MS Expedition was built in 1972 in Denmark. She was previously a ferry named Alandsfarjan working in the Baltic Sea and was extensively re-fitted in Finland between June 2008 thru to March 2009. With her ice strengthen hull and shallow draft lets her go to more adventurous places.
Follow our journey at http://www.gadventures.com/marine/triplog-login/ where you can find our Daily Expedition Reports and other documents from our voyage. It also maps our itinerary and stops along the way, so you may find this of interest. You will need the following to get in:
Username: antarctica111107
Password: expedition
Some ship facts:
Gross tonnage: 6344 tons
Draft: 4.71m
Length: 105.23m
Breadth: 18.63m
She is powered by 2 B&W U45 10 cylinder engines with 8800kw propelling power
A daily programme containing proposed itineraries, lecture schedules, mealtimes is published and posted around the ship. All announcements including wildlife sightings and the above activities will be relayed over the public address system as well.
While aboard the ship there could be the possibility of heavy seas. They listed foe us some basic safety guidelines for life on the ship:
Always use the handrails provided when moving about the ship-both on deck and inside
Take care on deck, which maybe slippery. Avoid open areas on deck during rough seas
Always keep one hand free for the ship
Move cautiously, ship movements maybe sudden. Never run with the motion of the ship
Wear sensible footwear on board
Never put your hand in an open door frame. Shipboard fire doors are extremely heavy
Swinging doors are a major hazard; close all doors even if it is just your cupboard
Always turn on a light before moving around the cabin
Secure items while unpacking. There are 2 kinds of things on a ship in a storm, things that are on the floor and the things that will end up on the floor. Make sure camera’s and other breakable items are stored low and securely.
All cabins have private facilities, climate control, public address speakers, fire extinguishing systems, an emergency call cord and a window or posthole which both cannot be opened.
The tap water on board is purified and safe to drink. Due to the remote nature of the expeditions, they ask that you help to conserve the water supply.
The voltage on the ship is 220AC with European two pin sockets.
All shipboard charges will be billed to you at the end of the cruise. There is no need to carry cash on board. This includes laundry, the Gift Shop, Bar, Dining room and communication services. All prices are in USD.
Internet is available on the ship but can be quite poor, so the packages are sold on the amount you download rather than the amount of time.
10MB is 20USD
30MB is 50USD
50MB is 75USD
100MB is 100USD
They also offer phone cards and also Ocean Phone cards which are charged at 2USD a minute, which I don’t think is really that bad.
They also offer an onboard texting service to fellow passengers…. More info on this……
ONBOARD FACILITIES
The ship from the top includes:
The Bridge – Deck 6
MS Expeditions officers invite us to visit the Bridge. They have an open policy to the gusts on the ship but there will be times when the bridge will be closed to passengers. This will normally be at times of sensitive navigation leaving port. Please respect this area as it is a work place, speak quietly, keep out of the way of the officers and crew and do not take food and drink to the bridge.
The Gym – Deck 6
The Dining Room – Deck 5 Forward
Because of the nature of expedition cruising, the meal times will be flexible to meet the needs of the day. They ask us to be prompt as we all passengers are served in the same sitting. This is the only place on the ship that you can bring your own wine and have it served for a corkage fee of 10USD.
The Polar Bar – Deck 5 Aft
Open daily for drink purchases, the seating area of the bar is open at all times to enjoy the panoramic view. At night this is also the place to go after dinner and it is here you can also purchase late night snacks.
The Discovery Lounge – Deck 4 Forward
This is where all our lectures are held including information briefings, recap in the evenings and plans for tomorrow. The 24 hour tea and coffee station is also located in the lounge. It is also the muster station for drills and emergencies.
The Gift Shop – Deck 4 (library corridor)
The gift shop is open daily after breakfast, lunch and dinner. The shop stocks souvenirs, postcards, and internet and phone cards MS Expedition clothing and munchies.
The Library – Deck 4
The reference books are not allowed to leave the library, but the novels can be taken away and returned when finished and they are happy to accept any donation of books that have been bought with us to their library.
Reception – Deck 4
This is not manned 24 hours, but there will always be some-one around that can help if required.
IT Room – Deck 4
The IT room has computers for your use and for sending personal text emails from our ship address via satellite. Internet access is also available.
Medical Centre – Deck 4 Aft
MS Expedition is equipped with a small infirmary and a supply of typically required medications and limited equipment. If you have an emergency in your cabin and require immediate attention please call the Bridge by pulling the emergency call cord by your bed. If you have a medical need that is not urgent see reception and they will be able to make an appointment with the Doctor. Consultations will be charged to your account.
The Mud Room – Deck 2 Aft
This is the area where you must leave your boots and zodiac lifejackets for zodiac excursions. It is from here that you will gather to embark onto the zodiacs and where you will return. Please wear your day shoes to this room and put on your rubber boots here. This is also the drying room and a place to wash your boots.
The Sauna – Deck 2
This is for the use of all passengers and is available from 8am till 10pm. Towels are provided in the Sauna
So this is our home for the next 11 nights and she is actually a beautiful ship. Everything looks in good order and she is far better than I had ever expected.
Welcome to the MS Expedition.
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