Expedition Cruising With G Adventures

In 2009, G Adventures acquired an ice-strengthened Danish ferry built in 1972, renaming it G Expedition and renovating and modifying it to meet the needs of the expedition cruise market.

The 134-passenger vessel is equipped with an elevated viewing platform set in a prime spot overlooking the bow, and a “mudroom” that serves as the embarkation point for Zodiac tours and the spot where each passenger is allocated a space to leave outdoor boots and wet weather gear. G Expedition also houses the Albatross dining room, the Discovery Lounge, the cozy Polar Bear Bar, the well-stocked Penguin Library, a gym, a sauna and a computer room.

It sails on Antarctica, Arctic and Norway itineraries (among others), including the seven-night “Realm of the Polar Bear” cruise, roundtrip from Longyearbyen. G Adventures is a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, and its itineraries place a significant emphasis on sustainable and ethical tourism.

Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations: The vessel’s four suites have panoramic windows and fancier bathrooms than the more common accommodations. Measuring 323 square feet, the suites include a generously sized living area with a sofa, chair and coffee table.

All cabins, which feature twin, triple and quad configurations, are outside with portholes or windows. The 55 standard cabins measure 161 square feet. They are comfortable and equipped with plenty of storage space, and bathrooms with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, soap and hand sanitizer.

What's Included: Fares cover meals, snacks, daily Zodiac or shore excursion (weather permitting), and free tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Passengers can refill the complimentary water bottles they receive during embarkation at stations throughout the vessel.

They are also provided with thermal boots for the duration of the sailing. Guests on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions receive high-performance parkas.

What's for Dinner? The Albatross dining room offers buffet breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dining in the evening—with the exception of Norwegian buffets or barbecues on the sun deck when the weather permits. Menus offer a good choice of regional and international fare.

Your clients can expect plenty of hearty, filling dishes to fuel their outdoor adventures. Cookies and fruit are always available in the lounge, and there’s an afternoon tea with sandwiches and home-baked cakes.

Best Entertainment: Evening entertainment is low-key and includes such activities as light-hearted quizzes, along with performances by a professional singer and talented crew band.

The stars of the show, however, are the members of the expedition team, who are all experts in their respective fields and host insightful, illustrated talks on wildlife, history, geology, climate change and other topics.

There’s also a resident photographer who shares tips and helps passengers—both keen photographers and amateurs alike—to capture the best memories of their trip.

Favorite Excursion: An excursion to Nordaustlandet, the second-largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, will provide your clients with the chance to see hundreds of walruses basking in large numbers on the beach. They sometimes swim up to Zodiacs, providing fantastic close-up views of their tusks and trademark whiskers.

Best Onboard Spot for a Cocktail: A pair of easy chairs overlooking panoramic windows can be found tucked away on either side of the ship, just outside the entrance to the Polar Bear Bar.

Who Goes on This Ship? The guest complement is mainly adventurous North American, Australian and British passengers in the 55-plus-age range, along with a sprinkling of families with children 12 and older.

Insider Booking Tip: The pair of suites situated aft on Deck 4 provide more private and quieter accommodations than the other two suites that open right onto the reception area on the same deck.

It’s a good idea to recommend that clients bring eye masks, as the drapes in accommodations don’t completely obscure the light during long northern days when the sun barely sets.

Key Selling Points: With 55 crew and 14 expedition team members who mingle and dine with a maximum of 134 passengers, G Expedition provides high levels of service and in-depth insight into the destinations visited. Sailings are guaranteed and a “lifetime deposit” enables passengers to cancel or delay trips and use the credit against future bookings or transfer it to a family member or friend.

Agent Assistance: G Adventures regularly hosts webinars and agents can source educational materials at sherpa.gadventures.com. The G-Normous incentive program offers prizes of up to $100,000, increased commissions and client discounts.