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Antarctic Cruises / Expedition Cruises / Best of Northwest / Mountain Bike Tours / Winter Trips

Polar Star Expeditions

M/V Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. In 2000 she underwent complete retrofit and upgrades. She was renamed M/V Polar Star after her namesake that served Karlsen's Arctic cruise program. Karlsen Shipping, the parent company, is an old Norwegian family business originally from the northwestern coast of Norway and now headquartered in Halifax, Canada. With over 100 years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen has operated primarily in the Polar Regions.

Our ship is one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety standards exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is certified for worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest SOLAS and IMF regulations for safety and the environment. We take up to 105 passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote destinations. For shore excursions, we are equipped with 10 16-man zodiacs.

The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort and small enough to enter out of the way destinations that other vessels can only sail by. We explore nature's most breathtaking wonders up close and our voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey that is spirited with adventure.Our customers tell us that we have some of the "industry bests" on board including a very spacious bridge with an open bridge policy, large observation lounge/lecture hall with seating for all passengers, one of the best standard cabins (our K3) anda superior amount of outside viewing areas. Additional common areas include a shop, sumptuous library, bar, fitness facility and a dining room that seats all passengers in one sitting. Our varied international menu is prepared fresh onboard. Our 45 cabins include 31 doubles, 4 superior cabins and 6 suites (all with private facilities), plus an additional 4 cabins with shared facilities. Click for cabin photos.

An Expedition Leader, who will work with the Captain and officers to plan each day's itinerary, accompanies you on your trip. He will be assisted by a group of naturalists, lecturers, guides and Zodiac drivers, who have been selected for their knowledge and experience in the areas we visit. Each of these talented men and women will share their unique perspective with you throughout the cruise. Examples of their expertise include Biology, Ornithology, Geology and History.

Each evening you will receive a schedule that details the activities of the following day, including mealtimes, lectures, videos, and excursions. While you are at sea, your expedition staff will present a series of lectures to expand your knowledge about the destinations you are visiting. As you sail, you are invited to the navigation bridge, which offers an excellent vantage point for spotting birds, marine mammals, and icebergs. The staff will be present to help you identify the various species you encounter. On an expedition cruise, your entertainment comes in the form of staff lectures and, of course, the destinations themselves. In the off-hours, many people devote themselves to writing in their journals, conversing with shipmates, and enjoying the passing - and usually magnificent - scenery

Classic Expedition

Polar Circle Expedition

Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Islands Quest

Antarctica & Sub-Antarctic Islands Odyssey

Due to rising fuel costs, we have been forced to add fuel surcharges to the listed prices of the cruises. For our 2007 -2009 seasos. It is currently at $15 per night per passenger. All current bookings and new bookings will be subject to the above fuel surcharges.