Akademik Shokalskiy

The Akademik Shokalskiy was built in Finland in 1982 for oceanographic research. The ship has since been refurbished in 1998 for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising.
 
The Akademik Shokalskiy carries a maximum of 49 travelers in comfortable triple, twin and superior cabins, and suite. All cabins are outside, with a desk, ample storage space and windows.
 
Public areas on the vessel include a lounge/bar, a lecture room/library, sauna, infirmary and dining rooms. Views are excellent from the large, open deck and navigation bridge (where we are almost always welcome).
 
The atmosphere aboard is relaxed, more akin to that of a private expedition than a conventional cruise ship.


SIDE PLAN

DECK PLANS

Deck 5 - Deck Plans courtesy of Quark Expeditions

Deck 4 - Deck Plans courtesy of Quark Expeditions

Deck 3 - Deck Plans courtesy of Quark Expeditions

  Amundsen Suite

  Superior

  Twin

  Twin Shared Facilities

  Triple Shared Facilities

  Upper & Lower Berths

  Upper Berth


Dining
European chefs prepare excellent varied international cuisine, using high-quality provisions from around the world. The comfortable bar is stocked with a good selection of wine, champagne and spirits. Dining room service is provided by a combination of Russian and Western staff.
 
Expedition Staff, Officers and Crew
The ships are staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar operations.
 
All our voyages are led by dedicated and enthusiastic expedition staff, many of whom return with us to the Antarctic each season. They are chosen not only for their knowledge and experience but also their great love of the Antarctic.
 
Technical Gear
With ice-strengthened hulls, we navigate scenic waterways with ease, venturing into areas closed to larger vessels. Designed to explore remote corners of the world, the ship is equipped with passive stabilizers for smooth sailing and meet all international environmental and safety standards. The vessel is equipped with sophisticated satellite navigation equipment.


SHIPBOARD INFORMATION
 
The Akademik Shokalskiy, built in Finland in 1982 for polar and oceanographic research, carries a maximum of 48 passengers in comfortable outside cabins, above the waterline. Her ice-strengthened hull permits smooth navigation, and her active stabilization system reduces the ship's roll.
 
Bridge Visits
The Bridge is an important working area on the ship that affords magnificent views of icebergs and wildlife. You are welcome to visit the Bridge as often as maritime regulations and the safety of the ship permit.

Cabins
On Deck 3, where the dining rooms are located is where you will find the twin and triple cabins with shared facilities. The twin cabins have 2 lower berths, with an upper berth added in the triple cabins. The portholes open. All cabins on Deck 3 have a sofa, writing desk and chair; storage, and a wash basin.
 
Deck 4 has the clinic, bar, and twin cabins with private facilities. The cabins have an upper and lower berth or two lower berths, with facilities en suite that include a shower, toilet, and washbasin.
 
Deck 5 is the location of the Amundsen Suite and the superior cabins, all of which have facilities en suite. The two cabins have larger beds, outside views, TV/VCR, and a convertible sofa bed. Other Deck 5 cabins have two lower beds and private facilities, and no VCR or TV.

Communication
This ship is equipped with Iridium and Mini-M Satellite telephone systems, which allow the sending and receiving of calls at per minute charge. A fax machine charged per actual connection time.

Electric Current
The electrical supply on board is 220 volts, 50 hertz. The electrical outlet sockets are the standard European two round pin system. Passengers coming from countries with a different system will need to bring a suitable adapter.

Elevator
There are NO elevators aboard this vessel.

Facilities
Lounge, well-stocked bar, a small library, infirmary, sauna, dining room/lecture room.

Hairdresser
There is no hairdresser on board. There are hair dryers in all cabins.

Laundry
There is no self-serve laundry or dry-cleaning services. Laundry service is provided by the cabin attendants. A price list will be available in your cabin.

Library
The small library is stocked with polar books, reference materials, and general reading material, as well as board games, and playing cards.

Fire & Abandon Ship Drill
By international maritime law, it is mandatory that travelers participate in an emergency drill within 24 hours of sailing.

Medical Facilities
There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board. The small medical clinic is stocked with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment.

Officers & Crew
Many of our Russian Captains, officers, and crew speak English. All are very experienced in ice operations, and navigation in polar regions.

Payment System
The U. S. dollar is the standard currency on board. Other currencies may be accepted at prevailing rates at the discretion of the Hotel Manager. Visa, MasterCard, Diner's Club and American Express are accepted on board for settling your account.

Sauna
The sauna can hold of a maximum of 5 guests at one time. Use of the sauna is at your own volition and risk.

Shop/Souvenirs
A limited number of souvenirs are sold from the bar. We accept cash, traveler's checks, Visa, MasterCard, Diner's Club, and American Express.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins, bar, dining room, lecture room, or Zodiac deck. Smoking is permitted on other outside decks.

Valuables
Deposit envelopes will be provided.

Viewing Areas
Views are excellent from the large open decks and Navigation Bridge. Passengers are welcome nearly everywhere on the ship, as long as conditions permit.

Zodiacs
A fleet of 4 Mark V heavy duty Zodiacs are carried on board for landings and cruising.