The Akademik Ioffe used to be a Russian "research" (spy?) ship that upon the collapse of the USSR was repurposed for high latitude tours.
Unlike the huge cruise ships that later offered trips to Antarctica, our small icebreaker was suited to cruising among icebergs, entering small inlets, navigating close to shore, and giving us access to more of the limited landing sites the area offers.
The ship was home ported in Kaliningrad and its crew was chiefly Russian.
The ship had an "open bridge" policy, allowing passengers to see the sights forward while protected from the elements.
Passengers occasionally had to be reminded not to standing between the helmsman and the window.
At left is Sven Lungren, a professional photographer and a member of the expeditionary team conducting lectures and operating the zodiaks that would take us…
Behind the bridge was a full set of naval signal flags.
As a former Navy officer myself, I recognized the letters I. O. F. F. E.
In calmer conditions the foredeck was a popular observation post.
Susan waves in delight.