Akademik Ioffe icebreaker

This icebreaking vessel is equipped with internal stabilizers and a built-in ballast trimming system that enables rapid transfer of ballast water between specialized trimming tanks, further reducing vessel motion. The Russian-flagged ship holds all certifications required under Russian and international maritime law and is outfitted with all necessary safety and emergency equipment, which is regularly inspected and tested. A passenger muster drill (lifeboat briefing) is conducted on embarkation day for each cruise to provide important information on onboard emergency procedures and equipment. The vessel carries two fully enclosed lifeboats (total capacity: 132 seats) and four liferafts (total capacity: 200 seats).

The ship’s powerplant includes two diesel engines. Its propulsion system features twin contra-rotating propellers, a bow thruster, a stern thruster, and built-in backup propulsion units.

The Australia-based company "Eclipse Travel" announced a "solar eclipse cruise" to Antarctica in 2021 aboard MS Akademik Ioffe. The eclipse occurred on Saturday, December 4. The 20-day itinerary was scheduled to depart from Ushuaia, Argentina on November 23, 2021. Prior to the eclipse, the voyage included visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, and the South Orkney Islands (on the day of the eclipse), before continuing south to Antarctica. Shore excursions were led by marine biologists, ornithologists, naturalists, and a resident photography professional. Cruise fares started at USD 16,800 per person (triple occupancy), with an additional USD 1,000 onboard credit for bookings through Eclipse Travel. Twin cabins started at USD 19,200 per person, and suites from USD 25,100 per person. Sea kayaking tours were priced at USD 800 per person.

In early 2019, a containerized Science Research Lab was installed aboard the Ioffe icebreaker through a partnership with Ocean Wise, an international ocean conservation non-profit established in June 2017. Branded as "One Ocean Lab," this 20-ft container laboratory was previously installed on RCGS Resolute. The lab is equipped with advanced technology for conducting scientific research in remote coastal regions. Data collected provides valuable insights and helps researchers develop methods to protect ecosystems and habitats worldwide. Onboard, researchers also engage with cruise passengers to share and explain their work.

In May 2019, sister ships Ioffe and Vavilov were unexpectedly withdrawn from passenger service, effectively canceling the time-charter agreement with One Ocean Expeditions. The charter was arranged through Terragelida Ship Management Ltd, a Cyprus-based vessel management company. The shipowner, the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (Russia’s leading oceanic and climate research institution and part of the Russian Academy of Sciences), was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Moscow. According to the Institute’s official statement, it had no contractual relationship with One Ocean Expeditions and was therefore not responsible for the cruise cancellations or liable to the charterer.

On April 17, 2020, the Canadian cruise brand "One Ocean Expeditions," founded in 2007, filed for bankruptcy. The company owed a total of CAD 29.5 million (~USD 21.15 million / ~EUR 19.52 million) in debt.