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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 54 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 spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing.
The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.
Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but this is our most popular
ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet
comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet
of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship
to shore.
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