The Palmer is named for a U.S. seal hunter who sailed along the west coast of Antarctica in 1820 looking for seal rookeries. Many believe he was the first to discover the continent. The Palmer works year-round in the Antarctic. It has 22 crew members.
Several lounges have TVs, movies, and books, and there is a workout room.
The scientists on board can send or receive e-mail twice a day. There are also telephones onboard the ship.