Aurora Expeditions Captain Andrey Zakalashnyuk on Sylvia Earle

Photographer: Captain Andrey

By Sarah Ong Senior Expedition Advisor at Cruise Norway

As guests, we woke each morning to a new landscape. One day it was glaciers, the next towering fjords or fields of pack ice stretching across the sea. It was easy to admire the view without thinking about what it took to get us there. Behind these beautiful landscapes is a captain responsible for guiding the ship safely through some of the world's most remote waters.

I had the opportunity to speak with Captain Andrey Zakalashnyuk on board the Sylvia Earle, one of Aurora Expeditions' ships, about his journey into the maritime industry, the challenges of navigating the Arctic and Antarctica, and his unforgettable moments.

From the moment we started talking, any image of a stern, intimidating ship captain vanished, Captain Andrey was warm and quick to laugh.

Growing up in Murmansk, Captain Andrey never imagined becoming a captain himself, although his father is a captain on polar expedition ships. That changed after his family moved to a different town. He enrolled at a maritime academy in St Petersburg. His first contract was as a Deck rating on an expedition vessel where he started gaining maritime experience and driving the zodiacs. From then on, he kept saying yes to new opportunities and now he is in command of a ship.

Captain Andrey, what makes navigating polar waters different from other parts of the world?

"The main thing you always have to consider is weather and ice," Captain Andrey explained. "You have to be 100% alert all the time."

Unlike ships operating in busier waters, expedition vessels sail in extremely remote regions where immediate assistance isn't available. Every decision matters, and constant changing weather conditions add another layer of complexity.

"You can never completely trust the weather forecast," he said. " Especially in Antarctica, you can experience snow, sunshine and gale-force winds all in the same day. You never know what's coming next."

What would you say is the difference between an expedition cruise and other non expedition cruises?

“An expedition cruise is much more focused on the guest experience than a traditional cruise.”  The captain and expedition team work closely together to make the most of conditions and provide guests with the best possible experience in the polar regions. Rather than following a fixed schedule of port calls where guests explore on their own, expedition cruises are flexible and adapt to weather, wildlife sightings, and sea ice to maximize opportunities for exploration. Expedition cruises also place a strong emphasis on learning, education, and discovery.

What does a typical day look like as an expedition captain?

"There isn't really a typical day," he laughed. "I'm available 24/7 whenever I might be needed."

His mornings often begin well before the ship reaches its next destination, checking the latest weather forecasts and ice conditions before meeting with the expedition leader to discuss the day's plans. Together, they review whether the agreed itinerary is still feasible or if changing conditions require an alternative, deciding whether landings or Zodiac cruises can safely go ahead.

What is the most interesting or unusual thing you have ever seen while on duty?

"It's difficult to choose just one," Captain Andrey said. "Everything is interesting because these are such remote places that not many people get to experience and every day is different."

One of his most memorable Arctic encounters was watching a polar bear approach a group of walruses, waiting patiently for an opportunity to hunt one of the old, sick or young ones in the huddle.

In Antarctica, the breaching of whales next to the ship is always beautiful to witness.

After all these years, do you still take photographs?

"Absolutely."

Although he no longer carries a camera like he did during his first contracts, he still enjoys capturing the landscapes on his phone.

"There is one place in Spitsbergen called Gnålodden, I always take a picture of it," he said. "I have so many photos of that mountain from over the years of coming here on my phone”

Picture of Gnålodden by Captain Andrey.

What advice would you give to first time polar region explorers? 

"Enjoy the adventure," he said. "Take in the nature of the Arctic and Antarctica."