Tour Dates

Khlebnikov

(108 Passengers)

The End of an Era

One of the world's most legendary polar expedition vessel, Kapitan Khlebnikov, will end her career as an adventure ship in March 2012, returning to duty escorting ships sailing the Northeast Passage.

The legendary icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov will retire as an expedition vessel in March 2012, returning to escort duty for ships sailing the Northeast Passage. As Quark's flagship, the vessel has garnered more polar firsts than any other passenger ship. Under the command of Captain Petr Golikov, Khlebnikov circumnavigated the Antarctic continent, twice. The ship was the platform for the first tourism exploration of the Dry Valleys. The icebreaker has transited the Northwest Passage more than any other expedition ship. Adventurers aboard Khlebnikov were the first commercial travelers to witness a total eclipse of the sun from the isolation of the Davis Sea in Antarctica. In 2004, the special attributes of Kapitan Khlebnikov made it possible to visit an Emperor Penguin rookery in the Weddell Sea that had not been visited for 40 years.

Over the next few months there will be many special trips in celebration of the Khlebnikov's storied history as an Adventure Icebreaker. Join us on one of the many unique voyages!

Chucks Comments:

"What an adventure! Nothing beats the 24,000 raw horsepower of one of the largest and most powerful ice-breakers in the world crashing through pack ice...passengers on the bow, jumping up and down trying to help…helicopters buzzing around the vessel on scouting missions, looking for ice leads or ferrying passengers to inaccessible landing sites.

No other vessel has navigated more polar waters and remote regions of the planet. We have been fortunate to sail on the Khlebnikov in both Antarctic and Arctic waters. From the top of the 10-story bridge to the sauna, gym and pool on deck 3, it is one heck of an experience.

I can’t say enough about the crew and the staff. It is an high honor to work and live on this vessel, and everyone associated with this ship is the best of the best. It is their home for months and months at a time during a typical season. They work like a well oiled machine, day in and day out."

The Khlebnikov has been sailing to the extreme corners of the world since 1992, and in 1997 was the first ship to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers. With 24,000 horsepower, a 45mm-thick icebreaker hull, a displacement of 15,000 tons, and the latest in satellite navigation, this vessel can literally go anywhere. 56 large deluxe cabins accommodate 112 passengers. European chefs combined with western and Russian wait staff serve the dining room. There is a large lecture hall, bar/lounge, sauna, heated indoor pool, library, and gym. Highly experienced expedition staff, naturalists and lecturers complete the list. Nothing can replace the one-time experience of traveling on an icebreaker.

On Board.

The ship's interior provides passenger facilities necessary for excellent comfort, with accommodations in 54 first class outside cabin and suites. The vessel carries a maximum of 108 passengers.

European chefs combined with western and Russian wait staff serve the dining room. There is a large lecture hall, bar/lounge, sauna, heated indoor pool, library, and gym. Highly experienced expedition staff, naturalists and lecturers always complete the list. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and informal!

Briefings/Recaps/Lectures.

An extensive lecture series by our diverse team of expedition staff will be provided in the lecture hall, and will cover all features of our voyage and on the surrounding environment. This may include slide-illustrated presentations, videos and other educational programs. Video programs will include documentary and general entertainment films.

Dress On Board.

In keeping with our expedition atmosphere, the dress code on board stresses informality. Passengers should plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all inside activities, and good footwear. Gentlemen may wish to bring a coat and tie, and ladies a cocktail dress for the Captain's Welcome and Farewell parties but this is certainly not necessary.

Library.

There is a small library on board that has a selection of polar books, reference materials and general reading material along with board games and playing cards.

Meal Service.

There are two dining rooms on board. Seating is not reserved and we encourage passengers to sit where and with whom they like. Hours will be posted in the daily program. Breakfast is served buffet style while for lunch and dinner there is table service with a choice of main course from the menu, featuring international cuisine prepared by international chefs. Coffee and tea are available all day and cakes are served mid-afternoon daily.

Service aboard all our vessels is personal - a combination of international staff and experienced Russian crew.

Sauna/Exercise Room/Indoor Pool.

The vessel is equipped with a sauna, small exercise room and indoor pool. The sauna can hold up to five passengers and hours will be divided between men, women and mixed groups, and listed in the daily program. The sauna is generally open throughout the day on a self-use basis - not supervised. The exercise room has limited equipment for your workouts.

Viewing Areas.

Views are excellent from the large open decks and Navigation Bridge. Passengers are welcome nearly everywhere on the ship, including (conditions permitting) the bow and stern.

Zodiacs & Helicopters.

Essential for navigation in the ice, the Kapitan Khlebnikov normally carries helicopters for reconnaissance and passenger excursions. In addition, the vessel carries a fleet of sturdy Zodiac craft for leisurely cruising and beach landings.

Ship Specifications

Staff & Crew: 70
Guests: 108
Length: 122.50 m
Breadth: 26.50 m
Draft: 8.50 m
Propulsion: Diesel-electric engines - 24,000 total horsepower
Ice Class: LL3
Cruising Speed: 14 knots in open water

Cabins and Amenties:

* 54 first-class outside cabins and suites, all with private facilities, large windows, desk, hair dryer, robes and large closets. Twin cabins have one fixed berth and one convertible sofa bed. Triple cabins are identical to twin cabins, with a third pull-down berth. All suites have a sitting room separate from the bedroom, DVD player and television.

* Dining rooms with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table-service lunch and dinner with main course choices, from a menu that changes daily; cakes served in mid-afternoon; coffee and tea available 24 hours from a self-serve station.
* Lounge and bar staffed by a professional bartender; open late afternoon and evening with a wide selection of wines and spirits.
* Heated indoor swimming pool, exercise room and sauna.
* Theater-style auditorium for Expedition Team presentations.
* Shop and library with a collection of polar-themed books.
* Ship-to-shore communications via satellite.
* Clinic with licensed doctor.
* Exercise room.

Please note: the passenger elevator between decks is operational when the vessel is stable.

Itineraries may be subject to change.

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