The "Polar Queen"  was built in Norway in 1983 as a polar logistics vessel. She could accomodate 53 passengers and had a large helicopter deck. Ice strengthened and fitted for long term expedition work she was employed variously by the German, Italian and Australian Antarctic programmes in the Antarctic. She also did considerable work in the Arctic.

The above postcard was posted by a expedition member when the "Polar Queen" called into Lyttelton at the end of its 1987-88 Expedition. The reverse side shows an Antarctic scene. Note: we have a small number of these postcards and each varies slightly although each have the same ships expedition cachet and all have been posted at Lyttelton on the same date.

The "Polar Queen" is shown at left in Antarctic waters.