Constructed in Finland in 1981, this expedition ship served as a polar icebreaker for the Far Eastern Shipping Company of Vladivostok. She was converted to her current use in 1992. At 12,228 tons, she carries 110 passengers and a Russian crew of 70 to the Arctic and Greenland, and to Antarctica, at a speed of 15 knots.
Quark Expeditions (U.S.) began expedition-style cruising to remote part of the world in 1991 and was bought by First Choice Holidays (U.K.) in 2007. Quark itineraries have included the complete east-to-west Northwest Passages and total circumnavigations of the Antarctic Continent.
Passengers are adventurous and agile types who want to see wildlife in its natural habitat. They may be generalists who seek new places or those who have a special interest in birds, including the varieties of penguins seen in Antarctica. Suggested tips average $7 to $9 per day.
Itineraries operate in the summer to the west coast of Greenland for its fjords, glaciers and native culture, and across the Baffin Bay to the Canadian Arctic for spotting whales, seals, walrus and polar bears. In winter, cruises operate from the southern tip of South America to the Falklands and Antarctica for whales, seals and Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, plus icebergs and a visit to a research station. Excursions and landings are by Zodiacs and all are included in the fares. The expedition staff gives talks and shows slides and documentaries.
The Khlebnikov is a well-equipped expedition ship with a lounge and bar, theater-style auditorium, a small library of books and videos, heated indoor pool, exercise room and sauna. Breakfast is buffet and both lunch and dinner are served. Coffee and tea are available all day. The bridge may be open to passengers in times of good visibility. The Russian crew's English varies.
The ship's 54 cabins designed for extended living at sea include twins with one bed and a sofa bed, triples with an additional upper berth, and suites with separate sitting room and bedroom. Meals are open-seating. An elevator serves all passenger decks.
The Kapitan Khlebnikov has been a favorite ship of Quark Expeditions' passengers for many years.
