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 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 56 passengers. A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.

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 Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel. The accommodations are simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. The ship has a combined bar/lounge/library area, the bridge is always open to us, and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are Australian, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors help you get from from ship to shore.

TRAVEL AGENTS: Please note that we cannot take bookings from Travel Agents for voyages on the Polar Pioneer.

Itineraries may be subject to change.

Ship Photo Gallery

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Trips and Rates 2011-2012

Click on the tour dates in the left column to view a trip itinerary. Point MOUSE at Cabin Category to view DETAILED description.

Per Person USD Rates 2011-2012	Triple Shared	Twin Shared	Twin Private	Mini Suite	Captain's Suite	Fuel Charge
Jan 21 - Feb 06, 2012 South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula - Embark Santiago Begins Santiago, Ends Ushuaia Kayaking	$10,200	$11,875	$13,815	$14,635	$15,935	$425
Feb 06 - Feb 17, 2012 Weddell Sea Explorer	$6,775	$8,025	$9,115	$9,990	$10,910	$300
Feb 17 - Feb 28, 2012 Weddell Sea Explorer	$6,775	$8,025	$9,115	$9,990	$10,910	$300
Feb 28 - Mar 18, 2012 Shackleton Odyssey Shackleton Crossing	$10,500	$12,510	$14,690	$16,270	$17,350	$500
Airfare Not Included except Santiago - Port Stanley, Falklands and Fly/Cruise trips. Rates are per person, based on twin-share. Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate. Optional Activities: Kayaking $825 / $1145 S. Georgia, South Georgia Alpine Crossing $750, Climbing $250, S. Georgia Photography $825, Camping is Free. Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Required.

Trips and Rates 2012-2013

Click on the tour dates in the left column to view a trip itinerary. Point MOUSE at Cabin Category to view DETAILED description.

Per Person USD Rates 2012-2013	Triple Shared	Twin Shared	Twin Private	Mini Suite	Captain's Suite	Fuel Charge
Nov 12 - Nov 30, 2012 South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula Kayaking, Photography Seminar	$10,995	$12,855	$15,030	$15,620	$16,720
Nov 30 - Dec 11, 2012 Antarctic Peninsula - Spring Camping, Kayaking, Climbing	$7,200	$8,510	$9,635	$10,670	$11,825
Dec 11 - Dec 22, 2012 Antarctic Peninsula - Spring Camping, Kayaking, Climbing	$7,200	$8,510	$9,635	$10,670	$11,825
Dec 22 - Dec 31, 2012 Fly/Cruise Antarctica - Christmas Embark Ushuaia, Disembark Punta Arenas Kayaking	$7,200	$8,510	$9,635	$10,670	$11,825
Dec 31, 2012 - Jan 10, 2013 Cruise / Fly Antarctica - New Years Embark Punta Arenas, Disembark Ushuaia Kayaking	$7,500	$8,700	$9,800	$10,900	$12,100
Jan 10 - Jan 26, 2013 South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula - Disembark Santiago Begins Ushuaia, Ends Santiago Kayaking	$11,220	$13,065	$15,200	$16,095	$17,530
Jan 26 - Feb 11, 2013 South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula - Embark Santiago Begins Santiago, Ends Ushuaia Kayaking	$11,220	$13,065	$15,200	$16,095	$17,530
Feb 11 - Feb 22, 2013 Weddell Sea Explorer Camping, Kayaking	$7,455	$8,830	$10,025	$10,985	$12,000
Feb 22 - Mar 13, 2013 South Georgia and Weddell Sea Kayaking Alpine Crossing	$11,550	$13,760	$15,995	$17,490	$18,650
Airfare Not Included except Santiago - Port Stanley, Falklands and Fly/Cruise trips. Rates are per person, based on twin-share. Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate. Optional Activities: Kayaking $895-$975 / $1250 S. Georgia, South Georgia Alpine Crossing $850, Climbing $350 / $850 on S. Georgia trip, S. Georgia Photography $250, Camping is Free. Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Required.