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Polar Athena

EXPEDITION (42 GUESTS)

The Polar Athena was born as a research vessel and is in a class that has built a legacy for exploration in the polar regions.  Constructed in 1974 as the Akademik Shuleykin, later re-named the Polar Pioneer, now the Polar Athena, she has a 1A super ice-class rating. As such, she’s built to slice through heavy sea ice.

 

Having undergone a significant refit in 2025/26, she now has space for just 42 guests in comfortable and modern cabins. Social spaces have also been upgraded and after a recent spell in dry-dock, her engines been overhauled and her stabilisers re-installed. The Polar Athena offers an excellent small-ship option for observation and versatility in the polar regions. Given her size, she can quickly board all guests into Zodiacs and be off exploring in a mater of minutes.

POLAR ATHENA DATES AND PRICES

POLAR ATHENA 2026-27 DATES AND PRICES

Prices in AUD$ – per person twin share (triple share in triple cabins). Prices correct as at 27 Oct 2025.
Click on Cruise itinerary name below to view detailed description of your Antarctic Cruise

Cruise ItineraryStart DateEnd DateDaysStarts / EndsClassic TwinSignature TwinSignature SingleClassic SuiteSignature Suite
South Georgia Micro Cruise 10 Oct 202624 Oct 202615Port Stanley$28,995$30,495$35,995$35,995$38,995
South Georgia Micro Cruise 24 Oct 202607 Nov 202615Port Stanley$28,995$30,495$35,995$35,995$38,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Sail One Way) 20 Nov 202628 Nov 20269Puerto Natales / Ushuaia$21,995$23,495$27,495$27,495$29,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Sail One Way) 28 Nov 202606 Dec 20269Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$21,995$23,495$27,495$27,495$29,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise 11 Dec 202620 Dec 202610Puerto Natales$27,495$28,995$33,995$33,995$37,495
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Christmas) 18 Dec 202627 Dec 202610Puerto Natales$29,995$32,495$36,495$36,495$39,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (New Year) 25 Dec 202603 Jan 202710Puerto Natales$29,995$32,495$36,495$36,495$39,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Sail One Way) 09 Jan 202717 Jan 20279Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$21,995$23,495$27,495$27,495$29,995
Antarctic Circle Micro Fly Cruise 19 Feb 202728 Feb 202710Puerto Natales$27,495$28,995$33,995$33,995$37,495

POLAR ATHENA 2026-27 CRUISES

POLAR ATHENA 2027-28 DATES AND PRICES

Prices in AUD$ – per person twin share (triple share in triple cabins). Prices correct as at 24 Oct 2025.
Click on Cruise itinerary name below to view detailed description of your Antarctic Cruise

Cruise ItineraryStart DateEnd DateDaysStarts / EndsClassic TwinSignature TwinSignature SingleClassic SuiteSignature Suite
South Georgia Micro Cruise 09 Oct 202723 Oct 202715Port Stanley$29,995$31,495$36,995$36,995$39,995
South Georgia Micro Cruise 23 Oct 202706 Nov 202715Port Stanley$29,995$31,495$36,995$36,995$39,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Sail One Way) 19 Nov 202727 Nov 20279Puerto Natales / Ushuaia$22,995$24,495$28,495$28,495$30,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Sail One Way) 27 Nov 202705 Dec 20279Ushuaia / Puerto Natales$22,995$24,495$28,495$28,495$30,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise 10 Dec 202719 Dec 202710Puerto Natales$28,495$29,995$34,995$34,995$38,495
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Christmas) 17 Dec 202726 Dec 202710Puerto Natales$30,995$33,495$37,495$37,495$40,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (New Year) 24 Dec 202702 Jan 202810Puerto Natales$30,995$33,495$37,495$37,495$40,995
Antarctic Micro Fly Cruise (Sail One Way) 31 Dec 202708 Jan 20289Puerto Natales / Ushuaia$22,995$24,495$28,495$28,495$30,995
Antarctic Circle Micro Fly Cruise 18 Feb 202827 Feb 202810Puerto Natales$28,495$29,995$34,995$34,995$38,495

Single supplement:

POLAR ATHENA 2027-28 CRUISES

POLAR ATHENA OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Kayaking Poseidon

Kayaking

Glide along the shores of Antarctica onboard a kayak. Cruise past ice formations and see wildlife swim past as you glide along. With an experienced kayak guide you will visit some locations that can only able to be reached by kayaks.

For more information on the voyages we offer, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@antarcticatravelcentre.com.au

POLAR ATHENA CABINS

The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space featuring two lower twin beds and a porthole window.

Recently refurbished, it includes a wardrobe and an en-suite shower and toilet, providing a stylish yet homely retreat. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of the planet.

The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design.

This welcoming space offers two lower twin beds, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.

The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book.

With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.

The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures.

Large windows fill the cabin with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.

The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds.

Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.

Deck Plan

SHIP DETAILS

Lounge and bar

Dining room

Open bridge

Infirmary

Zodiac Cruising

Fly-Cruise Voyages 1 pre-voyage night in Puerto Natales

Group transfers from the airport to the hotel on day prior to embarkation

Group transfer to ship on day of embarkation

Group transfer to airport or central location on day of disembarkation

For the duration of the voyage, the loan of rubber boots for shore landings

Zodiac excursions and landings (guided hikes/walks) with expedition team

Accommodation aboard

All meals aboard ship, afternoon teas

Educational programme on board

Complimentary tea and coffee 24 hours

Sea Spirit

Staff and Crew: 20

Guests: 42

Dimensions: Length: 71m. Beam: 12.5m

Speed: 15 knots maximum

Operator: Secret Atlas

Built:  1974 (Significant refurbishment 2025/26)

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.