THE 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 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 56 passengers. A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.
This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary.
The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.
Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, the accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.
Polar Pioneer Technical Specifications
Passenger Capacity: Maximum 56 passengers
Built: Finland 1985
Ice Class: ice strengthened
Length: 71.6 metres
Bean: 12.8 metres
Draft: 4.5 metres
Gross Tonnage: 2140 tons
Cruising Speed: 11-12 knots
Maximum Speed: 14 knots
Zodiacs: Equipped with 6 Mark V heavy duty Zodiacs
Facilities
Bar, lounge, library, lecture room, sauna, 2 dining rooms and a medical clinic. A laundry service is available onboard but there are no facilities for dry cleaning. Cabins are cleaned daily by the crew.
The Bar
There is a well stocked bar onboard, serving a selection of alcoholic beverages (including wine) and soft drinks which will be charged to your account and can be paid for by Visa, Mastercard or USD cash on the last day of the expedition.
Meals
Onboard we provide three hearty and healthy meals a day. Breakfast is buffet style whilst lunch and dinner are served by the catering staff. We are able to cater for most special dietary requirements but these must be specified at the time of booking. Tea, coffee, juice, fruit, biscuits and cake are available 24 hours a day from the dining room.
Officers & Crew
The Polar Pioneers Russian Captain, officers and crew have enormous experience, particularly in ice operations and navigation at the poles. The Russians are considered to be the world's leaders in icebreaker operations. There are around 23 Russian crewmembers.
Expedition Leaders & Staff
The Polar Pioneer has a team of expert naturalists, historians, earth scientists and special guest lecturers onboard, that make each journey an unforgettable adventure. Education and interpretation are key elements of the voyages and we have built up a team whose experience and enthusiasm ensures you come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these magnificent, far flung corners of the globe.
Aurora Expeditions
This expedition is proudly run in conjunction with our Antarctic Partners - Aurora Expeditions. Aurora Expeditions are a world leader in polar cruising and specialise in small group expedition-style travel to polar regions. Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora's owners are veterans of almost three decades of Antarctic research, private Antarctic mountaineering expeditions and polar travel. Aurora offers travellers the chance to have an intimate experience in these regions with flexible, innovative itineraries and their expert naturalists, historians, staff and crew help to unlock the wonders of Antarctica.
Types of Cabin
Triple - shared facilities
2 cabins
Location: Main Deck
Size: Total Cabin: 4.23m x 2.41m = 10.2sqm
Cabin: Two lower bunks and one upper bunk, a desk, a small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes.
Showers and toilet facilities are close by and shared with other Main Deck cabins.
Twin - shared facilities
12 cabins
Location: Main Deck
Size: 4m x 2.45m = 9.8sqm
Cabin: Two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space, a couch and a porthole.
Showers and toilet facilities are close by and shared with other Main Deck cabins.
Twin - En Suite
12 cabins
Location: Upper Deck and Captains Deck
Size: U. Deck Bedroom/bathroom: 4.11m x 2.60m = 10.7sqm.
U. Deck Bathroom: 1.2m x 2.56m = 3sqm
C. Deck Bedroom/bathroom: 4.94m x 2.43m = 12sqm.
C. Deck Bathroom: 1.1m x 1.7m = 1.9sqm
Cabin: Two lower bunks, a desk, windows and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Room 402 and 403 have upper and lower bunks and a couch.
Mini Suite
2 cabins
Location: Captains Deck
Size: Living room/bedroom/bathroom: 4.53m x 3.70m = 16.8sqm.
Bathroom: 1.2m x 1.6m = 1.93sqm.
Cabin: Double bed in separate room, foldout couch that can be used as a single bed, TV/Video, windows, desk, table area, fridge and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Captain's Suite
1 cabin
Location: Captains Deck
Size: Living room/bedroom: 4.5m x 5m = 22.5sqm.
Bathroom: 1.2m x 1.6m = 1.93sqm.
Cabin: Double bed in separate room, foldout couch that can be used as a single bed, forward and port windows, lounge and table area, TV/Video, fridge and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Polar Pioneer Deck Plan
