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.

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.

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 ensuite and one sofa bed, desk, VCR and tv, refrigerator, coffee and tea maker and windows.

To facilitate the divers in the best possible way on our expedition vessel, we have designed a special Waterproof Expeditions Dive Container that we bring on board for our dive expeditions. This provides comfortable storing space in boxes for your gear, and a heating system to dry your suit and BC. No hassle to bring your suits and gear into your cabin or inside the ship.

The dive operations managed by the Waterproof Expedition team, relies on more than 15 years of experiences in Polar diving. We have planned and led many field trips to the polar areas, and were the first to lead diving expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica.
Our knowledge and experiences of the techniques, the gear, the logistics and the polar regions enables us to manage a serious and safe dive operation with a high quality dive product.
The dive operation on board is organized by polar dive guides who have experienced many extreme situations in the field and who are trained to search out the best opportunities for diving, taking into account the unpredictable weather and ice conditions. The main language of the dive operation will be in English.

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.

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.

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.

The electrical supply on board is 220 volts, 50 hertz. The electrical outlet sockets are the standard European two round pin system. Passengers coming from countries with a different system will need to bring a suitable adapter.

There is no shop on board, however, the bartender will have a limited stock of souvenirs (T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, stuffed animals, films, drugstore items, sweets, etc.) on sale in the bar. Payment for items purchased can be made by cash or added to passengers' shipboard accounts.

Laundry service will be available, similar to that of a hotel, provided by the cabin attendants. Laundry request forms and bags will be in each cabin and laundry is collected each morning. Generally it will be returned in 48 hours. A complete laundry list with prices will be provided on board. Ironing services are also available at a minimal charge. There are no facilities for dry cleaning or a self-service laundry.

In keeping with our expedition atmosphere, the dress code on board stresses informality. Passengers should plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all inside activities.

Upon embarkation, an account will automatically be opened for each passenger for purchases aboard ship. This will include bar services, laundry, communication charges, souvenirs, laundry, etc. An account for payment will be presented on the final day of the voyage.

Final payment can be made using cash, or major credit cards - Visa and MasterCard. All prices are in Euros. Personal checks are NOT accepted on board.