G Adventures has relaunched its former Ocean Adventurer (under charter from SunStone Ships Inc) to operate as MS Expedition for the upcoming Antarctica season. The ship will replace the existing vessel known simply as Expedition, bringing upgraded performance and sustainability to the company’s polar offerings.
The 1975-built ship, previously operated under several names, has been adapted to meet G Adventures’ standards for small-ship expedition travel. Technical upgrades include new engines, refurbishments in living and public spaces, and enhancements to stabilisers. The ship has ice class 1A certification, enabling operation in polar waters.
The capacity of Ocean Adventurer under the new charter is approximately 128 guests, accommodated in 70 cabins.
The ship carries 11 Zodiac boats/deployable watercraft to support two daily excursions. Each voyage is attended by a team of expedition experts, with organized activities like lectures and wildlife-watching.
G Adventures itineraries include departures from Montevideo, visiting popular island destinations like the UK's Falkland Islands and South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula, concluding in Ushuaia, Argentina.
G Adventures estimates that the switch to this refurbished vessel will reduce its per-person, per-day carbon footprint by up to 30% compared to its previous vessel, in part due to improved engine efficiency and modernized onboard systems.