Kapitan Khlebnikov Arctic Cruises

Ortelius

*Ortelius* has a fascinating history of polar exploration. Originally launched as the “Marina Tsvetaeva” in 1989, she served as a special purpose vessel for the Russian Academy of Science. Later re-flagged and renamed, *Ortelius” is now classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and flies the Dutch flag. *Ortelius* is first and foremost a true Antarctic exploration vessel. She has the highest Ice-Class specification (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is certified to navigate through solid annual sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. In this ship, you can discover the true Antarctic, reaching places others simply can’t. She can accommodate a maximum of only 108 passengers, and her design means she enjoys an abundance of open-deck spaces, perfect for bird and whale watching at sea, as well as iceberg spotting. She is crewed by 22 highly experienced maritime staff, 19 hotel staff, and 8 expedition crew with a variety of expertise areas involving Antarctic exploration, wildlife, geography, and human history. She also carries a permanent doctor onboard. As befits a true Antarctic explorer, *Ortelius*’ voyages are primarily meant to offer you an intense exploratory wildlife program with as much time ashore as possible. Yet she also offers all the comforts of a standard hotel ― along with a bar and lecture room. Flexibility of operation assures you of the maximum Antarctic wildlife opportunities, and to take advantage of weather and wildlife windows she carries 10 Zodiacs with powerful 60hp outboard engines.

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.

Quest

The MS Quest was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry on Greenland’s west coast. In 2004/2005 she was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship and in 2018 she underwent a renovation of the passenger areas. M/S Quest takes 50 passengers and all 24 cabins are outside cabins with private facilities. The triple cabins have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. In your cabin you find a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious and have arm-chairs and TV. The owner’s cabin has a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area and TV. In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. Here you can listen to entertaining talks on the area’s flora, fauna and history. In the lounge you also find a bar and a small library. The ship has spacious observation decks, where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew and the atmosphere is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on board M/S Quest.

Polar Pioneer

The well-known MV Polar Pioneer is a durable, capable veteran expedition ship (19 seasons strong) loved by guests and expedition leaders for its capability to explore remote polar regions with ease despite its small size. Its new Scandinavian owners have done an extensive refit upgrading it to today’s standards and is ready for the 2022 Arctic season. The Polar Pioneer benefits from holsting maximum 48 guests on an authentic expedition adventure free from the crowds of larger vessels. All guests can fit in the Zodiacs at once ensuring there is no waiting to go ashore and everyone can explore the surroundings at the same time. Originally an ice-strengthened research vessel, The MV Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1982 and navigates with an ice class 1A super. This is really convenient for the polar regions with heavy sea ice. The Polar Pioneer can transit open water crossings with ease and comfort due to the integrated dynamic water ballast system, which guarantees a great reduction of rolling in heavy seas. The game-changing stability system onboard works marvellously and makes the zodiac’s loading/unloading operations flow with ease. As a result, the Polar Pioneer is one of the most stable vessels currently in operations in the Polar regions. The Polar Pioneer has a large deck space with raised areas making it great for photography. It features a large guest saloon with a bar, and an onboard sauna to warm up in after a day in the cold. The ship is crewed by a team of experts with decades of experience navigating polar waters and is an ideal vessel for guests looking to go on a real expedition with an authentic polar vessel. There is accommodation for 48 guests across twins, triple cabins, and suites. The ship is equipped with Zodiacs that can accommodate all guests for shore landings and exploring.