Akademik Shokalskiy, a fully ice-strengthened ship renowned for polar exploration, is the perfect vessel for Antarctica expedition cruises. Like its sister ship Spirit of Enderby (Professor Khromov), the Shokalskiy was originally built in the 1980s for polar and oceanographic research. This legendary ship is known for her strength, agility, and safety on the water, while refurbishments in 2008 ensure that guests can expect utmost comfort and luxury even while cruising through the world’s wildest seascapes.
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Cabins
Main Deck
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
Superior
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior Plus
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Mini Suite
Separate bedroom with a double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.
Main Deck Triple
One bunk (one upper abd ibe lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
Deckplan
Cabins & Suites
Classed as a small ship cruiser, Akademik Shokalskiy offers an intimate Antarctica cruise experience with comfortable accommodations for only 48 passengers. All cabins have outside windows or portholes, desks, and ample storage space, while larger suites offer additional perks like lounge areas, separate bedrooms, and private bathrooms. Half of the vessel’s twin-share cabins feature private facilities for guest convenience.
Amenities
Although it is a vessel built for small excursions, Akademik Shokalskiy delivers an exceptional cruise experience with a wide array of amenities on board. It has a combined bar and library where travelers can unwind with a good book and a drink while sailing to the next destination. There is also a dedicated lecture theater, sauna, and clinic for guests. Expect superb cuisine every day with meals prepared by some of the best chefs from New Zealand and Australia.
• 2 Dining Rooms
• 24-Hour Tea/Coffee Station
• Fully Stocked Bar/Library Lounge Area
• Sauna
• Lecture Theater Room
• Clinic/Hospital
• Ship to Shore Communications via Satellite
The Shokalskiy Experience
Aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy, the focus of every Antarctica expedition is maximizing onshore exploration. The vessel is under the capable hands of an experienced captain and crew, all of whom are working to get you ashore as often as possible so you can make the most out of your trip. Expert naturalists and guides will accompany you to the best Antarctica destinations, taking you to the most incredible spots and sharing valuable insights about the region.
Ship Specifications
-Classification: Russian register KM ice class
-Year built: 1984
-Shipyard: Finland
-Main engines: Power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 kW)
-Register: Russia
-Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines)
-Cruising speed: 10 knots (one engine)
-Bunker capacity: 320 tons
-Expedition Staff & Crew: 22
-Guests: 50
-Length: 69.7m
-Breadth: 12.9m
-Draft: 4.5m
-Gross Tonnage: 1,753gt
-Ice Class: A1A Super
-Zodiacs: 5
Antarctica Itineraries
Sail away on an unforgettable small-ship Antarctica cruise aboard Heritage Expeditions’ Akademik Shokalskiy. Each voyage takes guests to some of the most beautiful places in Antarctica, including the remote Ross Sea region. Pacific cruises to the Chatham Islands, and from New Zealand to Japan are also available.
About Heritage Expeditions
Founded by biologist Rodney Russ and his wife Shirley, Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985 to promote awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel. To this day, the company remains family-owned and run, operating its own ships that include the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer, 18-guest Heritage Explorer, and 50-guest vessels Spirit of Enderby and Akademik Shokalskiy.
Specializing in authentic, small-ship cruises, Heritage Expeditions takes explorers to far-flung destinations like Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and the Russian Far East. Each expedition is designed so travelers can soak in as much knowledge and experience as possible while minimizing environmental impact.
Akademik Shokalskiy Reviews
Overall, passengers praise Akademik Shokalskiy for her frequent onshore landings, dedicated staff and crew, and comfortable accommodations. Travelers also appreciate the small-group nature of the expeditions, noting that it offers them a host of landing opportunities that are not possible with bigger tour groups.
Start planning an intimate cruise to Antarctica aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy. Contact our Adventure Life travel experts for assistance on choosing the right itinerary.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
