The former Russian ice-strenghtened research ship Polar Pioneer (ex. Akademik Schuleykin) this morning passed Helsingborg/Helsingør. The ship is now operating as a cruise ship with polar expeditions as a speciality:
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.
Specificiations:
- Length 71.60 metres
- Beam 12.8 metres
- Draft 4.5 metres
- Cruising Speed 11-12 knots
- Displacement 2140 tons
- Registry Russian
- Equipment: Zodiacs, Kayaks (some trips), Diving (some trips), Ice Climbing (some trips), Camping (some trips).
PS
The last known port for the Polar Pioneer is Las Palmas, so it is not this time returning from a polar expedition.
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