M/V Professor Molchanov
The 'Professor Molchanov' is a modern and comfortable oceanographic research vessel. Built in 1983 in Finland, it was designed as ice-strengthened vessel, and is now under long-term contract by Oceanwide Expeditions. It has been converted for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising. It have a good anti-roll system, a range of 70 days independent operation and are ISM certified. The vessel is strongly built of steel with an ice strengthened hull (ice-strengthened from the bow until about 1/4 of the ships length), perfect for polar seas. It has the Russian ice-class notation LU(1), which is identical with Lloyds Register 1D.
The 'Professor Molchanov' is manned by enthusiastic Russian crews of around 20, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar navigation. All our international expedition leaders and lecturers are highly knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment.
The ship has a large bridge (where you are almost always welcome) and good open deck-viewing areas. It carries a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for landings and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise in-accessible areas. 3-Star meals, prepared by international chefs, is served in the dining room, which also acts as the lecture room. Other public areas include a lounge and bar, small library, infirmary, and sauna.
Cabins:
M/v Professor Molchanov accomodates 26 passengers cabins, as follows:
Suite
The large Suite has a double bed and a single sofa-bed. A private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. A large lounge area with a desk, video player and TV, coffee and tea facilities, refrigerator and large forward and side facing windows.
Superior cabins
2 Superior cabins on deck 5 with a double bed and a single sofa-bed. A private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. A sitting area with a desk, video player and TV, coffee and tea facilities, refrigerator, and windows.
Twin private cabins
8 Cabins on deck 4 with a private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet, upper and lower berths (2 cabins have lower berths), a desk, ample storage space and windows.
4 Cabins on deck 5 with a private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet, upper and lower berths, a desk, ample storage space and windows.
Twin non private cabins
9 Twin non private cabins on deck 3 with two lower berths, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on the same deck.
Triple non private cabins
2 Triple cabins on deck 3 with two lower and one upper berth, a desk, a small washbasin, storage and hanging space and portholes. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located on the same deck.
Deckplan
Click here for the deckplan of Professor Molchanov.
Public Areas
Restaurant & Lecture Room
In the dining room we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by international chefs. Sometimes the dining room also serves as the lecture room. Informative lectures, briefings and recaps will keep you updated during the voyages.
Bar & Library
The bar is the place to be for reading, sharing the highlights of the day, have a drink and relax. There are many interesting books about the history, flora and fauna of the areas we visit.
Bridge
The Ships have a large bridge (where you are almost always welcome).
Sauna
The sauna is always warm and accessable for everybody. The hotelmanager will organize ladies- and gents hours on request.
Deck Space
The ships have good open deck-viewing areas. They carry a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for landings and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise in-accessible areas.
The deck space give you first class wildlife viewing and great opportunities to spot whales, birds and other interesting sightings. It's an awesome feeling to sit in bright sunlight on the topdeck in the middle of the night and enjoy the beautifull scenery around you.