A destination and expedition ship, the
Andrea was rebuilt in 2003 from the 1964-built
Harald Jarl, a Norwegian Coastal Express passenger-cargo ship. Measuring 2,632 tons and 286 ft, she carries up to 105 passengers and a European crew of 48 at 15 knots on destination and expedition trips in Europe, South America and Antarctica. The Andrea is marketed to individuals and chartered by affinity groups.
As the Harald Jarl, she formed part of the daily lifeline service from Bergen on Norway's west coast to beyond the North Cape. Rebuilt in Sweden into a full-time cruise ship, she now has far more comfortable cabin accommodations, carries fewer passengers, and has taken on a completely different interior style. The ship is family-owned along with running mate Monet, the latter based mostly in the Adriatic.
Passengers are mostly older North Americans who are looking for a small ship cruise and unusual itineraries. They may book as individuals or be part of an alumni, museum or other affinity group. Suggested gratuities are $10 to $12 a day unless the charterer includes them in the package price.
The Andrea's destination-driven cruises are to the Baltic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America including the Amazon and Orinoco, and a full season in Antarctica. Stabilization is provided with bilge keels, a system that is not as effective as fin stabilizers. Zodiacs take passengers ashore where there are no port facilities. Enrichment programs vary according to the charterer, or when the cruises are arranged by Elegant Cruises directly.
This ship has a forward observation lounge and library, an aft lounge-bar used for lectures, and a fitness room. The somewhat over-elegant dining room runs the full width of the ship and down the portside and operates with one open seating. Formal oil paintings line the walls. The food service got off to a slow start but it has recently improved. Decor throughout is called 18th-century Gustavian style, a Swedish interpretation of neo-classical. Colors are off-white, pale blues, rust, reds and yellows. Additional dining takes places in good weather out on deck, which is covered in teak and has teak deck chairs and bar service. An observation deck for viewing wildlife has been built at the bow. The Andrea retains plenty of her original maritime character on deck.
The 61 smallish to roomy cabins, most outside with windows or portholes, have satellite TV, phones, safes and hair dryers. Voltage is 220, except for 110 for electric razors, so passengers should come with converters. A half-dozen cabins are sold as singles. Larger staterooms and president's and owner's suites have tub baths and sitting areas. The two suites overlook the bow. An elevator serves all decks but the Bridge Deck where the fitness room and one cabin are located. The ship has an open-bridge policy, weather permitting.
Her rugged build makes the Andrea a good, small ship choice, one that is well-suited for visiting remote and not-so-remote parts of the world.
