A fascinating alternative to cruise ships and freighters is a voyage on an expedition vessel. The Cruise People is a European agent for the Toronto-based Marine Expeditions who offer passages on three expeditions ships to the Arctic, Antarctic, South Pacific and South America. These are ice-rated vessels, which are suited for cruising in Polar Regions. Most cabins have outside views and are comfortably furnished with plenty of storage space. Many have a writing desk, couch and ensuite bathrooms and there is a daily housekeeping and laundry service.
Meals are served in designated dining rooms and access is given to the command bridges.
The ships also have a small library, lounge, kiosk, mud room and chart room. Each vessel carries a fleet of Zodiac inflatable boats, designed by Jacques Cousteau, to facilitate on shore excursions. Travelling on one of these ships is quite different from either cruise or cargo ships. The Marine Spirit and Marine Adventurer are scientific research ships built in Finland, originally for the Russians. The accommodation is of a good standard because they were built to carry expedition leaders, scientists and technicians on board.