As a relatively new Scandinavian-built exploration vessels, the Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov are very comfortable, especially following refitting and refurbishment over the last five years. All passenger areas are thoroughly heated and air-conditioned. Cabins are tastefully and pleasantly decorated. The vessel is maintained to the highest standards and is kept immaculately clean. As the ship was built to perform delicate and sensitive hydroacoustic work, she is also designed to run very quietly. In cabins and public spaces there is very little, if any, ambient noise from engines or machinery. Further, most passenger cabins (except the Main Deck cabins) are on a separate deck from the well-used public spaces and lounge areas, so noise is seldom a bother.


These vessels have external stabilizers on their hulls and a built-in trimming system which is operated by the flow of water ballast from tanks in either side of the ship. A series of valves causes the water to flow to the side where its presence guarantees greatest stability. Added to their modern hull design, these systems make for very stable ships. They carry current certifications required by law for ensuring passenger safety and wellbeing.

All equipment and systems are inspected and tested regularly. A lifeboat briefing and drill will be conducted early in each expedition to ensure that all passengers are familiar with the location of life jackets and lifeboats, and the procedures to be followed in the highly unlikely event of an emergency.

With two powerful engines the ships rarely suffer significant delays due to inclement weather. They have a cruising speed of 14.5 knots in still-wind/sea conditions. The ship’s speed capabilities allow us added flexibility in planning our itineraries.


There is a bar, with an adjacent lounge area with seating for about 25 people in comfortable sofas and armchairs. There are also a number of traditional bar stools surrounding a large semi–circular bar. There is a stereo with CD player in the bar area. If you are interested in where we are going, there is also a television monitor showing video of the view from the bridge at all times as well as a modern chartplotter located in the corner. The bar on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov is situated on Deck 6 and has amazing panoramic views. The bar on the Ioffe is on Deck 3.


In the aft part of the ship and reached through the bar is the television lounge. It seats about 25 and has an exit to the main outer deck space. It also has outside views. There is a television and VCR for educational and entertainment programming as well as watching the relayed video images of the view from the bridge. There is a collection of games, puzzles and maps. This area, along with our bar, serves as the main social area of the vessel and both have access to the outer deck.


The ships carry all required communications and navigation facilities and equipment. They have Immarsat telephone and fax equipment as well as a variety of shortwave, SSB, and VHF radio systems. They carry fully current GMDSS (Global Marine Distress and Safety System) equipment.


Located on the main deck our dining rooms seat all passengers comfortably in one sitting. They are attractively lit and comfortably furnished. There are outside windows and it is immaculately maintained. In one corner there is a bar which is used for meal times. There is also a comfortable lounge area in this corner. Lunches and dinners are served to the table by our ship’s stewards, and breakfast is served here in buffet style. In the dining room there is also a television monitor relaying video images of the view from the bridge at all times.


In addition to the stairs between decks, there is one lift/elevator on the ship operating between all passenger deck levels and to the bridge level. (Please note that this does not remove the need for passengers to have a reasonable level of mobility, as ship access to and from Zodiacs is by way of a staired gangway.


There is a small kiosk and gift shop. It carries a selection of souvenir items such as postcards, hats, t-shirts and books to bring home from a voyage. It also has a basic supply of toiletries such as sunscreen, lip balm, usually some film and some camera batteries. It is open each day.


For those who would like some additional exercise to that offered by our a daily program, there is a small gymnasium on the ship with a set of free weights, exercise bike, rowing machine and step trainer.


There is a basic infirmary and crew doctor available for passengers. As the ships were designed for extended projects, they carry an impressive list of equipment and supplies. However, passengers are reminded that this facility is intended as a basic or emergency service. While the inventory of medicines and equipment is extensive, passengers should bring their own basic firstaid kit as detailed in the Destination Information Guide. If there is a need to consult the ship’s doctor and to receive medications, etc. from the infirmary, passengers will be invoiced for the cost of any items supplied.


On Deck 5 and forward, situated in a quiet part of the ship, there is a library area with a large conference table, comfortable chairs and sophisticated decor. This serves as a great, quiet space to read from our selection of expedition reference materials, atlases, magazines and novels. There are attractive wooden bookcases and quality lighting. There are also windows which overlook the bow of the ship for good sightseeing from indoors. Just outside the library itself there is another quiet area with good lighting and very comfortable armchairs which is usually also reserved as a reading room. The library also has a slide screen and whiteboard for smaller discussions and meetings. It seats about 20 and makes a great meeting area for talks, group discussion and briefings.


Towards the aft section of the Main Deck, and not far from where you will disembark from the zodiacs, there is a "mud room" where you can change out of your wet-weather gear on returning from shore excursions and leave your waterproof
rubber boots.


Our presentations take place in the dining room. All passengers can be seated there at the same time and it has a PA system to ensure everyone can hear talks and announcements. It has a TV and VCR to help in programming as well as modern projection facilities and screens.


On Deck 5 there is a small swimming pool and a sauna. A plunge pool really, the former is filled on special occasions or on request and is on the outer deck just outside the sauna. It gets a certain level of use, even in the Antarctic waters! The sauna is open each afternoon and evening and seats about six people. It is a great place to relax after your shore excursions. It also has a change room and shower room.


We have a Multimedia Centre on board specifically designed to download your memory cards on to disk. This means you don’t have to purchase extra cards or worry about filling your existing cards. There is also Photoshop software to help enhance those pictures. We’ll have staff to help you with this procedure if you are unsure. This is a free service.


There is also a spacious open top deck; from here you can enjoy spectacular views.


The ship is comfortably and centrally heated. You can regulate the temperature in each cabin with a knob controlling the flow of air. During most conditions windows or portholes can be opened to allow in fresh air. Your cabin will be serviced daily by our housekeeping stewards. Bed linen and towels will be changed twice weekly (towels can be changed daily, on request). Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship but is allowed in designated areas outside.


Stairs inside and outside the ship are generally fairly steep. There are handrails on both side of the stairs and we recommend that you always have at least one hand for the ship when moving about. There is an elevator inside on both our ships that go from the 1st Deck to the 5th Deck. The outside decks are great places to view the scenery and wildlife but they could get slippery when wet or ice-covered, so you should always move carefully.
 

The ship operates on an electrical current of 220 volts, 50 Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European sockets with two thick, round split pins. We recommend you bring a travel adapter to fit a recessed European two-pin socket for any of your rechargeable devices. If you are unsure if your devices are compatible with the shipboard power, please see an onboard staff member before plugging into power.


Meals are served in the large dining room. The seating is open, unreserved, relaxed and informal.  We are proud of the high standard of meals you will enjoy during your trip. Breakfast is usually buffet style, with a selection of breads, cereals, fruits and some hot dishes. All other meals are served by the friendly and attentive stewards. Our western chefs take special delight in preparing a wide choice of gourmet cuisine, including seafood and poultry, and there is always a vegetarian option. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements and we will do our best to meet your needs. Most mid-day and evening meals will have a choice of the main course. Tea and coffee are included with all meals. An international selection of beverages will also be available for purchase, including wines from Europe. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate (self-serve) are available 24 hours in the lounge/bar. A delicious afternoon tea is served most days.


A laundry service is available on board, similar to that of a hotel. You will be provided with request forms and laundry bags in each cabin. Laundry will be returned to you within 48 hours and the charge will be added to your account.


Open to passengers virtually 24hrs a day, the bridge is a favourite place to visit for great wildlife and scenery perspectives as well as being in the control centre where the navigators work. Our open bridge policy allows passengers access to the bridge as long as there are staff members present. In return for this privilege, you are asked to keep noise and talking to a low level whilst in this area.

The bridge is well heated and provides a superb viewing platform. You can follow the charts and watch the crew navigate. The captain and crew will be pleased to answer any questions you may have, and perhaps to teach you a few words of Russian. There may be times when the captain decides to close the bridge (e.g. when a pilot is onboard, in port etc.)


The ship’s operating crew is Russian. They have many years of experience in both the Arctic and the Antarctic and are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable journey. Other crew such as the expedition leader, Zodiac drivers, lecturers and support staff on board will be an international group, primarily western, hailing from more than a dozen different countries.

Our intention is to spend maximum time off the ship, subject to suitable weather conditions. Shore excursions are conducted by a fleet of sturdy, inflatable Zodiac boats, powered by large outboard motors, which allow safe and generally easy excursions. We aim to make two or three excursions per day, depending on our location and the weather.  We focus on areas with the greatest promise of wildlife, exploring bird colonies and possible sightings of whales.

We will also endeavour to land at locations where there is good walking to be had for those passengers who wish to leave the beach, accompanied by our experienced guides. Walks to some of the higher points can provide wonderful views - and some  useful exercise. Other visits ashore are to towns and settlements of particular interest or beauty. On some occasion - rather than or in addition to going ashore - we will enjoy some Zodiac cruising, enabling you to enjoy incredible close-up views of the ice floes,  glaciers and icebergs, or massive sea-cliffs.  Whilst on board the Zodiacs, all passengers will be required to wear life jackets supplied by us; these may be removed once on shore. During extended shore excursions – sometimes these will be of some hours – Zodiacs will be available at different times to take passengers back to the ship who may not wish to stay ashore for the full duration of the excursion. Some landings at small towns and settlements will be at wharves or jetties; others in remote areas will be on beaches where the possibility of getting wet is greater. You will be advised when it advisable to wear rubber boots (gumboots/Wellingtons) when going ashore.


The radio room on the ship is equipped with a satellite telephone and fax. Details on how to contact the ship in case of an emergency will be sent with your final documents. Communication on board is available during the radio officer's hours (07:30 to 21:30) or by request. Telephone, fax and email services are available. The costs are approximately:
Phone/fax - $4.00 USD per minute
Email - $2.00 USD per 200 KB


We are often asked for a guide to the appropriate amount for tipping. This is a personal matter but it is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity amounting to approximately $US10 per day per passenger for equal distribution amongst the crew and expedition staff.  Tips will be collected by your tour leader for distribution prior to the end of the cruise. They can be placed on Visa or Mastercard if you wish.