Polar Pioneer

Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 the ship was converted for passenger use and ideally suited to expedition cruising in polar areas. It complies with the highest international safety and environmental regulations, as well as the Arctic and Antarctic shipping guidelines and takes just 54 passengers.

The public areas include a dining room which also acts as lecture room. There is a cozy bar with reference books and fresh coffee and tea available at all times.

The vessel is equipped with a sauna that can hold up to five people. The ship carries a full complement of Zodiac crafts, for both cruising and landing ashore.

The best viewing places on board for spotting wildlife are the bridge and the open-deck areas. As often as maritime regulations and weather conditions allow, the Bridge is open for visits. This is an excellent place to watch ship operations and maintain a lookout for wildlife.

All cabins are ‘outside’ and have a desk, chair and windows/portholes that open.

There are 2 Triple cabins with two lower and one upper bunk, washbasin, portholes, ample storage and hanging space, a desk and a couch. The 12 Twin public cabins have two lower bunks and one upper bunk, washbasin, portholes, ample storage and hanging space, a desk and a couch. Showers and toilets are close by and shared with other Main deck cabins for these categories.

The 12 Twin private cabins have two lower bunk, a desk, windows, private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Cabins 402 & 403 have upper/lower bunks with a desk and a couch.

There are 2 Superior cabins with double bed ensuite and one sofa bed, desk, VCR and TV, refrigerator, coffee and tea maker and windows. The Suite is similar to the Superior but more spacious.

Diving in Antarctica offers not only ice, but also interesting marine life, such as seals, kelp walls, sea snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Antarctic fish, shrubby horsetails, jelly fish, sea hedgehogs and starfish. You may also encounter swimming penguins, sea lions and if you are lucky, a leopard seal.

Please see Dive Operators for more information. Waterproof Expeditions works with this boat.