M/V Polar Star

MV Polar Star
Our ship is the first icebreaker to be fully converted and upgraded for expedition cruising and is renowned for being one of the safest and most comfortable ice class vessels available for polar cruising today. With its ice-breaking capabilities, M/V Polar Star can safely explore areas that can't be reached by most other Polar operators.

Voyages

Map of tours in Antarctica
Great Antarctic Expedition - 25 days visiting Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetlands and Antarctica

Antarctic Odyssey - 25 days visiting South Orkney, Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia

Antarctic and Polar Circle - 18 days visiting the Antarctic Penisula and Polar Circle

Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland - 17 days visiting the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland

Classic Antarctica - 16 days exploring the great white continent

Why Polar Star?

Whale with Polar Star in background

Photographing a Cetacean

M/V Polar Star, is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO).

The ship meets and exceeds the latest SOLAS, ISM & MARPOL regulations for safety and the environment.

The vessel can comfortably carry 100 passengers and is equipped with ten 16-man Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats) for excursions.

The space available on board, and the organisation of the trip allows the sense of intimacy in keeping with our 'small group' philosophy.

And what's more when you travel with Explore:


  • Gratuities are included in the cost of the voyage.
  • every passenger is given a Polar Star Expeditions Maritime Outer Shell Jacket that they can wear during the duration of the voyage - this is to protect their clothing and keep them warm and dry!
  • no local payments!!

Excellent Facilities

BBQ on deck of the MV Polar Star

BBQ on deck of the MV Polar Star

Excellent onboard facilities include:

  • large panoramic lounge/lecture room affording fine view
  • library
  • shop
  • laundry
  • gym
  • bar
  • comfortable restaurant serving superb variety of international cuisine
  • friendly and attentive hospitality staff
  • onboard team of expert guides.


The ship's 'open bridge' policy offers general freedom of access on board throughout our voyage.

The ship is informal, so casual, comfortable dress is fine; there is a general no smoking policy on board, with a number of designated smoking areas on deck.

HIgh Standards

Gentoo Penguin Chick being photographed

A Gentoo penguin posing for the camera

M/V Polar Star takes pride in the high standard of the staff onboard, including:

  • highly experienced ship crew
  • welcoming hotel staff
  • on-board physician
  • team of specialist expedition staff.


En route, travellers will be rewarded with a comprehensive series of informative talks, lectures and discussions on subjects such as the natural environment, wildlife and regional heritage.

Our on-board team are experts in their field, actively involved in current and contemporary research.

Magnificent Excursions

Leopard Seal being watched eagerly from the Zodiac

A Leopard Seal basking

When possible we plan at least two excursions each day.

Some will be land based, with the opportunity to discover the surprisingly diverse flora and fauna of the area; others will be water-based exploration by Zodiac, perhaps cruising amongst icebergs or along coastlines marvelling at the marine life and dramatic landscapes around us.

We only try to take a maximum of 12 passengers per 16-person zodiac, so that there's more room for comfortably taking pictures.

Deck Plan

MV Polar Star deck plan