In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. 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 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.