MV Polar Athena

Ice breaker strength, small ship charm

Polar Athena takes you to the extreme. With the highest 1A super ice-class rating, she’s built to slice through heavy sea ice, while her compact size and just 42 guests on board—the smallest group size in Antarctica—make every journey feel personal.

With a small group on board, there are no lines, no crowds — just freedom and flexibility. Unlike larger ships, we can quickly launch all our guests into Zodiacs at once and explore off the ship in minutes. This agility lets us seize every opportunity at a moment’s notice, meaning you don’t miss a thing.

Born as a research vessel, she’s in a class that has built a legacy for exploration in the polar realms. Now, reimagined and refurbished for authentic, slow travel to the most remote corners of the Earth, enhancing the experience and fulfilling the needs of true explorers, while never compromising on comfort.

She’s the ultimate choice for true small-group exploration in the deep south.

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Cabin Details

Classic Twin

The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space featuring two lower twin beds and charming porthole windows.

Recently refurbished, it includes a wardrobe and an en-suite shower and toilet, providing a stylish yet homely retreat. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of the planet.

Classic Twin
Classic Twin
Signature Twin

The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design.

This welcoming space offers two lower twin beds, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.

Signature Twin
Signature Twin
Classic Suite

The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book.

With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.

Classic Suite
Classic Suite
Signature Suite

The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures.

Large windows fill the room with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.

Signature Suite
Signature Suite
Signature Single

The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds.

Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.

Signature Single
Signature Single

MV Polar Athena Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Guests: 42
  • Length (M): 71
  • Knots: 11
  • Crew: 20
  • Zodiacs: 5
  • Guides to Guests: 1/8

Filter results

Filters
Travel styles
Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic Autumn Fly Micro Cruise Sail One Way (Sail/Fly)

9 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $23,430pp

Departs 04 Mar 2028

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise Sail One Way (Fly/Sail)

9 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $22,648pp

Departs 20 Nov 2026

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic Summer Micro Fly Cruise Sail One Way (Fly/Sail)

9 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $22,648pp

Departs 01 Jan 2027

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic Autumn Fly Micro Cruise Sail One Way (Fly/Sail)

9 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $22,648pp

Departs 26 Feb 2027

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

South Georgia Autumn Micro Cruise

15 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $28,117pp

Departs 25 Mar 2028

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

South Georgia and Antarctica Autumn Micro Fly Cruise

16 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $37,492pp

Departs 10 Mar 2028

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

South Georgia Spring Micro Cruise

15 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $28,898pp

Departs 10 Oct 2026

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic New Year Micro Fly Cruise

10 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $31,180pp

Departs 24 Dec 2027

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

South Georgia and Antarctica Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein

16 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $35,930pp

Departs 07 Nov 2026

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise

10 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $28,117pp

Departs 04 Dec 2026

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic Christmas Fly Micro Cruise

10 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $30,461pp

Departs 18 Dec 2026

View details ⇨

Antarctica
Small Ship Expeditions

Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise Sail One Way (Sail/Fly)

9 Days aboard MV Polar Athena

from $22,648pp

Departs 28 Nov 2026

View details ⇨