Polar Pioneer is one of the most popular style of vessels currently used in Antarctica and the Arctic. Originally built as an ice-strengthened research vessel in Finland in 1982, she was refurbished in 2000 and converted into a passenger ship for expeditions to the polar regions. Polar Pioneer’s excellent reputation for polar expedition cruising is due to her strength, maneuverability and size. She is small and nimble, which means she can sail up close to landing sites and venture where other, larger ships can’t. Carrying just 54 passengers, she allows us to offer you a far more personal and intimate experience of the destination we are visiting.
On board you will find a range of accommodation types, including triple and twin cabins as well as larger suites, all featuring outside facing portholes or windows and ample storage space for your gear. Cabins have either shared or private bathroom facilities, whilst suites offer en-suite bathrooms and lounge areas. See below for detailed cabin information and deck plan.
Polar Pioneer's most deluxe cabin, the Captain's Suite features a separate sleeping area and lounge room, a private en-suite and large windows for optimal viewing opportunities from your own cabin. Only one cabin available, so be sure to enquire early.
Only two Mini Suites offer a more spacious cabin with a separate sleeping and sitting area as well as a private en-suite and large windows to enjoy the views from the comfort of your own cabin. Perfect if you're after a bit more space and comfort.
Twin Cabins with private bathrooms are located across two deck levels, both with easy access to outside decks. Each cabin accommodates two people and offers the convenience of private bathroom facilities.
NEW to 2018/19, Twin Private Economy Cabins offer a budget-conscious option, with a lower and upper bunk option, and easy access to the main decks. Each cabin accommodates two people and offers the convenience of private bathroom facilities. Only two available!
Twin Cabins with shared bathrooms are all located on Deck 3. Each cabin comfortably sleeps two people and are only a short distance from the ship’s public bathroom facilities. Outside decks are accessible from this deck.
Polar Pioneer features only two Triple Cabins with shared bathrooms. Perfect for friends or families, or for solo travellers who are happy to share their space with fellow passengers. Bathrooms are located close by on the same deck.
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica and the Arctic.
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.
Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines.
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that's exactly what we do. Once we reach our destination, we aim to kayak at least once a day, weather depending. If the opportunity arises we may go out twice, as the 24-hour daylight allows for some beautiful evening paddles under the midnight sun.
Our remote and wild destinations are a photographer's dream!
All of our expeditions and itineraries offer fantastic photography experiences, however, on selected expeditions, we offer specialised photography programs and workshops. Whether it be sitting quietly in the middle of a penguin rookery, visiting quaint historic sites or enjoying the thrill of a breaching whale or a polar bear on pack ice, there is an overwhelming number of opportunities to snap to your heart’s content!
Catering to both amateurs and the more experienced photographers, our onboard team of photography guides deliver photography workshops and one-on-one instruction from the deck or Zodiacs and during landings. Expeditions are strictly limited to 54 passengers offering you an intimate, personal experience and more opportunities to get out amongst nature and wildlife.
At the forefront of climbing exploration in the Antarctic Peninsula, Aurora Expeditions and our experienced guides have been leading trips to this remote climbing location for well over a decade. Having forged new routes on many of the continent’s magnificent peaks, we return year after year to share this spectacular continent and its climbing experiences with our guests.
Along the Antarctic Peninsula coastline, hundreds of peaks rise several thousand feet, snow-clad and beckoning eager adventure seekers. From ascents of alpine peaks to ice climbing, our program aims to give participants a taste of the region’s fantastic climbing opportunities.
During the voyage we offer climbs for the moderately fit, from easy ascents to more technical routes, ranging from 4 to 10 hours. We hope to make at least two one-day alpine ascents and attempt some ice climbing. Previous experience with crampons and ice axe is necessary and a surcharge applies.
One of our most popular activities, camping offers you the unique opportunity to roll out your sleeping mat and wriggle into your thermal sleeping bag for a night out on the ice - no camping experience necessary! Once you've settled in, prepare to witness the stunning beauty of the Antarctic night sky, as well as the sounds of ice cracking in the distance and wildlife carrying on their busy schedule around you. This is the activity for the ultimate bragging rights!
Discover the underwater world of Antarctica and the Arctic!
Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you'll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
With a longstanding tradition of pushing the boundaries, Aurora Expeditions launched our Antarctic snorkelling adventures in conjunction with our dive partners, Waterproof Expeditions, in 2014. In 2016 the activity has also been added to a range of our Arctic expeditions. This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
This latest innovative activity option is led by our expert polar diving guides from diving specialist Waterproof Expeditions, and utilises state of the art equipment including specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel. Passengers will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need to experience Antarctica from this truly unique angle.
Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependent), taking delight in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing.
Ski Touring offers keen adventurers a chance to take on some of the world’s most incredible slopes. Experienced skiers will have the chance to enjoy day-trips to traverse across remote, snow-capped peaks to descend into pristine bays filled with floating bergs, penguin rookeries or even a breaching whale! Those interested in a multi-day ski adventure can opt to attempt Shackleton’s route across South Georgia.
From alpine bowls and crevassed glaciers, to long open slopes, join us to summit and ski a range of Antarctic landscapes, venturing to some amazing wild and remote corners. A spirit of adventure is a must. After all, when you strap on your skis, you’ll be exploring places where few have ever skied before!
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