The Polar Pioneer
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General Information
The Polar Pioneer is ideal for exploring the Svalbard region due to its strength and maneuverability. This 236-foot long, 2,140-ton ship can cruise at up to 12.5 knots, has an ice rating equivalent to Lloyd's 100 1A, and is fully equipped with excellent navigational and radio systems, as well as a passive stabilization system for rough weather. She was built in Finland in 1985 as a research vessel and for many years plied the treacherous waters of the USSR’s northern coast. In 2000, the ship was completely refurbished to serve as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The enthusiastic Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world.
The ship can accommodates 54 passengers, all in exterior cabins with a desk, small washbasin, storage and hanging space for clothes and equipment, and porthole or window. All twin and triple cabins have single beds. The mini suites have a separate small bedroom with double bed and a sofa bed in the main room as well as a TV and video player. The Captain’s Suite features a lounge area with table, a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofa bed in the main room, as well as a TV and video player, refrigerator, and large forward and port facing windows.
The spacious bridge is always open to passengers and the decks are ideal for photography from the ship, as well as excellent places to watch for special wildlife. In the bar/lounge area, you can relax and also find a good collection of polar books. Enjoy entertaining lectures on the area’s flora, fauna, history and glaciology as well as photographic techniques. Meals prepared by an excellent European chef are served in a comfortable dining hall, keeping us warm and full of energy for the next wildlife encounter. Landings are made possible by a small fleet of Zodiacs with outboard motors.
The Polar Pioneer has a good selection of waterproof knee-high boots to borrow, but you may prefer to bring your own.
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Accommodations
| Cabin Type | Description | Cabin Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Shared | Triple Cabins have two lower and one upper berth, a desk, a small washbasin, storage and hanging space, and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. | 300, 301 |
| Twin Shared | Twin Shared Cabins have two lower berths, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space, and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. | 302-313 |
| Twin Private | Twin Private Cabins have two lower berths, a desk, windows, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Two cabins have upper and lower berths and a couch (cabins 402 and 403). | 400-406, 408, 504-507 |
| Mini Suite | Mini Suites have a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofa bed in the main room, a desk, video player and TV, windows, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. May be booked as triple; contact us for details. | 502-503 |
| Suite | The Suite features a large lounge area, a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofabed in the main room, a video player and TV, refrigerator, large forward and side facing windows, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. May be booked as triple; contact us for details. | 501 |
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Deck Plan
Polar Pioneer Deck Plan (Note: cabin sizes in diagram are not representative of exact cabin size)
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