Arctic
Vessels
Each Arctic tour is operated on one of the following
three vessels. Please check the individual tour pages to see which
vessel is associated with each departure date.
1. M/V Plancius
Built in 1976 as an oceanographic vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy,
it was taken out of service in 2004, and is now being completely refurbished
for Arctic expeditions as of June 2009. It can accommodate 112 passengers
in 54 passenger cabins all with private toilet and shower. All cabins
offer lower berths, either two single beds or one queen size bed (except
for the triple cabins which have bunk beds and one lower bed). The
vessel is equipped with a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a
spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows
offering full panoramic views of the Arctic landscape. There is a
large open deck space with full walk-about on deck 3, giving excellent
opportunities to enjoy scenery and wildlife.
Click here for cabin details >
2. M/V Antarctic
Dream
The vessel was built in the Netherlands and operated
by the Chilean Navy until it was removed from service and thoroughly
rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2004 for polar exploration. It can
hold 84 passengers in 42 twin cabins all with lower beds and private
toilet and shower. Other amenities include two passenger observation
decks, a lecture and presentation room, an open bridge, spa, sauna,
gym, library, and a dining room that offers panoramic views.
Click here for cabin details >
3. M/V Molchanov
Built in Finland in 1982-83 for polar and oceanographic
research, the Molchanov can carry a maximum of 52 passengers in comfortable
twin and triple cabins, some with private facilities and others with
shared facilities (there are ample shared facilities on deck 3). Each
cabin has a window, a writing desk and plenty of storage space. Public
areas include a lounge and well-stocked bar, a small library, infirmary,
sauna and dining rooms. Views are excellent from the large, open decks
and navigation Bridge (where passengers are almost always welcome).
Click here for cabin details >
Antarctica Vessels
1. M/V Plancius
Built in 1976 as an oceanographic vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy,
it was taken out of service in 2004, and is now being completely refurbished
for Arctic expeditions as of June 2009. It can accommodate 112 passengers
in 54 passenger cabins all with private toilet and shower. All cabins
offer lower berths, either two single beds or one queen size bed (except
for the triple cabins which have bunk beds and one lower bed). The
vessel is equipped with a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a
spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows
offering full panoramic views of the Arctic landscape. There is a
large open deck space with full walk-about on deck 3, giving excellent
opportunities to enjoy scenery and wildlife.
Click here for cabin details >
2. M/V Ushuaia
The research vessel "Ushuaia" was built
as an oceanographic research vessel for the NOAA (National Oceanographic
& Atmospheric Administration). After the NOAA period, the vessel
was acquired by Ushuaia Adventure Corp who reoriented her to private
oceanographic and antarctic research and logistic operations. The
vessel was upgraded on navigation and communication equipment, and
cabins and rooms were refurbished. M/V Ushuaia has 35 cabins and suites
which were renewed in 2002.
Click
here for cabin details >