Antarctica Voyage

This review of the MV Professor Multanovskiy is based on feedback from Antarctica Bound customers, from the personal experience of Antarctica Bound’s senior expedition consultant, who travelled on the ship to the Antarctic Peninsula in December 2009 and from independent information published for expedition cruise agents and prospective customers.

The Professor Multanovskiy is a modern and comfortable oceanographic research vessel, built in Finland in 1983 and designed as an ice-strengthened vessel. It is a true expedition ship, which has been refurbished and converted for passenger use. Cabins, arranged over three decks, were originally designed for long research voyages and consist of doubles with twin beds, and doubles with upper and lower berths. There are triples and doubles on the lowest cabin deck, which have wash basins only and share shower and toilet facilities. For these latter cabins, rates are lower. Windows and portholes can be opened in good weather. All cabins have desks, a chair and a sofa (convertible from a bed).


Public areas on the Professor Multanovskiy include a lounge and bar area, a small but well-stocked library and the dining room-cum-lecture hall. There is no spa or fitness centre but there is a sauna to relax in. Meals are buffet-style for breakfast and lunch with table service for dinner. Food is tasty, nutritious and plentiful but by no means haut cuisine!
Entertainment on board Professor Multanovskiy is limited, but each evening, there is a film show (not necessarily educational) or interesting and informative lecture from one of the highly knowledgeable expedition leaders. Multanovskiy has a large bridge with an open-bridge policy and good open deck-viewing areas. Bearing in mind that expeditions are conducted during the Antarctic summer, daylight hours are long and there are many opportunities to watch for birds, whales and other wildlife without being crowded out.

Shore and ice excursions in Antarctica are taken on board inflatable zodiacs, which can access even remote locations. The small numbers on board mean that all passengers have ample opportunities to participate. These are ideal vessels for landing on the ice to see penguins, seals and other wildlife; also as a vehicle for specialist activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving. Oceanwide, the operator of the Professor Multanovskiy offer all sorts of activity options which also include trekking, camping on ice, kayaking, etc.

Our conclusion is that the Professor Multanovskiy is suited to those from all age groups seeking a true Antarctic adventure in the company of fellow passengers from all over the world. Comfort is not the main criterion but basic fitness and mobility are essential.