WELCOME ABOARD POLARIS I
Polaris Expéditions is a family-run business that was born in 2011 out of our passion for the Polar Regions and our desire to help people discover them in the best possible conditions, while respecting nature.
After a number of trips to these regions, we've come to realise that two conditions are essential to guaranteeing a great trip: a small group and a very comfortable, welcoming boat, with a crew of enthusiasts who like to share their passion with our passengers. However, finding an offer that combines these two conditions is a difficult, if not impossible, task in these remote regions, where large cruise ships (comfortable but with 200 to 500 passengers) and sailing boats (small groups, but relatively uncomfortable and overcrowded) are the norm. As a result, many people wishing to explore these regions are unfortunately unable to find the comfortable, welcoming, non-overcrowded, small-group accommodation they were looking for.
That's why we wanted to respond to this demand and chose to offer original cruises, off the beaten track, aboard our 34-metre vessel, the Polaris I, which offers all the comfort and safety of a large unit, but only accommodates 12 privileged passengers. In these polar regions where there are no roads, the sea route is the best way to discover wonders. The small size of the Polaris I gives us access to the most remote places, where ocean liners can't go, and the reduced number of passengers is the best way to discover the far north in a personalised and friendly way, sneaking in, without ever disturbing nature, to make extraordinary animal observations or fabulous ski tours in untouched terrain.
The Polaris I is the first French vessel in these fabulous but hostile lands to offer such a high level of comfort for such a small number of passengers (individual cabins, bathroom/wc in each cabin, quality galley, wine cellar, panoramic lounge, satellite communications...).
What's more, Polaris Expéditions is a 100% French company, and the Polaris I is registered in France as a professional vessel. It is therefore subject to the strictest safety controls, guaranteeing you a trouble-free voyage. The ship's crew is made up of highly-skilled professionals: the captain is a first-class merchant marine captain, experienced and well-versed in polar navigation; he is assisted by a second captain, also a graduate of the national merchant marine school, a chief engineer and a multi-skilled deckhand. A chef and a hostess are in charge of the hotel and restaurant services. Shore excursions are always led by 2 high mountain guides or 2 specialised polar guides, depending on the programme. In total, there are between 8 and 10 crew members for 12 passengers. Sailors and guides share their passion with our passengers, and the bridge is always open to all.
Trips aboard the Polaris I are for all those who want to experience a polar adventure as close to nature as possible, in an exceptional way, with the guarantee of being able to retreat at any moment to a safe and comfortable setting.
We offer several types of holiday: summer cruises to discover the fauna (polar bears, walruses, whales, etc.) and flora of Spitsbergen, winter expeditions combining sea and mountains to discover the pleasures of ski touring in the Scandinavian Alps of northern Norway, overlooking numerous fjords, autumn cruises in Lofoten and the great fjords of Norway, and whale, orca and aurora borealis cruises. Whatever the programme, we are constantly adapting to the weather, ice conditions and wildlife. Our aim is always to be in the best place at the best time for the best possible experience - flexibility is the key word!
What's more, the Polaris I can be fully chartered with its crew for a totally personalised stay in these polar regions.