Ships

The following is brief overview of the different styles of vessels that offer the very best cruising experiences.

Research Vessel:

The Research Vessels tend to offer more active programs and attract a younger clientele.  These ships were originally built for polar research and all have ice strengthened hulls.  When the former Soviet Union collapsed, many ships where charted by adventure tour companies to bring travellers to the Polar Regions.  The accommodation on these vessels is simple - comfortable, but not luxurious.  These trips often feel more like a private expedition than a conventional cruise.

Expedition Ship

An expedition ship is designed to cruise remote waterways. These ships usually have a shallow draft and often have an ice-hardened hull, designed to push through broken ice. They feature Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats with outboard engines) that are used for exploration and shore landings. Expedition ships focus on natural history and culture, and have on-board educational programs. The expedition ships offer more comfortable accommodations and higher quality of onboard service and dining.  They provide a higher academic experience and have excellent expedition staff.  Typically, there is a 10 to 12-person expedition staff each with a specific area of expertise.

Icebreakers

An icebreaker is specifically designed for breaking through sea ice. The collapse of the Soviet Union forced cash-strapped research institutions to lease research ships and icebreakers to adventure tour operators as a way to earn hard currency. Travel to remote polar regions such as the North Pole or the Far South to visit emperor penguin rookeries requires icebreakers. Icebreaker programs generally focus on natural history and culture, and have on-board educational programs.

The icebreakers often explore the most remote areas, located further south, where an icebreaker is needed to safely explore in more extensive sea ice.  These are true expeditions.  There are often helicopters onboard.  These voyages attract well-travelled people who want to see areas of Antarctica where few vessels have ventured.  They usually operate longer itineraries and are generally more expensive.

Small-Ship

A small ship is similar to an expedition ship in style, but is not designed for extremely remote or prolonged open ocean cruising. They usually have tenders instead of Zodiacs, and many carry sea kayaks and other recreational craft. Small ships tend to ply more sheltered waters, such as the Inside Passage to Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, etc. While guides and naturalists are usually present, there is generally a lighter approach to learning when compared with expedition ships.

Dive Boat

A dive boat is a live-aboard vessel that is consistently used for diving and is equipped with scuba diving equipment. The main focus of these ships are dive trips.

Sailing Vessel

A sailing vessel is any boat that has the ability to travel under sail. In many regions such as the Galápagos and the Caribbean, sailing vessels typically use a combination of sail and motor power to ensure sufficient distances are travelled. You should always check with a tour operator to find out what percentage of the time is usually spent actually sailing.

Motor Yacht