The Sea Adventurer

How does an Antarctic expedition ship differ from a large cruise ship? The relative size of the Sea Adventurer, our expedition ship, is the first indicator of the differences. This ship is about 330 feet (101 meters) in length, has a typical staff and crew count of 72 and 117 passengers. It is equipped with twin diesel engines, has a cruising speed of 12 knots in open water and is rated with an ice class of 1A (ice strengthened hull that can operate in sea ice). There are 61 guest cabins, each with small private bathrooms 


The Sea Adventurer was built in 1975 and underwent a $13 million conversion in 1998. Sea Adventurer is equipped with Zodiacs for shore landings and ocean level cruising.

While the Sea Adventurer is not a large cruise ship (a la Princess or RCCL), the ship did have several features, such as:

• A lower guest count which presented you with many opportunities to meet, socialize and dine with new acquaintances. As many of the guests were extensive travelers, it was great to share travel experiences.
• A lounge/presentation room (with moderately comfortable chairs) and an almost endless supply of cookies, tea and coffee.
• A window-lined dining room.
• Early hour continental breakfast in the main lounge, with later full breakfast dining. 
• A small  library with available books.
• Access to exterior observation decks, with outside seating.
• Ability to visit the bridge at almost any hour.
• 2 bars - though only one was really active.
• A small gift shop - with souvenir and Antarctic wear items.
• Ship-to-shore satellite communications with email, and wireless, Internet access - albeit very slow connections. I strongly recommend purchase of the ship's special email service despite its text limitations, it is handy in an emergency, very inexpensive ($30US) and seemed very reliable compared to on-board wireless Internet and satellite phone services..
• A licensed doctor was on board.
• A somewhat claustrophobic exercise room was available (2 exercise bikes, some weights).
• Drinkable tap water, though we did notice that hot water from the tap assumed a light rusty brown color. Cold water in the main lounge is filtered.

Our fourth deck cabin (#303) contained twin beds, as did all guest cabins, and one bunk. We didn't use the bunk bed and it was left folded against the wall. The bathroom contained heated towel racks and amenities included, hand soap, shampoo and bath gel. Bathrobes were also provided. Daily housekeeping service consisted of  bed making and evening turn-down service, towel changes if requested and daily bathroom cleaning, This fourth floor deck location was very convenient as the dining room, main lounge and reception desk were all on the same floor.   

Overall, we were pleased with the ship accommodations and our cabin. The food service was good, especially given our remote location and both ship and expedition staff were always friendly and service-oriented.