Cruise Ships in Antarctica: Akademic Ioffe

These ships will give you a true expedition voyage with excellent guides who really know their subjects.  The ships also operate an open-bridge policy; this is a great place to spend time wildlife-spotting or watching the Captain and his officers at work.

The Akademik Ioffe was built in 1988-89 in Scandinavia by the Russian Academy of Science to partner the Sergey Vavilov in sensitive hydro-acoustic ocean research.  Therefore, along with their ice-strengthened hulls which allow them to break through pack ice (an exciting part of any Antarctic voyage!), they are extremely well equipped with state-of-the art technology. 

As working scientific vessels the ships are not luxurious but have been comfortably adapted for passengers.  Cabins can have shared or private facilities, all have an outside view whether through a porthole or a window and are clean and practical.  Designed to carry 120 passengers, there are usually not more than 100 passengers on board.  There is a lounge area, a bar, a dining room which seats everyone in one sitting, a library, sauna, plunge pool and small gymnasium. There is a ship's doctor on board.