The Vessels
For the wildlife cruises we have featured this year, we have made a selection of vessels based on their size, comfort, speed and capability of exploring remote wildlife areas and isolated backwaters - as well as a few little extras such as onboard helicopters, adventure options and al-fresco bars!
The ships featured generally range from around 50 to 125 passengers although in some cases carry as few as 12 passengers. To help narrow down the choices and to identify the vessel that will best suit your comfort levels, style and sense of adventure, we have divided the ships into distinct areas. For each ship, you will find a description and a deck plan on the following pages.
Further details
itineraries
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Akademik Ioffe & Akademik Sergey VavilovSister vessels, Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov, were built by the Russian Academy of Science to partner each other in sensitive hydro-acoustic ocean research. They were designed to be e... |
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Akademik Shokalskiy, Professor Molchanov, Professor Multanvoskiy & Spirit of EnderbyFour adventure ships, originally designed and built in Finland for polar and oceanographic research. Small and manoeuvrable, these icestrengthened vessels are capable of venturing into the remote c... |
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Antarctic DreamThe Antarctic Dream (formerly Piloto Pardo) has 39 twin cabins on four decks including four suites, 16 superior cabins and 19 twin cabins. All cabins feature a private bathroom with shower or tub an... |
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AtmosphereDesigned to navigate the Patagonian fjords, the Atmosphere combines the latest technology with the highest safety and security standards. |
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Clipper AdventurerBuilt and outfitted as an expedition ship, the Clipper Adventurer brings the traditional comforts of a cruise to the world of adventure and exploration. |
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Grigoriy Mikheev/Aleksey MaryshevThese vessels accommodate 46 passengers and were built in Finland in 1990 as icestrengthened vessels. They are ideally suited to expedition cruising. All cabins are outside, with a desk, windows and a... |
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Hanse ExplorerThe luxury expedition motor-yacht Hanse Explorer has been designed to explore the remote corners of the world, from the icy polar regions to the warmer waters of South America and the Indian Ocean. ... |
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Island Odyssey & Island RoamerIsland Odyssey, originally built as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, had a major renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. |
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Kapitan KhlebnikovThe Kapitan Khlebnikov is a polar icebreaker built in 1981 by the Wartsila Corporation of Helsinki, and one of only a few in the world. |
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Lyubov OrlovaThe ice-strengthened Lyubov Orlova's 59 outside cabins feature private facilities, two lower berths and either a porthole or window. Each cabin features a writing desk, seating area and ample stora... |
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MV PolarstarThe Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the icebreaker fleet of the Swedish Maritime Administration. In 2000, the vessel was purchased by Karlsen Shipping in Norway and completely refitted... |
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NoorderlichtThe Noorderlicht has accommodation for 20 travellers in comfortable twin cabins. All cabins have upper and lower berths, a cupboard and wash basin. |
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Ocean NovaThe Ocean Nova (formerly the Sarpik Ittuk) was built in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The vessel, originally designed to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland, was upgraded in 2000 and sign... |
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Snow GooseThe 19.8 metre steel motor-vessel Snow Goose was built in Alaska in 1973 as a private yacht. The main deck features a spacious airy salon, natural history library, galley and dining area. |
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Spirit of AlaskaThe shallow draft, spacious bow and comfortable cruising speed make the Spirit of Alaska perfect for wildlife viewing. |
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Spirit of OceanusThe Spirit of Oceanus is the perfect ship for relaxed small-ship cruising. The vessel accommodates just 120 passengers in comfortable outside suites, each with a sliding door, picture window or port... |
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The YamalThe Yamal is among the world's most powerful and sophisticated icebreakers and one of the few surface ships ever to have reached the North Pole. |
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True NorthThe True North offers a wilderness experience in surroundings more akin to one of the world's most exclusive hotels! |
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