Akademik Ioffe - 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. 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. Most have semi-private (one bathroom between two cabins) or private bathroom.

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 Ioffe

110 passengers

Originally designed as a polar research vessel (built 1988), this steel-built vessel has a capacity for 110 passengers. Facilities include a dining/lecture room and a lounge and bar/lounge on the main deck. There's also a library/conference room, TV room, sauna, small gym and laundry. There are open and enclosed deck viewing areas and the bridge and chart/navigation room is accessible to passengers.