Tour Dates

Orlova

(110 Passengers)

Introduction

In the fall of 2006, the spacious, ice-strengthened vessel Lyubov Orlova underwent extensive renovations to the forward lounge, dining room and cabins. This small cruise ship offers a comfortable and affordable way to experience an Antarctica expedition.

Chuck's Comments

"We always refer to the Orlova as a “Best Buy” cruise to Antarctica and the Arctic. Not necessarily because of the lower prices, but because it's certainly a bargain for a great adventure cruise at a reasonable price. This vessel has expert staff, excellent food, private cabins, great itineraries, friendly crew and is operated by one of the oldest and best charter companies in the business. They also operate other expedition vessels and pioneered many of the programs in the Polar regions.

The Orlova takes a maximum of 110 passengers on a 124-passenger ship. This insures plenty of elbowroom, high staff to passenger ratio, and lots of Zodiac excursions and landings. The Orlova may not be as fancy and luxurious as some other ships, but she more than makes up for that with an incredibly friendly crew, top-rated naturalists, highly-experienced expedition leaders, and - of course - excellent chefs."

Accomodations

Accommodations on board range from standard twin and triple cabins to superior cabins and suites. They all have two lower berths and private facilities with a porthole or a window, as well as a writing desk, sitting space and ample storage. The spacious ship is configured for 124 passengers, but they take a maximum of 110 on Antarctic and Arctic voyages. This vessel provides a stable platform for wildlife watching, an ice-strengthened hull, a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and excellent on-board cuisine prepared by European chefs. In addition to comfort, the Orlova meets all international environmental and safety standards.

Public Areas

Public areas include a spacious forward lounge and bar, a window-lined dining room which accommodates all passengers in leisurely single seatings, an infirmary, and a well-stocked library. There are ample deck areas and promenades for excellent views of the passing scenery and wildlife. This ship maintains an 'open Bridge' policy, which means that you are almost always welcome to visit the Bridge at any time (subject to weather conditions).

Ready for Adventure

Designed to explore some of the most remote corners of the world, the M/V Orlova is equipped with sophisticated communication and navigation equipment. She is staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation. They are joined by an expert expedition staff and lecturers from all over the world - internationally-renowned experts on a wide variety of subjects from marine mammals and birds to the history of polar exploration and polar geology. European chefs produce an excellent and varied international menu, and there is a good selection of beers, wine and spirits on board. The ship also features a gymnasium with panoramic view.

Ship Specifications

Staff & Crew: 70
Passengers: 110
Length: 90.0 m
Breadth: 16.24 m
Draft: 4.65 m
Propulsion: 2 Diesel ME 5,209-horsepower engines
Ice Class: L3
Cruising Speed: 12 knots in open water

Cabins and Amenities:

* 59 outside cabins, all featuring private facilities.
* Spacious dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table-service lunch and dinner with main course choices from changing daily menu; cakes served in mid-afternoon.
* Newly-renovated presentation room.
* Lounge and bar, open late afternoon and evening with a wide selection of wines and spirits; coffee, tea available all day.
* Library with collection of polar-themed books.
* Ship-to-shore communications via satellite and Iridium phone and e-mail.
* Clinic with licensed doctor.
* Exercise room.

Please note: there is no passenger elevator between decks.

*SPECIALS

All Specials expire October 30th unless othewise stated.

Jan 15th - Classic Antarctica
Jan 24th - Explorers' Route via the Falklands and South Georgia
Jan 15th - Classic Antarctica

Free Roundtrip airfare from an international gateway city near you to the port of embarkation.

Itineraries may be subject to change.

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