I was to undertake the Jewels of the Artic cruise embarking Reykjavik (Keflavik Port) and disembarking Longyearbyen. The ship provided by Aurora Expeditions is Polar Pioneer and I am in a triple share (cabin 301) and had made acquaintance with my roomies on the bus to Keflavik.
I had chosen this cruise for the small number of passengers (54) and the fact that the smallness of the ship allows it to enter fiords that the larger ships are unable to enter and at the time the price was right.
The fact that you are off the ship in a zodiac twice a day when allowable dependant on the weather also appealed to me. Some times you just cruise the shoreline looking at the magnificent cliffs or amongst the glaciers. And other times you step ashore and dependant on your level of fitness you can go on a long walk a short walk or just wait near the zodiacs all under the watchful eye of an expedition leader. Keeping in mine that the terrain is very rocky and at times unstable with steep inclines will determine your decision .Expedition leaders talk about the artefacts found and history of the area.
All beds /bunks have own curtain and light so can be private and own time if need be. I found that when curtain closed it became a bit hot
Porthole cannot be opened but then you are on the bottom of the boat.
I would have liked to have had more hooks in the room as well as a shelf within each bunk to put your phone, a book just what ever on
Also the bottom bunk did not have a curtain at the foot of the bunk
Power point for charging only one in the cabin with 3 people and todays technology cameras ,phone one power point is not enough Hint: get yourself an adapter that has 4 point USB charging and plug in as well more compact than power board.
On the ceiling of cabin is the air if you want colder or hotter turn dial accordingly
Also being triple share this cabin only had room for suitcases for upper and lower bunk not third bed so I used the lounge Hint: Take soft sided bags as fit under bed easier
There are lots of cupboard spaces and draws under beds but be careful as draws are bottomless and things can also slip underneath never to be seen again
There is a sink in the cabin and the water is drinkable so brushing of teeth or just a freshen up is easy.
The bunk provided a good nights sleep but I am not a fan of the European way of bed cloths in the use of only a doona as I never felt as snug as a bug in a rug so to speak