Kapitan Khlebnikov Arctic Cruises

Plancius

M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag. M/v “Plancius” accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds), and 2 triple cabins (1 bunk bed plus 1 lower bed). Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on Deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering a full panorama view. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel program, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horsepower each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 37 (18 nautical crew and 19 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader, and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.

Ocean Nova

The *Ocean Nova* is a sturdy but nimble expedition vessel, originally built in Denmark to sail through the ice-packed waters off Greenland. With its ice-strengthened hull, and after a full refit in 2006, she was converted to become the perfect Antarctic cruise ship. Since then, she has been upgraded and improved every year to maintain her excellent reputation. For our air-cruises, *Ocean Nova* has capacity for only 67 passengers who will find themselves in comfortable outside cabins. The ship offers three categories of accommodation for Antarctic cruises: dedicated Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins. All cabins feature picture windows, a writing desk and chair, a substantial wardrobe, individually controlled heating, and a private bathroom with a shower. In addition to a panoramic glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, *Ocean Nova* also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a well-stocked library, a small fitness gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of 7 Zodiac boats that are well suited for shore excursions and for wildlife watching and getting up close to towering icebergs and glaciers.

Ushuaia

Welcome aboard the Ushuaia, a charming expedition cruise ship built for an unforgettable adventure in the Antarctic. This intimate cruise ship comfortably accommodates 90 passengers. Originally made for the United States agency NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), the Ushuaia is a class 1C polar vessel, constructed with expedition in mind. This cruise ship offers plenty of deck space and a unique open bridge policy, where the Ushuaia officers encourage each passenger to observe the navigational operations of the ship. During your Ushuaia Antarctic cruise, a specialist team of international expedition leaders guide you through each excursion with knowledge, passion, and great care for the environment. Take advantage of the amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery on an Ushuaia Antarctic cruise. The Ushaia cabins are comfortable and roomy, equipped with ample storage space. Your friendly stewardess will make your cabin every morning with your preferences in mind. With the options of suite, premier twin, and standard cabins, the Ushuaia is built to suit a range of comfort levels. The public areas abroad the Ushuaia feature a large dining room that seats all 90 passengers, an inviting observation lounge, a lecture theater with modern multimedia equipment, a fully-stocked bar, and a library which features a great selection of international titles, with an emphasis on reference material essential to your Antarctic voyage. A variety of games, including playing cards and board games, are also at your disposal. To guarantee an eventful cruise aboard the Ushuaia, your trip will be directed by a crew of Expedition Leaders, staff assistants, zodiac drivers, and lecturers. These hand-picked knowledgeable crew members will accompany you throughout the duration of your Ushuaia Antarctic expedition. They are responsible for leading safe and exciting shore excursions and giving interesting lectures on the incredible Antarctic flora and fauna. The Ushuaia Expedition Team will brief you daily about the following day’s expedition during an informal cocktail hour. The Ushuaia carries a full fleet of zodiacs, that can accommodate up to 12 passengers, allowing you to explore some of Antarctica’s most unique and otherwise inaccessible regions. Get ready for numerous wildlife sighting opportunities!

Noorderlicht

The beautiful *Noorderlicht* was originally built in 1910 in Flensburg, Germany, as a three-masted schooner. For most of her existence, she served as a light vessel on the Baltic. In 1991 the present owners bought the hull and re-rigged and refitted her thoroughly under the Holland Ship Register’s strict rules. *Noorderlicht* is now a well-balanced two-masted schooner rig that’s capable of sailing anywhere in the world and is, therefore, the perfect expedition vessel for exploring small islands. Her open decks provide excellent views all around, even when she’s under sail. Offering an intimate and exclusive experience, *Noorderlicht* provides accommodation for only 20 polar explorers in small but comfortable twin cabins. All cabins have upper and lower berths, a storage locker, and a washbasin with hot and cold water. Shared shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located throughout the passenger deck. All cabins have a small hatch in the ceiling that varies in size, except cabin 6 which has a small, locked porthole in the ceiling but ventilation slots in the door. On occasion - and depending on the weather - the crew will open all hatches when passengers are ashore to allow fresh air ventilation of the whole lower deck. Her qualified captains have a great experience of the polar oceans. Together with the rest of the crew, they will do everything possible to ensure that you have a wonderful and unforgettable journey. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and your crew can and will change the itinerary to suit the conditions and give you the best possible chance to experience the most intense wildlife and nature experiences in the arctic and antarctic. A willingness to compromise on luxury facilities is a basic requirement on board a historic traditional sailing vessel - this is *true* exploration! *Noorderlicht*’s routes are designed to maximize your shore experiences. Weather, sea nd ice conditions permitting, you will have a land excursion every day. These will take between three and six hours and will be over untracked areas. You’ll have ample time to explore the unique wildlife, flora, geology, and human history of each area.