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 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	Kayaking Option	Fuel Charge
Nov 10 - Nov 26, 2012 South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula - Begins Santiago Kayak, Photography Includes Flight Santiago/Stanley	$10,995	$12,855	$15,030	$15,620	$16,720	$1,250
Nov 26 - Dec 06, 2012 Antarctic Peninsula - Spring Kayak, Camp, Ice Climbing	$6,365	$7,735	$8,940	$9,895	$10,910	$975
Dec 06 - Dec 14, 2012 Fly/Cruise Antarctica Fly Antarctica-Punta Arenas Kayaking	$6,875	$7,825	$8,985	$9,945	$11,220	$895
Dec 14 - Dec 22, 2012 Cruise / Fly Antarctica Fly Punta Arenas-Antarctica Kayaking	$6,875	$7,825	$8,985	$9,945	$11,220	$895
Dec 22 - Dec 31, 2012 Fly/Cruise Antarctica Fly Antarctica-Punta Arenas Kayaking	$7,200	$8,510	$9,635	$10,670	$11,825	$895
Dec 31, 2012 - Jan 10, 2013 Cruise / Fly Antarctica Fly Punta Arenas-Antarctica Kayaking	$7,500	$8,700	$9,800	$10,900	$12,100	$975
Jan 10 - Jan 26, 2013 South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula - End in Santiago Begins Ushuaia, Ends Santiago Kayaking	$11,220	$13,065	$15,200	$16,095	$17,530	$1,250
Jan 26 - Feb 11, 2013 South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula - Begins Santiago Begins Santiago, Ends Ushuaia Kayaking	$11,220	$13,065	$15,200	$16,095	$17,530	$1,250
Feb 11 - Feb 22, 2013 Across the Antarctic Circle Kayaking	$7,455	$8,830	$10,025	$10,985	$12,000	$975
Feb 22 - Mar 05, 2013 Weddell Sea Explorer Camping, Kayaking	$7,455	$8,830	$10,025	$10,985	$12,000	$975
Mar 05 - Mar 24, 2013 South Georgia and Weddell Sea Kayaking Alpine Crossing	$11,550	$13,760	$15,995	$17,490	$18,650	$1,250
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. Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience. Optional Activities: Kayaking $895-$975 / $1250 S. Georgia, South Georgia Alpine Crossing $850, Climbing $350, S. Georgia Photography $250, Camping is Free. Mandatory Emergency Evacuation Insurance Required.