The Adventure Fleet

 

The Fleet

Our state-of-the-art expedition ships enable us to unlock a miraculous, forbidden world as we navigate into some of the most beautiful, unspoilt and exciting areas in the world.

 

Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov

History of the Ships

The Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov were built in Scandinavia by the Russian Academy of Science in 1988-1989 to partner each other in sensitive hydro-acoustic ocean research. In the Canadian High Arctic we operate the Akademik Ioffe, while her sister ship, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, sails in the Spitsbergen High Arctic. Both ships operate in Antarctica from November to March.

State-of-the-Art Technology

As the pride of the Russian scientific fleet, the ships boast state-of-the-art technology and were designed to be exceptionally stable, manoeuvrable, fast and quiet. Inside the ship there is little, if any, ambient engine noise or vibration. The ships have a sophisticated stabilization and trimming system built into their ice-strengthened hulls. Unmatched stability, coupled with superior speed – maximum cruising speed of 14.5 knots – allows us more time at our destinations, rather than at sea, and more flexibility – a critical factor in the polar regions.

Accommodation

All cabins have an outside view, with portholes or a window, are tastefully furnished and most have private or semi-private facilities. Whilst not luxurious the ships are working scientific vessels - comfortable, clean and practical, and the ideal platforms from which to explore. They carry all the equipment needed for adventure and exploration including Zodiac landing craft, kayaks and camping gear.

Views from the Bridge

The open-bridge policy means that passengers are welcome virtually any time of day. There’s always something to learn from the Captain or the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for sightseeing and bird watching.

On board

  • Expert naturalists & historians
  • Open bridge
  • Great variety of activities and programs
  • Theatre-style presentation room
  • Above industry standard staff-to-client ratio
  • Gym, sauna & swimming pool
  • Fully SOLAS compliant
  • Infirmary
  • Lounge, bar, library & gift shop
  • Satellite phone

Ship Statistics

  • Length 117.04m (384ft)
  • Breadth 18.28m (60ft)
  • Draft 6.09m (20 ft)
  • Passengers 110
  • Crew/Staff 53
  • Registry Russia
  • Engines 5,000 KW diesel twin engine, twin propeller, 600 kW bow and stern thrusters
  • Class Ice Class, KM*L1(1)A2, Canadian Type B
  • Gross Registered Tonnage 6,450