The
Polaris is a 238-ft, 2214-ton, 4-deck ship, built in 1960 as the Scandinavian day ferry
Oresund, and rebuilt in 1982 as a cruise ship. She is a small vessel carrying 80 passengers and an Ecuadoran crew of 44 on 7-day year-round adventures in the Galapagos Islands.
Sven-Olof Lindblad follows in the wake of his father Lars-Eric who began expedition-style cruising to remote locations over 40 years ago. Cruises have expanded to include North, Central and South America, Europe, the polar regions and the Nile Valley. Lindblad has teamed up with National Geographic to improve its already fine enrichment programs.
Expedition Cruises traditionally have attracted older, well-heeled and well-traveled folks who have a hankering to learn and have no interest in mainstream big ship cruises. Children are also welcome and would find the animals and outdoor activities much to their liking.
Departing every Friday from Baltra, these soft-adventure cruises appeal to those with such interests as snorkeling, bird-watching and photography. Manned by Ecuadoran officers and crew, the Polaris houses a full complement of naturalists who give pre-dinner briefings, mix and mingle during meals, and accompany passengers ashore with transfers by Zodiac.
Groups are small to avoid disturbing the wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and the wild great tortoise. It is the accessibility of these experts that makes this ship so successful. Binoculars and snorkeling gear are provided free.
Particularly thrilling is to be able to swim and snorkel among playful sea lions and penguins and see great varieties of fish close up. While seven islands are usually visited, the order comes according to direction of the Ecuadoran National Park Service. All excursions are included in the steep price. Extensions can be added to Quito, Ecuador’s capital and to Peru’s Cusco and Machu Picchu.
With space at a premium, public rooms are limited to an attractive observation dining room, and midships lounge with a bar and TV screens for showing films and the results of underwater filming, and a quiet paneled library that opens onto the teak afterdeck. An open-seating policy prevails at all times in the light-filled dining room with big-window views in three directions. Buffets are attractively laid out at breakfast and lunch, but waiters serve dinner, and considering the remote areas where the ship cruises, the food is surprisingly good and fresh. Coffee and tea brew throughout the day.
In addition, the ship has a small fitness room, a spa, shop, Internet Center and a doctor. A covered deck has tables, chairs and comfy hammocks. Passengers are allowed on the bridge at all times except when the ship is maneuvering into and out of port.
Cabins, spread over three decks, are basic in design and decor, offering music channels, good stowage and hair dryers. The five units on A Deck have portholes instead of windows including one with three single beds.
While hardly fancy, this exceptionally well-run vessel has a loyal following among unfussy people who like off-the-beaten-path excursions among the most unique islands in the world. The National Georgraphic Polaris operates alongside the company’s newer 48-passenger NG Islander. Aboard both vessels, the enrichment program is tops.
