GAP Adventures and the M/S Expedition ship

Upon boarding the M/S Expedition, you’ll immediately feel a sense of space. Numbers are restricted to just 120, so as you embark on your polar adventure you'll be able to enjoy both comfort and solitude as you visit some of the most remote destinations on the planet.

Over the duration of one calendar year, the ship travels from Pole to Pole and across the Atlantic. If it’s adventure, extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking scenery that you’re after…a trip on the Expedition may just be for you.

Having made a few bookings for lucky travellers with off to this part of the world, I was invited by GAP Adventures to take a look around the ship, I jumped at the chance to see at first-hand what was on offer…

The ship has been designed specifically for this type of voyage and boasts an array of facilities to enhance your 'once in a lifetime' experience. There is a large 360 degree viewing deck – essential for optimising the spectacular view, and it is amazing at just how much space there is!

A choice of brand new cabins each with ocean-facing window or porthole and private en suite facilities. I thought the cabins were spacious and well laid-out, making maximum use of the available space. Even the 'category 1' cabins were more than adequate and comfortable, clean and bright.

Common areas including a 'Discovery Lounge', 'Mud Room', Library, Polar Bear Pub and Dining Room. The 'Mud Room' is where you can change out of your outdoor clothing and boots. There's even a sauna! This was a huge area allowing plenty of room for everyone. The Polar Bear pub is where everyone meets at the end of the day over a cold beer to exchange stories about the amazing things they have experienced that day.

Gourmet dining – a team of professional chefs prepare your buffet style breakfast and lunch, and sumptuous evening meal. I was provided with a taster of the food served onboard and it was truly delicious! There's no dress code for dining and everyone eats together.

Zodiacs – These sleek and powerful vessels will provide one of the most important elements during your trip - disembarking the ship. You'll want to explore the surrounding areas and get 'up close and personal' with the wildlife, and the zodiacs will take you to your landing sites. They are quiet and allow unobstructed views, ideal for this kind of environment.

The onboard team is made up of naturalists, biologists, anthropologists and historians. Presentations and lectures are given regularly so you'll know what to expect and what to look out for. The staff are always on hand to answer your questions.

My advice would be to choose the Antarctic if it's an abundance of wildlife you desire. There are no land-based predators here so observing whales, seals, and penguins in their thousands is a given. If it's the thrill of seeing a polar bear in its natural habitat, ice covered fjords and spectacular mountain scenery you're after, then head north and discover the awe-inspiring High Arctic.

For help with planning your trip on the M/S Expedition, including arranging your flights, please contact Martin at Travel Nation : martin@travelnation.co.uk / 01273 320 572