DIVE ADVICE TRAVEL - Antarctica Polar Pioneer

M/V 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 has been 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.

A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring. The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing.
The ship carries a full complement of Zodiac crafts, for both cruising and landing ashore.

The chefs are international, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses. Sometimes on our voyages the Chef will organize a Polar barbecue on deck. Surrounded by an impressive landscape and accompanied by your fellow-travellers, staff members and the Russian crew members, this event is one to remember.

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.

Cabins

The passengers are accommodated in twin or superior cabins. All cabins are ‘outside’ and most cabins have private facilities All cabins have a desk, chair and windows/portholes that open.

Twin Private cabin:
Two lower bunks and a desk, windows. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Cabins 402 & 403 have upper/ower bunks with a desk and a couch.

Twin Public cabin:
Two lower bunks, washbasin, desk, couch, ample storage and hanging space, portholes. Showers and toilets are close by and shared with other Main deck cabins.

Triple cabin:
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


Twin Private cabin	Twin Standard cabin

Suite 501:
Spacious cabin with double bed ensuite, sofa bed, desk, VCR and TV, refrigerator, coffee and tea maker and windows.

Superior cabins 502 and 503:
Cabin with double bed en-suite and one sofa bed, desk, VCR and TV, refrigerator, coffee and tea maker and windows.


Mini Suite	Suite

Public Areas
The public areas include a dining room which also act as lecture room. There is a cosy bar with reference books and fresh coffee and tea available at all times. The doctor can be visited in the assigned doctors-cabin. The vessel is equipped with a sauna that can hold up to five passengers. The sauna is normally open throughout the day on a self-use basis and not supervised. Passengers use of the facility is of their own volition and at their own risk.

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. To enable our officers to navigate the ship, we ask that passengers stay clear of the working areas and do not eat or drink.

Medical Facilities
The vessel is equipped with a medical infirmary with an adequate supply of western medicines and equipment. There will be a Western physician on board. We cannot guarantee to have every drug or piece of equipment for every medical problem. If passengers are under regular treatment for any ailment, they must bring a more than adequate supply of medicines for the duration of their voyage. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. If passengers suffer from any potentially serious illness, they should inform us prior to the voyage so that we can alert the doctor to their condition.

Communication
The vessel (radio room) is equipped with both direct satellite M phone and facsimile systems. There are also email facilities on board but no access to the internet.
Full details on contacting the ship will be included in passengers' final documents. Although very reliable, the system can be slow and charges for telephone calls are quite expensive. The radio officer answers all incoming calls and receives and distributes any email messages.