Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov were built in Finland by the Russian Academy of Science in 1988-89 to partner each other in sensitive hydro-acoustic ocean research. 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 stabilisation and trimming system built into their ices trengthened hulls, which makes our passage comfortable even in a gale! Unmatched stability, coupled with superior speed – maximum cruising speed of 14.5 knots – adds up to more time at our destination, rather than at sea, and more flexibility – a critical factor in polar regions.

The ships’ operating crews are Russian – and getting to know them is a highlight of our voyages. They have many years of experience in both the Arctic and Antarctica, and are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable journey. The captain and crew maintain the ships to the highest standards and keep them immaculately clean. Each day your cabin is serviced by our housekeeping crew and your meals are served by the friendly and attentive dining room staff.

We encourage you to join our staff on the bridge – you’ll be welcome there virtually all day. There’s always something to learn from the Captain or the officers on watch and it’s the favourite place on the ship for sightseeing and bird watching.

Both ships also have ample outside viewing areas, as well as spectacular views from the bridge, cabins and public areas. Each has a television lounge and bar – newly-decorated with comfortable lounges and bar stools – with outside views, supplemented by television relay from the bridge. There is also a sauna, plunge pool, gymnasium and library, as well as more intimate rooms for accommodating smaller groups.

The dining room, located on the Main Deck, seats all passengers comfortably in one sitting – there are numerous windows and a comfortable lounge area. World-class chefs provide a choice of international menus including seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes, accompanied by an excellent variety of beverages and wines. We also have our own resident medical officer on every voyage. While each ship is designed to take over 120 passengers, we normally carry no more than 110.

All cabins have an outside view, with portholes or a window, and are tastefully furnished. Most of them have private or semi-private facilities. While not luxurious – our ships are working scientific vessels – they are comfortable, clean and practical.

Our ships are the perfect ‘home base’ for exploring the polar wilderness, moving us quickly from bay to island to fjord, and providing a warm and comfortable homecoming at the end of a day’s exploration.