Let’s set off on an expedition, just the way they were originally designed, before mass tourism and commercial expeditions. Let’s wander in the maritime footsteps of legendary explorers, straight into the polar world and its rugged wilderness. We’ll go above and beyond and you will get as close to nature as possible on a polar expedition of this kind. Think of it as a ‘behind the scenes’ experience rather than a staged show. If you share with us this craving for something unique and authentic, it can only mean one thing – you too are a Pioneer.
This beauty of a ship has been around for a long time. Her story and achievements are in a class of their own. But a true Pioneer can’t live off old merits alone. So we read up, cycled up and adapted – everything from the vessel itself to the food we serve and the way we move on shore. A true Pioneer will simply never stagnate.
The Polar Pioneer never was and never will be, just a ship. The moment you step aboard, it’s immediately there; the DNA of a real, genuine polar research vessel. Today, she is the only vessel of her kind and capacity operating in the Atlantic, Arctic and Antarctic waters. Although repurposed and refinished, as much of her original materials as possible have been kept to maintain her unique character. Add highly experienced guides and crew and you’ll be able to cross something grand and unexpected off your bucket list.
● Flexible and customizable expeditions
● An authenticity you won’t find in new ships
● Unique polar expedition track record
● Sustainability oriented
● Guides and crew with the highest experience
● Strong testimonials from clients and partners
The Polar Pioneer never was and never will be, just a ship. The moment you step aboard, it’s immediately there; the DNA of a real, genuine polar research vessel. Today, she is the only vessel of her kind and capacity operating in the Atlantic, Arctic and Antarctic waters. Although repurposed and refinished, as much of her original materials as possible have been kept to maintain her unique character. Add highly experienced guides and crew and you’ll be able to cross something grand and unexpected off your bucket list.
● Flexible and customizable expeditions
● An authenticity you won’t find in new ships
● Unique polar expedition track record
● Sustainability oriented
● Guides and crew with the highest experience
● Strong testimonials from clients and partners
The Polar Pioneer is of the perfect size to perform expeditions. She is able to reach locations otherwise lost with a larger vessel, all the while being large and strong enough when the going gets tough. Simply put – she is small, but fierce. And since she is capable of operating in heavy ice, there is very little that can hold your adventure back.
Worried about rolling in heavy waters? No need. The integrated dynamic water ballast system will stabilize for you whether in motion or at anchor, making the transition to the Zodiacs safe and easy. These qualities make the Polar Pioneer flexible enough to easily match your needs – photography, kayaking or just spending time with the wildlife to state a few.
● Optimal size, houses 53
passengers
● Superior accessibility reaching sites that larger ships can’t
● Built 1982, thoroughly refitted in 2022
● Withstands harsh weather that smaller boats cannot handle
● Highest ice class (1A super), capable of exploring in ice
● Stability system to reduce rolling in heavy seas
● Large open deck
● Raised areas for photography
● No waiting time to go ashore, room for all guests in the Zodiacs
● Upcycled vessel (2022)
● Minimized plastic use
● No food waste
● Recirculated fibers in ropes and textiles
● Smaller expedition groups for agile and reverential visits on shore
● Low-impact staff clothing and merchandise
● Biodegradable cleaning materials
● Upcycled vessel (2022)
● Minimized plastic use
● No food waste
● Recirculated fibers in ropes and textiles
● Smaller expedition groups for agile and reverential visits on shore
● Low-impact staff clothing and merchandise
● Biodegradable cleaning materials
You will be greeted by a highly experienced team of crew and guides. They are there for you, on and offshore, whenever you need them. In fact, once on the ship you are not only a guest – you are very much a part of the expedition and will be looked after accordingly. The Open Bridge policy lets you fully experience the ship, talk to all crew members and gain a lot more insight than on your traditional box-ticking route. Look at it as a round-the-clock study visit if you will.
Since your safety is top priority, the Polar Pioneer holds a thoroughly updated safety system. All requirements are of Scandinavian standards; classed as some of the highest in the world, ensuring you a safe and reliable expedition from start to finish. There is also, of course, a medic and clinic on board.
● Guides of the highest experience
● Expert Crew
● An openness, mind and boat, that personalizes your experience
● Scandinavian safety, meeting top standards
● Medic and clinic onboard
● Scandinavian kitchen
● Lecture room
● Bar
● Comfortable, refurbished cabins
● Warm and relaxing sauna
● Scandinavian kitchen
● Lecture room
● Bar
● Comfortable, refurbished cabins
● Warm and relaxing sauna
Copyright © 2023. All right reserved by Polar Alca Maritime
Drone imaging courtesy of Michael Haluwana, check out his amazing work @aeroture_aus
