Polar Pioneer Antarctica and Arctic cruises

Kapitan Khlebnikov

Welcome aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov! The Kapitan Khlebnikov was constructed in 1981 by the Warstsila Company, Finland, the world’s leading builder of icebreakers. Not simply an ice-reinforced ship, the Khlebnikov is a powerful working icebreaker designed for the challenging conditions of frozen polar seas. The Khlebnikov was refurbished to accommodate passengers in 54 outside cabins and suites, all with en suite facilities. Cabins are spacious and comfortable. Public areas include a lounge, two dining rooms, a digitally equipped lecture room, a small heated indoor pool and gymnasium, library, and sauna. Views are excellent from the bridge and large open decks. In addition to its fleet of Zodiacs, the Khlebnikov uses two helicopters for ice reconnaissance and passenger excursions.

Quest

THE EXPEDITION SHIP M/S QUEST The ship 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.

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.

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.