Polar Pioneer Antarctica and Arctic cruises
An intimate expedition cruise ship, built to withstand a lot of ice
A polar cruise on board the Polar Pioneer
The well-known MV Polar Pioneer is a durable, capable veteran expedition ship (19 seasons strong) loved by guests and expedition leaders for its capability to explore remote polar regions with ease despite its small size.
Its new Scandinavian owners have done an extensive refit upgrading it to today’s standards and is ready for the 2022 Arctic season.
The Polar Pioneer benefits from holsting maximum 48 guests on an authentic expedition adventure free from the crowds of larger vessels. All guests can fit in the Zodiacs at once ensuring there is no waiting to go ashore and everyone can explore the surroundings at the same time.
Originally an ice-strengthened research vessel, The MV Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1982 and navigates with an ice class 1A super. This is really convenient for the polar regions with heavy sea ice.
The Polar Pioneer can transit open water crossings with ease and comfort due to the integrated dynamic water ballast system, which guarantees a great reduction of rolling in heavy seas. The game-changing stability system onboard works marvellously and makes the zodiac’s loading/unloading operations flow with ease. As a result, the Polar Pioneer is one of the most stable vessels currently in operations in the Polar regions.
The Polar Pioneer has a large deck space with raised areas making it great for photography. It features a large guest saloon with a bar, and an onboard sauna to warm up in after a day in the cold.
The ship is crewed by a team of experts with decades of experience navigating polar waters and is an ideal vessel for guests looking to go on a real expedition with an authentic polar vessel.
There is accommodation for 48 guests across twins, triple cabins, and suites. The ship is equipped with Zodiacs that can accommodate all guests for shore landings and exploring.
What we love about the Polar Pioneer
True polar expedition vessel – tough design with highest ice-class capable of exploring in ice (something most ships can’t do)
Smallest group size in Antarctica and South Georgia
Access landing sites larger ships cannot reach
Room for all guests in Zodiacs – No waiting time to go ashore
48 guests maximum – Intimate experience with the natural environment
Sauna – Warm up after a day in the cold
Newly refurbished vessel – Enjoy comfortable cabins, bar, and saloon
Open Bridge – Enjoy the views from the best place on board
Authentic Expedition Experience – Only possible on a small ship
Pictures and Deck Plans of the Polar Pioneer
Dates & Prices of Polar Pioneer
When would you like to travel?
Available
A few spots left
One spot left
Sold out
Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you, and you can confirm with a payment later. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, include taxes, and can be subject to fluctuation and change. The routes are fixed, but can be changed due to weather or breeding behavior of the animals. Could not find your preferred date?
Cabin Categories on board the Polar Pioneer
All expedition cruises on board the Polar Pioneer
Amenities on board the Polar Pioneer
Sauna
Doctor on board
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Deck
Rubber Boots
Bar
All meals
Polar Pioneer's take on sustainable traveling
Foremost among our sustainability goals are actively reducing the impact and emission of our vessels, investing in new technology, and continuously improving our existing resources. We have also installed a new low-emission engine in our veteran vessel, Ortelius. This engine complies with all the latest environmental legislation. Another of our important commitments to sustainability is our use of low-sulfur marine gas oil (LSMGO), which has a sulfur content of less than 0.1 percent.\n\nWe limit onboard waste production by recycling as often as we can as well as banning single-use plastics. This ship does not use straws, plastic cups, or any individually wrapped butter, yogurt, and jam. This vessel has a water treatment system and desalination system that uses reverse osmosis, allowing us to eliminate the use of plastic water bottles on board. Rather, guests receive a reusable water bottle they can refill on the vessel. Bathrooms are equipped with biodegradable shampoo and soap in recycled packing, further limiting our use of plastics.
