Life Onboard a Polar Expedition Ship

Key Takeaways

• You can pick from loads of different cabins – everything from basic three-person rooms to posh suites. If you get seasick, go for a room in the middle of a lower deck.
• Food’s brilliant with international dishes all day long – help yourself to breakfast, choose from the menu at lunch, and enjoy proper sit-down dinners. They’ll sort out any special diets too.
• You’ll learn heaps from the experts giving talks, wildlife photography lessons, and evening chats about local history and sea life.
• Keep fit in the gym, warm up in the sauna, or soak in the hot tubs with amazing polar views. There’s massage and yoga if you fancy it.
• Safety’s top priority – ships have double-thick hulls, emergency plans sorted, and the crew keeps a close eye on the weather at all times.

Polar Cruise Cabin Guide

Picking the right cabin can make or break your polar cruise holiday.

You’ll see different types of rooms available – from basic ones with portholes to fancy suites with their own balconies. The cheaper cabins are usually on lower decks with smaller windows, while rooms higher up give you better views of the ice and any whales or seals swimming past.

Think about what matters most to you. Triple rooms are easiest on your wallet but mean sharing with others. Superior rooms give you more space to move about and often have separate sitting spots.

If you get seasick easily, go for a cabin in the middle of a lower deck where the ship doesn’t rock as much. For keen photographers, having your own balcony means you can nip out quickly when wildlife appears, though these rooms tend to be the priciest.

Polar Cruise Dining Experience

The dining while sailing through polar regions combines marvellous food with breathtaking Arctic or Antarctic scenery.

You’ll eat your breakfast buffets, à la carte lunches and smart dinners whilst watching icebergs float past your window. The international chefs on board cook up varied menus with fresh seafood, local dishes and familiar favourites.

Meal times are quite relaxed, and you can pick between laid-back or fancy dining rooms. Several ships have special restaurants for wine-matched meals or themed suppers.

The kitchen team handles all sorts of dietary needs, whether you’re vegetarian or need gluten-free meals. For a bit of fun, you might join in with barbecues up on deck or afternoon tea sessions during your time sailing through the polar waters.

Polar Cruise Educational Programs

Learning is a brilliant part of polar trips, going well beyond mealtimes into every bit of your voyage. You’ll find daily talks by marine biologists, historians and glaciologists in the ship’s theatre, whilst hands-on sessions help you master wildlife photography and ice navigation.

Between trips ashore, you can pop into the onboard library filled with polar books or join citizen science projects gathering data on weather patterns and marine wildlife. The expedition team’s always keen to sort out your questions, whether you’re wondering about penguin behaviour or how icebreaker ships work.

Polar Cruise Wellness Options

Beyond exciting outings and wildlife spotting, polar cruises have brilliant wellness choices to help you relax after busy days.

You’ll spot proper fitness centres with sweeping views of the polar landscape, where you can keep up your workout routine whilst watching icebergs float past. Most ships have saunas and steam rooms to warm you up after cold trips, plus hot tubs on deck for a soak beneath the midnight sun or northern lights.

You can book soothing massages, take part in morning yoga classes, or join mindfulness sessions. Some ships provide special treatments like arctic stone therapy and polar-inspired aromatherapy.

You can also chat with wellness experts who’ll guide you through meditation and share tips on keeping balanced during the round-the-clock daylight of polar summers.

Polar Cruise Safety Standards

The safety rules on polar expedition ships are seriously strict – these boats are built tough to handle the harshest ice and weather. They’ve got double hulls, reinforced bows, and clever navigation kit to help them travel safely through polar regions.

You’ll need to take part in safety practice runs and listen to thorough briefings about what to do in emergencies before you set off. The team keeps a close eye on the weather and ice movement, whilst staying in touch with other ships and bases on land.

When it comes to small boat trips, there are firm rules about how many people can go and how many guides must be present.

All ships carry top-notch safety gear, including survival suits, covered lifeboats, and emergency locator beacons. There’s always a proper medical centre with qualified staff on board, and crew members go through special polar training to handle whatever might crop up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if Someone Gets Seasick During the Polar Expedition Cruise?

You can get seasickness tablets and help from the ship’s doctors. Try wearing motion sickness wristbands, staying in the middle of the ship where it’s steadier, and keeping your eyes on the horizon to feel better.

Can I Charge My Camera Equipment and Devices in My Cabin?

No worries about power in your cabin! You’ll spot standard electrical sockets to keep your cameras and gadgets charged up. Just remember to bring along proper adapters, as ships use different voltage systems.

How Do Passengers Communicate With Family Back Home While Cruising?

You can use the ship’s Wi-Fi to email your family and make calls, though the signal isn’t always brilliant. There are satellite phones if you need them urgently, and you can buy internet packages on most ships.

What Currency Is Used Onboard for Additional Purchases and Gratuities?

You’ll need US dollars for bits and pieces on the ship, plus any tips you want to give. Your bank cards will work fine, but it’s worth having some cash handy for smaller bits and giving tips to the staff.

Are Polar Expedition Cruises Suitable for Passengers With Limited Mobility?

While it’s possible, you’ll want to think hard about what you can and cannot do. Most ships have accessible rooms and lifts, though getting in and out of zodiac boats and moving across rough terrain can be quite tricky.