Akademik Shokalskiy - Antarctic Cruise Ship

Research ships

These Russian-owned, ice-strengthened ships were built in Finland in the latter part of the twentieth century for research purposes and have since been refurbished to accommodate paying clients. Carrying between 46 and 56 passengers, in comfortable twin or triple cabins both with and without private facilities, they pride themselves on their relaxed and informal atmosphere, more akin to private expeditions than conventional cruises. All cabins have a porthole or window and ample storage space.

Facilities include a dining room serving international cuisine, lounge with bar, sauna and infirmary. There is an enthusiastic and extremely experienced Russian crew. Each ship has a large navigation-bridge and open-deck viewing areas and a fleet of Zodiac crafts, affording spontaneous wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas. The small number of passengers allows speedy and hassle-free landings.

The Akademik Shokalskiy

48 passengers

The Akademik Shokalskiy was built in Finland in 1983, and has since been refurbished in 2004 for expedition cruising. She carries 48 passengers in twin and triple cabins. The large, open decks and the navigation-bridge – the Shokalskiy runs an open bridge policy - offer impressive views. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed, more akin to a private expedition than a conventional cruise ship and the Ice-strengthened hulls combined with the ship’s size mean it can navigate through scenic waterways not open to larger vessels.

Our comment

"In such a small group, you quickly become immersed in the expedition, consulting charts with the shipboard team - becoming part of a relaxed and informal community. Very quickly, all passengers can board Zodiacs for an impromptu excursion."

Cabin types:

• Amundsen suite with double lower berth and private facilities.
• Twin superior cabins with lower berths and private facilities.
• Twin cabins with upper and lower berths and private facilities.
• Twin cabins with two lower berths, washbasin and shared facilities.
• Triple cabins with two lower berths and one upper berth, washbasin and shared facilities.