The Akademik Shokalskiy was designed and built in Finland for polar and oceanographic research. It regularly operates cruises of East Antarctica and the Russian Coast
Life on board the Akademik Shokalskiy
What are fellow passengers typically like?
Passengers on voyages are like-minded people who all share a great respect for natural and cultural environments. They appreciate small group travel that push the boundaries to discover wild and remotes places and allow more intimate encounters with wildlife and cultures.
Exploring
The cruise line makes the most of each destination they visit and aim to go ashore to explore 2 – 3 times a day.
What type of meals do you offer?
Our Western chefs prepare 3 wholesome meals a day. Snacks, tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
Do you cater to vegetarians and special diets?
Yes we cater for special dietary requirements.
What are the dress codes onboard?
The dress code on board is casual. Normal clothing on board is jeans, casual trousers, light long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts.
Bridge of the Akademik Shokalksiy
How should I tip on board staff?
Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give the crew is totally at your discretion.
A single contribution can be made at the end of the voyage to be distributed amongst all the crew.
What entertainment is on board the Akademik Shokalskiy ?
We are fortunate to have a team of expert naturalists, historians, earth scientists and special guest lecturers that will ensure education and interpretation are key elements of our voyages. Lectures by our staff are scheduled on a regular basis throughout the voyage.
The bow of Akademik Shokalskiy
What is inclusive of the price of booking, and what would I need pay extra for?
Included in the Expedition Price:
• Ship’s accommodation. All public areas are open to all passengers.
• All meals on board Akademik Shokalskiy
• All shore excursions from the Akademik Shokalskiy including Zodiacs
• Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
• Medical services. There is a resident medical officer and well equipped clinic on board
• Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
• Pre-departure information
Not Included in the Expedition Price:
• Air transport to and from Akademik Shokalskiy
• Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes
• Hotels and meals not included in the Akademik Shokalskiy cruise itinerary
• Optional excursions not included in the shop cruise itinerary
• Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of personal nature such as bar charges and phone calls and optional end of voyage tips
• Credit card surcharge, if making your final payment by credit card
• Emergency evacuation charges.
How can I stay in touch with friends and family? Is Internet access available from the Akademik Shokalskiy ?
There is no internet access for passengers on board, however you can pay to send emails from the Akademik Shokalskiy . This is via satellite transmission so you will not be able to send large files or documents.
There is a satellite phone on board, however this is expensive to use
What is your smoking policy?
We have a non-smoking policy on board. If you wish to smoke this may be done on the outer decks.
Smoking is not allowed on shore and the Zodiacs.
Do you offer room service?
No we do not offer room service.
Sauna
Are ATM machines available onboard?
ATM machines are not available onboard. However we have a chit system for on board payments such as bar, communication charges, laundry etc.
Accounts for your payment will be presented on the final day of the voyage and payments can be made in cash or major credit cards.
How can I celebrate special occasions (Birthday cakes etc)?
Birthdays and special occasions are celebrated on board. The staff will have a list of everyone’s birthdays and the chefs prepare a birthday cake to celebrate the occasion.
Are hair-dryers provided in the cabins?
There are no hairdryers on board the Akademik Shokalskiy so please bring your own.
What electrical voltage is offered onboard?
On the Akademik Shokalskiy the electrical outlet sockets are the European 2 round pin socket.
Do your cabins have soap, shampoo, and conditioner?
The Akademik Shokalskiy supplies soap
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, on the Akademik Shokalskiy you can bring your own alcohol.
Families
Do you allow children and young families on board? What facilities are available for entertainment of young children?
Children are more than welcome on our voyages. However we do suggest they be old enough to enjoy the voyage and appreciate the destination.
You also need to bear in mind that there are no children facilities on board or child minding options. They need to be under adult supervision at all times.
Can babies cots and cribs be provided in my cabin?
We recommend that children be over 8 years of age to join our expeditions. We do not provide cribs or cots.
Akademik Shokalksiy - Superior Cabin
How do I get to the Akademik Shokalskiy ?
Generally you will need to fly to the closest airport and then get a taxi or transfer to the port.
Which ports does the ship leave from?
The East Antarctic voyages will leave from Hobart (Australia) & Bluff (New Zealand).
Russian Coast voyages depart from Murmansk, Archangielsk, Anadyr & Petropavlovsk (Russia) depending on the voyage.
Safety & Insurance
What safety features do you have onboard?
Safety is a priority on the Akademik Shokalskiy , with an impeccable safety record
They have lifeboats on board and life jackets for everyone on board.
Is my baggage protected?
If your luggage goes missing during your trip you should be able to make a claim through your travel insurance.
What is security like onboard?
Although cabins are not able to be locked, the Akademik Shokalskiy is very secure, but if you wish to place valuables in the ship’s safe you can do so.
Medical care
What if I get sick on board? Is there licensed medical staff onboard?
There is a doctor on board the Akademik Shokalskiy with extensive experience in remote area medicine. The ships have basic but reasonably well-stocked clinic designed to provide initial medical care for any illnesses or injuries that may occur.
Will I get seasick or motion sickness?
A lot of people worry about seasickness but the good news is that seasickness can often be avoided if managed early and it usually doesn’t last more than a day or so. There are medications such as Phenergan which can help prevent or treat seasickness. Ginger tablets can also be helpful.
Can I store insulin in my cabin?
The doctor on board the Polar Pioneer and Akademik Shokalskiy would look after your insulin
Is the water on the Akademik Shokalskiy safe to drink?
The water on Aurora ships is safe to drink.
What facilities are available for disabled and handicapped passengers?
There are no facilities available for disabled and handicapped passengers unfortunately. Passengers need to be able to walk up and down stairs and get in and out of zodiacs.
Environment
Aurora are deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment.
Their philosophy is to respectfully visit these wilderness areas in turn creating ambassadors for their protection.
A founding member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators), they have been in the expedition cruise industry since its inception and helped draft environmental guidelines that have become the world standard.
Problems
Can I change my cabin?
Before the voyage we can generally change your cabin, however once on board the cabins are allocated and you are not able to change cabins. If there is a problem however our staff will do all they can to assist and resolve it.
Can my itinery change? If so, what happens?
The voyage itinerary is subject to change as we are dependent on the weather, sea and ice conditions. Flexibility is not only the key to a successful voyage, it’s the essence of adventure!
As the Akademik Shokalskiy is a smaller expedition ship has a more flexible itineraries, and the Expedition Leader can choose to alter the course on a voyage to take maximum advantage of the weather or opportunities for watching wildlife or exploring hidden bays and coves.
What if my flight is delayed?
Depending on the voyage we suggest you arrive a day before the start date to ensure that even if your flight is delayed it won’t cause you to miss embarkation.
