M/v "Antarctic Dream" is a Dutch built ice-reinforced vessel and served under the name Piloto Pardo for the Chilean Navy. The vessel was rebuilt as an unrestricted, worldwide passenger vessel and was completely refurbished in July 2005. M/v "Antarctic Dream" is registered in Belize. The vessel features a spacious dining room / observation lounge, bar, lecture room, fitness room plus sauna, boutique and passenger bridge.
The vessel offers accommodation for 84 passengers in 42 twin cabins with private toilet and shower. 4 Suites, 16 Superior cabins and 20 twin private cabins have portholes or windows and either two separate lower beds or queen beds. 2 Additional twin private cabins have no portholes / windows (inside cabins). All cabins have furthermore a desk, closed circuit TV, and inter-cabin phone service. Satellite email and phone service is available on the bridge.
The vessel is manned by 18 well-trained Chilean crew members. The on board staff consists of 1 expedition leader, 4 guides / lecturers, 1 hotel manager, 1 barman, 1 doctor, 4 chefs and 7 waitresses / cabin cleaners. The Antarctic Dream´s expeditions offer you the ideal introduction to Spitsbergen and Greenland. Departing from and finishing most of the times in the port of Longyearbyen, we take in the most exciting sights Spitbergen. Our program is orientated to the viewing of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery of narrow waterways, glaciers and icebergs.
The Captain and the expedition leader will assess conditions daily with the intention of maximizing your time ashore. This means taking full advantage of opportunities to land passengers with our zodiacs and making best use of the light of the long summer days. On board lectures are offered by geologists, historians, naturalists and expedition leaders. Join the captain and the rest of our 36 crew and staff members for an awe-inspiring journey of discovery and adventure.
Ice class: The Antarctic Dream has a 1-inch thick steel ring which is 3 meters high surrounding the hull in the area closest to the ice. The frames have 300 mm of distance in between. The propeller has protection for working in ice. The vessel is not an icebreaker but can handle loose ice of about 300-500 mm in thickness. She was constructed under the following notation of Lloyd’s Register: + 100 A1 strengthened for navigation in ice.
Length:83 metres (274 feet)
Breadth:12 metres (39 feet)
Draft:4,6 metres (15 feet)
Ice class:*100 A1
Displacement:-Engines:Diesel-Electric
Speed:10 - 12 knots
Passengers:84
Cabins:
M/v Antarctic dream accommodates 42 twin passengers cabins all with lower beds and private toilet and shower, as follows:
Suite:
4 with large window
(3 with queen beds, 1 with two single beds)
Superior:
16 with large window
(6 with queen beds, 10 with two single beds)
Twin private:
20 with small porthole
(5 with queen beds, 15 with two single beds)
Twin private inside:
2 with no porthole or window
(2 with two single beds)
Public areas:
Restaurant & Lecture Room.
Excellent cuisine, prepared by international chefs, is served in the dining room, which also acts as the lecture room.
Bar.
The m/v "Antarctic Dream" has a cosy bar where you can relax and have a drink.
Library.
There are plenty of interesting books about the history, flora and fauna of the areas we visit.
Sauna.
The sauna is always warm and accessable for everybody. The hotelmanager will organize ladies- and gents hours on request.
Deck Space.
The m/v "Antarctic Dream" has good open deck-viewing areas. It carry a full complement of Zodiac craft, excellent for landings and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise in-accessible areas. The ship 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.
On board information:
Age Range & Nationality.
Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.
Bridge visits.
You are always welcome on the Passenger bridge, an excellent place to watch ship operations and maintain a lookout for wildlife. You are also welcome on the offical Bridge. but please remember, however, that the bridge is a work place.
To enable our officers to navigate the ship, remain on the front side of the bridge and please do not eat or drink. When in port, during rough weather, and other times for reasons of safety, the bridge may be closed to visitors. If you are in doubt, please ask the officer on watch.
Combating sea sickness.
Anticipate some rough water on the voyage. Should you be prone to motion or sea sickness, please consult your physician which medication is appropriate and its side effects.
To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids, and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the horizon or prone with eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness, medications are of little help.
Dress code.
In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.
Gratuities.
The customary gratuity to the ship´s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew. You will receive detailed guidelines aboard. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest US$8 to US$10 per person per day. It is better for the crew, if we can give them cash US Dollar.
Non-smoking policy.
On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke on deck but do not throw your cigarette filter overboard ! Do not smoke on the aft deck in the proximity of zodiacs, engines and fuel. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.
Your physical condition.
You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.
