Amazon Adventures

Argentina

Best of Patagonia / Hiking the Patagonia Classics / More Patagonia Treks / Discovery Tours
Buenos Aires / More Patagonia / Iguazu Falls / Lake District / Salta / Mendoza / Ibera / Valdes Peninsula
Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Mountain Bike Tours / Winter Trips

"Grigoriy Mikheev" and "Aleksey Maryshev"

The ´Grigoriy Mikheev & Aleksey Maryshev´ are modern and comfortable research vessels of the Hydrographic Institute of St. Petersburg. Built in 1990 in Finland, and designed as ice-strengthened vessels, the ships are now under long-term contract by Oceanwide Expeditions. Converted in the Netherlands for passenger use, the vessels are ideally suited to expedition cruising. They have a range of 70 days independent operation and is ISM certified. The vessels are strongly built of steel with an ice-strengthened hull (ice-strengthened from the bow until about 1/4 of the ships length), perfect for the polar seas. They have the Russian ice-class notation LU(1), which is identical with Lloyds Register 1D. The 'Grigoriy Mikheev' and 'Aleksey Maryshev' are manned by an enthusiastic Russian crew of around 20, all highly experienced in ice
navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar navigation.
All our international expedition leaders and lecturers are highly
knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment.

The ´Grigoriy Mikheev & Aleksey Maryshev´ have a large bridge (where you are almost always welcome) and good open deck-viewing areas. They carry a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for landings and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise in-accessible areas. 3-Star meals, prepared by international chefs, is served in the dining room, which also acts as the lecture room. Other public areas include a lounge and bar, small library (there are plenty of interesting books about the history, flora and fauna of the areas we visit.), infirmary, and sauna.

On the motor vessels the crew are Russian. Some of them speak English some of them don’t. The personal contact with the Russian crew is always a nice aspect of our polar journeys. All staff (Guides/Lecturers, Purser, Chef, Expedition leaders) do speak English, and most of the time other languages as well.

On board our motor vessels the standard currency is Euro. Other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager at prevailing rates. We also accept Visa card and Euro/MasterCard.

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call “Whales!” comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are
standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter.

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew. You will receive detailed guidelines aboard. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest US$8 to US$10 per person per day. It is better for the crew, if we can give them cash US Dollar.

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke
inside the ship. You can smoke on deck but do not throw your cigarette filter
overboard ! Do not smoke on the aft deck in the proximity of zodiacs, engines and fuel. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

Argentina

"Grigoriy Mikheev" and "Aleksey Maryshev"

Deck Plan