The Professor Molchanov was built in Finland in 1983 as an ice-strengthened research ship. For many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 1996 she was refurbished in The Netherlands to provide comfortable accommodation for 52 passengers. This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising because of its strength, manoeuvrability and small number of cabins.
All cabins have outside portholes, plus ample storage space.
The Russian captain and crew are amongst the most experienced ice navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary. The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses. Molchanov is not a luxury vessel, but is our most popular ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated.