.

We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage. 

VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS

Built: 1972 (Denmark)
Refurbished: 2009
Draft: 4.71 metres
Gross Tonnage: 6336 tonnes
Length: 105 metres
Passenger Capacity: 134
Breadth: 18.63 metres
Zodiacs: 10
Staff & Crew: 69
Stabilisers: Fins, Type Brown/AEG
Ice Class: Swedish/Finnish 1B
Cruising Speed: 16 Knots

AIR CONDITIONING

The ship is air conditioned throughout. All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning.

ALARM

An alarm will be sounded in the event of emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of emergency.

ALL ABOARD

Your times for embarkation and disembarkation will be provided by your Expedition Leader.

ALTERATIONS TO THE SCHEDULE

Our planned schedule may be changed at short notice due to weather conditions or technical reasons. Should there be any alterations the Captain or Cruise Director will inform you of any changes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins. Please listen out for these announcements as they will be of importance or interest.

BAR/BEVERAGES

A bar offering soft and alcoholic drinks is available in the Discovery Lounge and Polar Bear Pub. Individually purchased drinks consumed throughout your journey should be settled at the end of your journey.

BRIDGE

Permission to visit the ship’s Bridge may be requested. Please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted, for example, during manoeuvres or bad weather conditions.

CABINS

All cabins include en-suite bathroom facilities and are fitted with a writing desk, 2 twin beds (other than Suites) and a reading chair. The cabins details are as follows:

Category 1 (Triple) Deck 2 – Cabin size 15m2 with porthole window.

Category 2 (Twin) Deck 2 – Cabin size 15m2 with porthole window.

Category 3 (Twin) Deck 3 – Cabin size 15m2 with window.

Category 4 (Twin) Deck 4 – Cabin size 15m2 with large window.

Category 5 (Suite) Deck 5 – Cabin size 30m2 with up to 4 large windows, queen bed, sitting area with sofa and fridge.

COMMUNICATION

The vessel has a satellite internet system on board that allows passengers to send emails whilst on their voyage. Please note that throughout the sailing, signal strength may vary and therefore internet reception cannot always be guaranteed. Prices are available on request.

CURRENCY

The currency on board is US Dollars. Your ship account will be payable at the end of your cruise by cash (in Dollars) or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard and American Express). Please note that debit cards are not accepted.

DAILY PROGRAMME

A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.

DRESS CODE

The dress code on board is informal. We recommend that you bring comfortable, casual clothes that can be layered according to the temperature and that you also bring entirely waterproof outer layers of clothing. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes with rubber soles or other non-slip soles when moving around inside the ship. Please note that you will be provided with a complimentary parka jacket for use during the voyage and to then take home, plus a calf to knee-high pair of rubber boots for use on board the ship and during shore excursions only.

ELECTRICITY

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volts, 50Hz, AC power and outlets take Scandinavian two-prong plugs. We recommend you take a universal adaptor with you.

EMERGENCY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES

Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. There is a Doctor and a Medical Centre on board.

END OF CRUISE DISEMBARKATION

Your Expedition Leader will provide you with detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you should have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Expedition Leader as soon as possible after embarkation.

EXPEDITION LEADER

Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by an experienced Expedition team, to include Naturalists and Zodiac Drivers, who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests.

FIRE SAFETY

On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.

FITNESS ROOM

An exercise area is available for passenger use on deck 6 of the vessel. If you intend to use the gym, please ensure you dress suitably.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities have not been included in your holiday cost and are entirely at your own discretion. As a recommendation we would suggest tipping 10 - 15 US Dollars per passenger per day.

GIFT SHOP

A small shop selling a number of souvenir and practical items is located on deck 4 of the vessel.

HAIRDRESSER

There is no hairdresser on board. Hairdryers are available on request from the ship’s reception.

HOUSEKEEPING

Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.

LAUNDRY

A laundry service is available at additional charge (prices available in your cabin).

LIBRARY

A small selection of books is available for use on board. The library can be located on deck 4 of the vessel.

LIFT

There is no lift on board the vessel.

LOST PROPERTY

Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave items on board the ship we are only able to return them to you at your own cost.

MEALS

The dining room is located on deck 5 of the vessel and seats all passengers at a single sitting. The chef will serve three meals a day; breakfast and lunch are buffet style and dinner will be served. There is a small self-service tea and coffee station located in the ship’s lounge. Dietary requests can be catered for (on request). Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager upon your embarkation.

MEDICAL

The vessel is equipped with a Medical Centre. A Doctor is on call 24-hours a day when at sea. When docked, emergency care may be obtained through local medical facilities. Guests may be charged for medical services and for medications used for their medical treatment. The Medical Centre is not intended or designed to provide ongoing treatment for pre-existing conditions or for extended critical care.

MOSQUITOES

Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions to guard against mosquito bites.

MUD ROOM

A large, heated Mud Room is located on deck 2 of the vessel.

OBSERVATION DECK

An observation deck is available to passengers throughout the sailing. Please note the deck may have to be closed during periods of inclement weather.

PAYMENTS ON BOARD

The official currency on board is the US Dollar. Upon embarkation, an account is opened for each passenger for charging shipboard expenses such as laundry, communication charges, drinks, gift shop, medical services/ medications, etc. Accounts are settled in US Dollars by cash and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) at the end of the cruise.

POST

The vessel’s crew will be happy to send any post you may have on your behalf (although please note that as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself). Please note that neither the ship nor Noble Caledonia can be held responsible for items of post that are not successfully delivered on your behalf.

RECEPTION

Reception is staffed during peak hours. You will always be able to contact a member of the crew 24 hours a day.

SAFE

While no safe is available within your cabin, valuables can be stored without charge in the ship’s reception in a personal safe, for which you will be given a key.

SAFETY

The ship contains the latest in firefighting equipment and fully complies with the strict provisions of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and its 1981, 1983, and 1988 Amendments.

• The ship holds forward-looking sonar which reduces the risk of grounding on uncharted ground. • The vessel is designed to Ice Class 1B specifications for service in sea ice. • The vessel holds four totally covered lifeboats, providing capacity for all passengers and crew, while six life rafts have a capacity of 150 persons. • There are also full immersion cold weather survival suits for all passengers and crew.

All officers are specially trained in emergency procedures, and regular drills are held to instruct the crew in their emergency duties. For passengers, a lifeboat drill is held within 24-hours of embarkation on each voyage. Attendance at this drill is mandatory.

SAUNA

A sauna room is available for passenger use on deck 2 of the vessel.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted in any of the passenger cabins. Smoking is only permitted in the designated area on the back deck, port side, of the Polar Bear Pub. Smokers are asked to use extreme care when smoking on the outer decks and to use the ashtrays provided.

TELEPHONE

A satellite telephone is available for passenger use at additional cost. This can be located on deck 4 of the vessel.

VISITORS

Visitors are not permitted aboard the vessel.

WI-FI

The vessel has a satellite internet system allowing Wi-Fi access in various public spaces. Please note that throughout the sailing, signal strength may vary and therefore internet reception cannot always be guaranteed. Prices are available on request.

ZODIACS

Much of the success we enjoy on our expeditions is due to the proper handling and usage of Zodiac landing craft. These rubber boats, of which there are 10 on board, are ideal for our operations; they have a shallow draft and contain air-filled compartments. Guests will be advised where and when to meet the Zodiac for travel to and from the ship. Please ensure that your hands are free at all times and accept the assistance given by the crew when boarding the Zodiacs. A Zodiac safety briefing will be given.

Please Note:

The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the vessel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the vessel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.

V.1 September 2016

• Deckplan