Professor Molchanov ship
Because of her small size and versatility in icing conditions, this ship, with a capacity of just 50 passengers, is ideal to navigate the southern ocean and the Antarctica peninsula, The ship isn't a true icebreaker, but rather a strenghtened hull (ice strenghtened ship) good for navigation in broken pack ice and between small icebergs, typical conditions occurring in Antarctica, South Georgia, South Orkney and South Shetland islands.

(Click on a picture to see an enlarged version)

Prof. Molchanov Prof. Molchanov
Prof. Molchanov during the embarkation in Ushuaia, on the first day of the Antarctica cruise.

 

Prof. Molchanov cabins Prof. Molchanov cabins
My cabin, for three people. Has 2 lower beds, 1 upper bed, a desk with chair, and sufficient space to store all the things.

 

Prof. Molchanov cabins

 

Prof. Molchanov dining rooms Prof. Molchanov dining rooms
The two dining rooms.

 

The bar.

 

The stairs and the corridors.

 

Prof. Molchanov bridge Prof. Molchanov bridge
Prof. Molchanov bridge Prof. Molchanov bridge
The ship has an open bridge policy. This is one of the best place to observe the wildlife, in a warm and comfortable environment.

 

Radar
Mr. Radar.

 

Lifeboat Zodiacs
On the right, the zodiacs used for our landings. Above: a lifeboat.

 

Prof. Molchanov in Antarctica

 

The various decks.

 

 

Prof. Molchanov bow

The bow and the bridge.

 

 

 


ANTARCTICA PICTURES
Land of Fire

Ushuaia

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is the gateway where the ship to Antarctica departs and returns. I take advance of a free morning, to visit "Tierra del Fuego" National Park. GO

Prof. Molchanov

Presentation of the ship Prof. Molchanov <YOU ARE HERE>

Because of her small size and versatility in icing conditions, this ship, with a capacity of just 50 passengers, is ideal to navigate the southern ocean and the Antarctica peninsula.

Glacier in Antarctica

Antarctica: Paradise Bay

The first zodiac cruise and landing in Antarctica is made at Paradise Bay, near the closed Argentinian station of Almirante Brown, where there is also a nice colony of molting Gentoo penguins. GO

Pack ice

Antarctica: Lemaire Channel

This narrow passage separates Antarctica's mainland, with the nearby islands. The severe icing conditions, with a 10/10th pack ice, weren't an obstacle, and the ship passed through beautifully. GO

Gentoo penguins

Antarctica: Port Lockroy

In Port Lockroy there is a British station with a working post office, and a nice colony of Gentoo penguins. GO

Fur seals

Antarctica: Neko Harbour

A place of amazing beauty, with huge glaciers and icebergs, full of Fur seals and Gentoo penguins everywhere. GO

Iceberg

Antarctica: Orne Island

Orne Island is surrounded by nice blue icebergs, and it is the place where I met the Chinstrap penguins for the first time. GO

Deception island

South Shetland: Deception Island

We disembark at Whaler's Bay, where a Norwegian whaling station was active, until a disruptive volcanic eruption happened. Today is still possible to visit the station's ruins and take a nice hike all around. GO

Molting penguin

South Shetland: Half Moon Island

Half Moon Island is so called because of its shape, and it is interesting for the presence of a vast colony of Chinstrap penguins. GO

Elephant Island

Elephant Island

We are fortunate enough to set foot at Point Wild, where part of the Shackleton's expedition members camped, waiting for a rescue. GO

Elephant seal

South Orkney : Shingle Cove

A nice and welcome short stop during the long way between Antarctica and South Georgia. Here there are many, very colorful icebergs and a lot of Fur and Elephant seals. GO

King pengiun

South Georgia : Royal Bay

Our first landing in South Georgia is close to an enormous colony of King penguins, an absolutely stunning view. GO

South Georgia

South Georgia : St. Andrews Bay

If the yesterday view was stunning, what to say about today's, where about 100.000 couples of King penguins live all togheter in this huge colony? GO

Sir Ernest Shackleton's grave

South Georgia : Grytviken and the whaler's ghost towns

During the first half of the past century, several Norwegian whaling stations were operative in South Georgia, and abandoned later. Today is still possible to vsit the ruins, as well as the tomb of the "Boss" Sir Ernest Shackleton, located in Grytviken. GO

Albatross

South Georgia : Fortuna Bay and Prion Island

They are interesting for the beautiful views, for the presence of penguins, fur seals and, in Prion Island, for the giant albatross. GO

King cormorant

Falkland Islands

The capital Stanley and other points of naturalist interest are our last landings, before heading back to Ushuaia, saying goodbye to the southern ocean. GO

Austral MD-80

Various pictures from the trip to Ushuaia

Some picture from the long trip to Ushuaia, via Madrid and Buenos Aires. GO

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10

Equipment used on this Antarctica cruise

A brief description of the equipment used to take the pictures, throughout this Antarctica voyage. GO

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