Arctic Boats

As your base and home for the duration of your Arctic expedition, the decision on which boat to choose is a critical one. We have quite a wide choice of boats available, depending on requirements.

To help work out which boat best suits you, we've categorised the individual boats under sub-headings in terms of size and adventure activities.

However, there is never a substitute to actually speaking with an expert, so do give Alex a call on 01285 880981 or email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk to discuss any of these vessels or to check availability on a particular departure.

As a highly experienced Arctic specialist, we can guarantee that all the boats we recommend have fully ice strengthened hulls, a highly professional crew, excellent naturalist guides and offer delicious, homely cuisine and offer you a very memorable experience.

Small Expeditionary
48-52 passengers
These are the smallest type of vessel available for Arctic travel. Their sturdy design, homely and authentic feel of these former Russian research vessels and the very personalised experienced which comes from travelling in such a small group has secured them a loyal following and in constant high demand.

Boats: Professor Molchanov, Professor Multanovskiy


Small Adventure
48-52 passengers + adventure options
This Boat has the same characteristics of the four ships above but, also offers optional adventure options on the majority of their expeditions which will appeal to active and adventurous travellers: kayaking.

BoatS: Akademik Shokalskiy, Polar Pioneer, Spirit of Enderby

Medium Expeditionary
53-112 passengers
This slightly larger Boat is typically more spacious, more well-appointed and with greater stability, and may suit those travellers who place a higher emphasis on comfort. Despite the higher numbers of passengers, there are still daily landings while in the Arctic and an informal atmosphere onboard.

Boats: MS Quest, Plancius, Antarctic Dream

Medium Adventure
up to 110 passengers + adventure options
Built as state-of-the-art research vessels, these two sister ships are renowned for their excellent stability and quietness. Retaining an authentic expeditionary feel despite the higher numbers of passengers than the smaller research ships, they also offer optional adventure options for the active traveller.

Boats: Akademik Ioffe, Akademik Sergey Vavilov

Icebreaker
Up to 128 Passengers
The largest and most powerful type of ship plying polar waters, icebreakers have the capacity to hammer their way through thick ice impenetrable to all other types of vessels. With their capabilities of being able to reach the most inaccessible places on the high seas, and carrying helicopters for flight-seeing, any voyage aboard an icebreaker makes fro a highly memorable trip.

Boat: 50 Years of Victory

For further details or to check boat availability, please either:

Call 01285 880981
Email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk