Max Passengers:
42
Ship Type:
Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated By:
Secret Atlas
Polar Athena is built for true exploration with the highest 1A super ice-class rating, designed to cut through heavy pack ice and reach places few ships can go. With space for just 42 guests, every journey feels personal, immersive, and flexible. Born as a research vessel and now reimagined for modern polar exploration, Polar Athena balances authentic adventure with comfort, making it the ultimate choice for small-group travel in Antarctica.
With five Zodiacs, all guests can disembark at once, ensuring more time ashore and less time waiting. A stabilizing system and supplementary bilge keels deliver a smoother ride, even in challenging seas. Elevated viewing platforms at the bow provide photographers with uninterrupted views of wildlife and dramatic polar landscapes. At the same time, two redesigned bridge observation lounges invite guests to connect with the crew and share in the spirit of discovery.
After a day on the ice, relax in the sauna or soak in the hot tub under the open sky. Meals are freshly prepared and served in an intimate restaurant setting, with the atmosphere of a dinner among friends. From the moment you step aboard, the attentive 20-member crew ensures each journey feels like joining an extended family.
Cabin Specifications
Polar Athena offers a range of accommodations, including Classic Twin and Signature Twin cabins, spacious Classic and Signature Suites, and a Signature Single designed for solo travelers. Each cabin balances comfort with practicality, featuring thoughtful details that create a welcoming home base during the expedition.
Features Onboard
Life on board Polar Athena blends exploration with comfort. Guests can gather in two redesigned bridge observation lounges, where panoramic views of the polar landscape pair with opportunities to connect with the crew and share wildlife sightings. The inviting guest lounge serves as both a learning hub for lectures and daily briefings, as well as a cozy retreat for reading or conversation. Dining takes place in an intimate restaurant that feels more like a dinner party, with freshly prepared meals and a warm hospitality setting the tone. Out on deck, raised viewing platforms provide sweeping vistas of the icy wilderness, while photographers enjoy an ideal vantage point at the bow. After a day of adventures, the ship’s wellness area offers relaxation in a warm sauna or a hot tub under the open skies—perfect for unwinding while still immersed in the polar environment
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Ship Specifications
- Length: 71 meters (233 feet)
- Speed: 11 knots
- Guests: 42
- Crew: 20
- Zodiacs: 5
- Guide Ratio: 1 guide per 8 guests
- Ice-Class Rating: Highest 1A Super
