Explore these remote coastlines with a further foray into the mystique of the Scottish highlands and islands. So many of these places are difficult or impossible to access from land. From Fingal's Cave and St. Kilda's blackhouses of the Hebrides area, we head eastward to the remote Shetland, Orkneys and Fair Isles. It is a journey that explores and celebrates the tenacity of the people of the area through time. Fantastic bird life abounds in this spring season of nesting.

The M/V Polar Star (ex-icebreaker) is a safe and comfortable ice class vessel - certified for worldwide international voyages and complying with all SOLAS, ISM, ISPS and MARPOL regulations for safety and environment. In 2000 the ship was completely retrofitted and upgraded specifically for expedition cruising. The ship has exceptional redundancy with 4 engines. What this means is that it is extremely unlikely that the ship would ever be unable to keep to schedule due to operational difficulties. Owned by Karlsen Shipping Norway and operated by Karlsen Shipping Company in Halifax, Canada, it draws from the experience gained from a company heritage of over 100 years of vessel operation in the Polar Regions.

The M/V Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. In 2000 she was purchased by Polar Star Expeditions, a company of Karlsen Shipping, and underwent complete retrofit and upgrades. She was renamed M/V Polar Star after her namesake that served Karlsen's Arctic cruise program. Today the ship is operated by Polar Star Expeditions formed in 2000. Karlsen Shipping, the parent company, is an old Norwegian family business originally from the northwestern coast of Norway and now headquartered in Halifax, Canada. With over 100 years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen has operated primarily in the Polar Regions.

The ship is one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety standards exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is certified for worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest SOLAS and IMF regulations for safety and the environment. The ship takes up to 105 passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote destinations. For shore excursions, ther M/V Polar Star is equipped with 10 16-man zodiacs.

The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort and small enough to enter out of the way destinations that other vessels can only sail by. The ship explores nature's most breathtaking wonders up close and our voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey that is spirited with adventure.