It's All Above Board for Gap Adventures

Whilst the imminent heavy fuel ban will take the wind out of the sails of many larger cruise ships, Gap Adventures’ owned and operated vessel the M/S Expedition will continue to cruise the Antarctic waters.

A ban on the use of heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic becomes law on August 1, meaning larger liners will no longer be able to ply the waters, leaving the seas and breathtaking scenery to smaller ships like the Expedition and its travellers.

Large ships that offer cruise-only trips, carry heavy fuel and more than 500 passengers will no longer be able to sail in Antarctica’s waters. However, Gap Adventures’ ship uses marine fuel instead of heavy diesel and its zodiacs have 4-stroke engines rather than 2-stroke, which create fewer emissions and noise that could disturb wildlife.

Not only is the recently-renovated Expedition committed to responsible environmental practices, it also boasts one of the largest average cabin sizes in her class and several spacious public areas, providing an exceptionally safe and comfortable expedition experience for all her guests. Alongside a highly experienced crew, there is an impressive ratio of one expert expedition team member for every 10 guests.

The world’s largest independently-owned adventure travel company, Gap Adventures launched camping and kayaking in its 2010/2011 Antarctic itineraries, enabling holidaymakers to encounter the intimacy and power of the polar regions in ways few have experienced before.

John Warner, Vice President of Global Sales for Gap, explains: "We are seeing a surge in the Expedition’s forward booking numbers for the Antarctic Season. There is no doubt the limited number of permitted ships, coupled with continued demand from travellers seeking the ultimate adventure cruise, will drive travellers to our ship.”

Take a look at two of Gap Adventures’ Antarctic tours:

Antarctica Classic in Depth; price, was £4,619, now £3,969pp; Duration: 13 days; Departure date: Nov 7. Price includes 11 nights on board M/S Expedition, 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast in Ushuaia, all meals on ship, Zodiac excursions with expedition team, lecture and educational programme, waterproof boots, Antarctica destination guide book and Canada Goose expedition jacket for guests who pay for a Category 5 suite.

Spirit of Shackleton; Price, £7409pp; Duration: 20 days; Departure date: Jan 11, 2012.

For more info, visit http://www.gapadventures.co.uk/ or the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Great Arctic Early Booking Deal!

By guest blogger Steve Newman

If it’s your dream to see polar bears, walrus, reindeer and whales in their natural habitat, then look no further than Gap Adventures M/S Expedition. Gap Adventures is offering an early booking bonus of 25% off expeditions to Norway and Spitsbergen in May, June and July 2011.

Terms & Conditions: Promo code is ArcticEBB. Discount is 25% off Arctic expeditions for 2011. Excludes Arctic Highlights (XVAHNX) tour. Valid for new bookings only in a category 2 and higher cabin only. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount. Does not apply to air fare, hotels, transfers or other in-country services or on-board ship charges.

The offer is available until January 31.

Realm of the Polar Bear is just one of the amazing deals Gap Adventures has on offer for travellers.

Now: £2339 pp (was £3119 – save 25%) Departs: July 10.

Highlights: Svalbard Islands and Longyearbyen, Isfjorden, whales, Spitsbergen, Hinlopen Strait, polar bears, incredible scenery, Arctic swimming, Ny-Ålesund, birdlife and glaciers.

Enjoy an eight day trip from just £2339 per person. Price includes seven nights aboard the M/S Expedition, all meals onboard, Zodiac excursions with expert expedition team, lecture and educational programmes, Longyearbyen airport transfers depending on passengers flight details, live evening entertainment, waterproof boots supplied and Arctic destination guide.

For full details, visit: http://www.gapadventures.com/. For more great ideas on adventure cruising and the Arctic North, look up the Adventure Cruise Collection.

Take a GAP Year.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Expedition cruising is on the up. It's not just the fascination of going to wild and inspirational wildernesses or the risk element involved of visiting some of the most remote places on the planet but more the hopping into zodiacs and skimming across the waves to become part of the local environment.

Sure, you can get the warm, centrally-heated cabin and watch the penguins swim by from your armchair whilst sipping from your gin and tonic, but just an hour ago you were getting sea spray in your face and the cold Antarctic wind was finding every gap in your warm weather clothing.

Gap Adventures takes 153 hardy explorers on the M/S Expedition with 53 crew members and most of the accoutrements one would expect from the modern cruise ship. Like the Arctic Tern, the ship travels in a yearly cycle from the Antarctic to the Arctic with an emphasis on comfort and the high demands of polar travel.

A lavish dining room with spectacular views is complemented by a panoramic viewing observation deck. On a typical nine-day trip, naturalists, biologists and other specialists are on hand to give you lectures, and each day is preceded the night before with a detailed briefing of what you can expect to see and do.

On her way to the poles, the ship stops at Central and South American locations and the company now visits other remote areas of the globe. So, if you fancy getting up close to polar bears in Spitsbergen (not too close mind), wading through the sands in Morocco or merely slogging your way through the jungles of Costa Rica, why not give it a try?

Have a look at http://www.gapadventures.com/