Polar Athena Antarctic Cruises

Quest

Quest is one of the ships we recommend when the Arctic itself matters more than hotel-style luxury. With just 50 guests, five guides and five Zodiacs, days move easily from the panorama lounge to the landing site and back again, without the crowd management of a large expedition vessel. Our travellers repeatedly praise the caring atmosphere, knowledgeable guides and feeling that the whole operation stays personal—even when every berth is occupied. This former Greenland ferry is practical rather than polished. Every cabin is outside and ensuite, although most are compact; the Superior and Owner's categories give you more room. The panorama lounge is the sociable heart of the ship, while the open bridge and generous outside decks keep weather, ice and wildlife close. Travellers wanting spa facilities or abundant quiet public space should choose another ship. Book Quest if you want an expedition-first ship, an international group and serious Arctic guiding. Her current programme ranges from spring Svalbard and the pack-ice frontier to the remarkable route from Lofoten via Bear Island to Svalbard. The exact route always follows weather, ice and wildlife—which is precisely why the experienced team and flexible small-ship operation matter.

Kapitan Khlebnikov

Welcome aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov! The Kapitan Khlebnikov was constructed in 1981 by the Warstsila Company, Finland, the world’s leading builder of icebreakers. Not simply an ice-reinforced ship, the Khlebnikov is a powerful working icebreaker designed for the challenging conditions of frozen polar seas. The Khlebnikov was refurbished to accommodate passengers in 54 outside cabins and suites, all with en suite facilities. Cabins are spacious and comfortable. Public areas include a lounge, two dining rooms, a digitally equipped lecture room, a small heated indoor pool and gymnasium, library, and sauna. Views are excellent from the bridge and large open decks. In addition to its fleet of Zodiacs, the Khlebnikov uses two helicopters for ice reconnaissance and passenger excursions.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is one of the ships we recommend when the expedition matters more than polished interiors. This former NOAA vessel carries just 90 guests, and that number changes the rhythm of the voyage: at sites that allow 100 visitors ashore, the whole ship can normally join one landing rotation rather than waiting while a second group takes its turn. Recent travellers repeatedly describe the ship as older but impeccably clean, sociable and excellent value, with a crew and expedition team who keep the focus on landings, Zodiac cruises and wildlife rather than onboard spectacle. What we especially like is how close you feel to the expedition. The open bridge brings navigation into the experience, broad outer decks give you room to watch the horizon, and the compact guest group makes it easy to get to know the expedition team and your fellow travellers. Depending on the departure, Ushuaia explores the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, crosses into the Weddell Sea or towards the Polar Circle, and undertakes longer voyages to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Book Ushuaia if you want a capable, characterful ship, a genuinely small expedition group and strong value. Choose a newer vessel if contemporary cabins, extensive wellness facilities or luxury dining are central to your trip. The cabins and public rooms are straightforward; the payoff is an intimate, energetic expedition atmosphere and more of the budget directed at the journey itself.

Noorderlicht

The beautiful *Noorderlicht* was originally built in 1910 in Flensburg, Germany, as a three-masted schooner. For most of her existence, she served as a light vessel on the Baltic. In 1991 the present owners bought the hull and re-rigged and refitted her thoroughly under the Holland Ship Register’s strict rules. *Noorderlicht* is now a well-balanced two-masted schooner rig that’s capable of sailing anywhere in the world and is, therefore, the perfect expedition vessel for exploring small islands. Her open decks provide excellent views all around, even when she’s under sail. Offering an intimate and exclusive experience, *Noorderlicht* provides accommodation for only 20 polar explorers in small but comfortable twin cabins. All cabins have upper and lower berths, a storage locker, and a washbasin with hot and cold water. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located throughout the passenger deck. All cabins have a small hatch in the ceiling that varies in size, except cabin 6 which has a small, locked porthole in the ceiling but ventilation slots in the door. On occasion - and depending on the weather - the crew will open all hatches when passengers are ashore to allow fresh air ventilation of the whole lower deck. Her qualified captains have a great experience of the polar oceans. Together with the rest of the crew, they will do everything possible to ensure that you have a wonderful and unforgettable journey. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and your crew can and will change the itinerary to suit the conditions and give you the best possible chance to experience the most intense wildlife and nature experiences in the arctic and antarctic. A willingness to compromise on luxury facilities is a basic requirement on board a historic traditional sailing vessel - this is *true* exploration! *Noorderlicht*’s routes are designed to maximize your shore experiences. Weather, sea and ice conditions permitting, you will have a land excursion every day. These will take between three and six hours and will be over untracked areas. You’ll have ample time to explore the unique wildlife, flora, geology, and human history of each area.