Our vessels
Most of our ships carry less than, or just over, 100 passengers. Some carry as few as 50. With so few on board, you can expect the whole experience to be more fl exible and personalised than on larger polar ships. Life on-board is relaxed and informal. You will get to know your fellow passengers and have unlimited access to your polar guides and expedition team. At a more practical level, on a small ship you spend less time waiting to embark or disembark, plus the ship gets you much closer to the action – be it the wildlife or the spectacular scenery.
Why choose a smaller ship? ✓ More shore landings possible: two per day is normal
✓ It’s quick and easy to board the Zodiacs, so you spend more time off the ship exploring the Arctic or Antarctic’s landscapes, and with the wildlife
✓ Ships are more manoeuvrable, getting you nearer to the shoreline ✓ Flexible and informal - no need to follow a strict timetable
✓ Meal times are organised to suit the day’s activities, not the other way round
✓ You’ll receive more personalised service and access to committed, knowledgeable and approachable polar guides
✓ There is a higher ratio of staff to passengers ✓ It’s a good opportunity to meet fellow travellers and make new friends
Life on-board
Life on-board a polar ship is unique, and one you can only truly appreciate by being there yourself…!
A wake-up call starts your day early, usually about 7 am, for breakfast. The schedule of the ship is then largely dictated by the wildlife and your route, but the aim is to make two landings a day. Morning and afternoon Zodiac excursions are ideal, but the captain will ensure the landings are in-tune with the wildlife; if the polar bears aren’t there or the walruses have moved on, you’ll stay on-board and enjoy a lecture on history, geology or wildlife as you continue to travel to the right spot.
During your time on-board, there’s plenty to do. You can spend time on the bridge, talking to the ship’s crew and learning about polar navigation, observe the passing scenery on deck, read in the library (they are stocked with a vast range of books on the polar regions) or, for the more energetic and where this is one, exercise in the gym. Lunch and dinner are served in the dining room, and there’s usually an after-dinner lecture before retiring to your cabin or the bar for a polar night-cap…
Sarah Slocomb travelled on the M/S Expedition. Here are her thoughts on the vessel and polar experience:
“Having travelled on the ship, I can highly recommend it. The cabins are comfortable and spacious; larger than other vessels I’ve been on. The ship has panoramic views from each of the higher decks, meaning that whether you’re attending a lecture in the discovery lounge, enjoying a meal in the dining room or simply relaxing in the polar bear pub, you’re not going to miss out on the spectacular scenery and wildlife-viewing opportunities. My experience was enhanced by the fantastic crew and expedition team on-board; always so knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. I’ll never forget the buzz from everyone on the ship, including the crew, when we saw our fi rst polar bear; it was simply magical.”
or call our experts on 0844 875 1895 9
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