Polar Pioneer

Secret Atlas

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Built: 1982 (refurbished in 2000)
Guests: 54

Crew: 12
Length: 71 m / 233 ft

Staterooms: 26
Gross Tonnage: 1753 gt

Electricity: 220V. European round, two pin plug
Beam: 13 m / 43 ft

Cruising Speed: 10 kn / 19 kph / 12 mph
Draft: 4.5m/15ft

Ship Overview

Polar Pioneer is one of the most popular style of vessels currently used in Antarctica and the Arctic. Originally built as an ice-strengthened research vessel in Finland in 1982, she was refurbished in 2000 and converted into a passenger ship for expeditions to the polar regions. Polar Pioneer’s excellent reputation for polar expedition cruising is due to her strength, maneuverability and size. She is small and nimble, which means she can sail up close to landing sites and venture where other, larger ships can’t. Carrying just 54 passengers, she allows us to offer you a far more personal and intimate experience of the destination we are visiting.

Observation Decks

Our spacious observation decks provide a congenial place to watch for wildlife or follow the ship’s progress on nautical charts. Rug up for unparalleled scenery from the outer decks or flying bridge, where our naturalists help you identify wildlife.

Learning and Lectures

At sea, join our polar specialists as they entertain and inform us with illustrated talks, and prepare us for making shore visits with mandatory safety and environmental briefings.

Captain and Crew

Our highly experienced Russian captain and crew are among the best ice navigators in the world. Our efficient stewardesses attend to rooms and serve our meals, whilst the crew work mainly behind-the-scenes to help our expedition leader get the ship to where we want to go.

Getting Ashore

Polar Pioneer boasts a fleet of Zodiacs that transport us ashore to penguin rookeries, scientific stations and historic sites, and provide us with a platform for photography. Our small excursion crafts take us beyond the reach of giant cruisers, and our philosophy of “getting out amongst it” is put to practice.

Medical Clinic

A basic medical clinic is managed by our English-speaking Ship’s Doctor, who is available at all times to assist with bouts of seasickness and other unexpected emergencies.

Ice-strengthened hull
Triple, twin & suite cabins
Spacious viewing platforms & decks
Fleet of inflatable Zodiacs
Lounge bar & two dining rooms
Dedicated presentation room
Sauna
Basic medical clinic
English-speaking doctor
Daily cabin cleaning service
Satellite phone & email access
Gumboots provided for landings
Laundry service available

Staterooms / Suites

Captain's Suite (242 ft²)
Mini Suite (180 ft²)
Cabin Private (130 ft²)
Cabin Public (105 ft²)
Cabin (110 ft²)
Cabin Private Economy (130 ft²)

Features

Ensuite Bathroom
Television
Air-conditioning
Large windows
Double bed
Writing desk
Mini-fridge
Lounge area
Entertainment system

Deck Plans

Deck 5

Deck 4

Deck 3

Dining

Our professional chefs present three healthy, delicious meals daily, with morning and afternoon tea available in the dining rooms in between. All of our produce is sourced locally, with fresh fruit and vegetables, and freshly baked bread and pastries, served wherever possible. We are able to cater for a range of special meal requests, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose-free and other allergy specific requirements – please ensure you list this on your personal details form.