Polar Pioneer: Ship Details and Overview


Photo of Polar Pioneer

*The Polar pioneer has now been de-commissioned

Built in Finland in 1985, the Polar Pioneer is an ice-strengthened vessel designed to take on the most treacherous waters. Although not a luxury vessel, the ship has a nice feel about it that attracts many clients.

Refurbished in St Petersburg in 2000, the Polar Pioneer has a reputation for wildlife watching due to it toughness and small size. With only 56 passengers, the ship is able to make landings that other big ships struggle with.

The ship is well equipped for a research vessel and comes with a sauna, lecture theater, bar/lounge, dining room and well stocked polar library. Te surrounding deck has great space for viewing and the Russian captain is incredibly experienced at navigating the cold waters around the peninsula.

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Polar Pioneer Ship Overview

Specifications

Ship Type: Research Ship

Passengers: 54

Cabins : 29

Length : 235

Speed : 10

Beam : 50

Draft : 15

Voltage : 220V

Route Map of the Polar Pioneer

Facilities

Dining Room, Library, Lecture Room, Lounge, Bar, Clinic, Sauna

Equipment

Zodiacs, Kayaks (select itineraries)

Cabin Options

Triple Cabin
Main Deck – Cabin contains two lower berths and one upper berth, storage area, desk, small sink and a porthole. Showers and toilets are near to the cabin and are shared with the other Main Deck cabins.
Twin Public
Main Deck – Cabin contains two lower berths, storage area, couch, desk, small sink and porthole. Showers and toilets are located nearby and are shared with the other Main Deck cabins.
​Twin Private
Upper and Captain’s Deck – Cabin contains two lower berths, windows, storage space, desk, private en suite bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet. Cabins 402 and 403 come with an upper and lower bunk and a couch.
Mini Suite
Captain’s Deck – Cabin contains double bed in a small separate room, sleeper sofa that can also be used as single bed, DVD player, TV, desk, windows, private en suite bathroom with shower, sink and toilet.
​Captain’s Suite
Captain’s Deck – Cabin contains double bed in separate room, sleeper sofa (can also be used as single bed), forward and port windows, lounge area with table, fridge, TV and DVD player and private en suite bathroom.

On-Board Facilities

Public Area Facilities

The Polar Pioneer is a simple but comfortable vessel. Although basic, the vessel still offers several a good restaurant, lecture theater, library, sauna and bar.

The ship is designed for landings and the primary goal of the Polar Pioneer is to see wildlife, so don’t expect luxury throughout. There is ample deck space around the ship and the captain has an open bridge policy so that passengers can stand up high with the captain and get a great view of the landscape.

Cabin Facilities

Like the public areas, the cabins are simple, cozy and comfortable.

All cabins aboard the Polar Pioneer are outside facing with either a window or porthole. Cabins come with a variety of en suites and shared bathroom facilities. 

All cabins have excellent storage space, however, the focus is on functionality and nor luxury. 

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Ship Photos

Activities Offered

Activity Details Offered?
Camping

$180 per person on average – camping info

Kayaking

$465 per person on average

Skiing

Adventure itineraries only

Photography Workshop

Selected itineraries only

Shore-based walking

Included in price

Hiking and snowshoeing

Included in price

Polar Plunge and Zodiac Trip

Included in price

Helicopter Ride

Price varies

Scuba-diving

Price varies

FAQ

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