Legendary Icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov Returns

Quark Passengers To Power Through Arctic Ice Floes On Mighty Kapitan Khlebnikov

[Seattle, WA] – April 1, 2015 – Quark Expeditions, the world's leading polar expedition company, is commissioning passenger-favorite icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov to offer unique arctic expedition experiences in the 2015/16 season. Adventurers can take part in a truly remarkable journey through the Arctic, powering their own path through seasonal sea ice. Quark passengers will also be the only travelers in the world to have the opportunity to combine voyages for an epic circumnavigation of the Arctic, through the fabled routes of the Northwest and Northeast Passage, Greenland, and the Canadian High Arctic.

Khlebnikov is a renowned expedition ship, having tied Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's record for reaching 78° South in 1996. Later that season, Khlebnikov became the first ship to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers and remains the only passenger vessel on the planet to have circumnavigated the Seventh Continent twice.

A true icebreaker, Khlebnikov was purpose-built in Finland in 1981 for crushing through strong sea ice, its ice-cutting capabilities vividly depicted in our new video. Nine years later, it was refitted as a passenger expedition ship, and now features complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, 51 cabins, a dining room, a lounge and bar, heated indoor plunge pool, sauna, theatre-style auditorium and a Polar Boutique. This latest refurbishment brings its creature comforts and decor in line with Quark Expeditions passenger expectations.

Khlebnikov is also the only passenger vessel featuring two on-board helicopters, providing frequent opportunities for remarkable aerial sightseeing few passengers in the world are likely to experience in their lifetime.

In 1992, Khlebnikov joined the Quark Expeditions fleet and served as its flagship icebreaker until 2012, enabling such feats as seeing the first commercial passengers to the Dry Valleys in Antarctica's Ross Sea sector.

"A voyage aboard Khlebnikov is one of the most true and rare polar expeditions available to passengers today," said Andrew White, Quark President. "Returning passengers and staff alike are delighted to see her back in action and better than ever. Ice-strengthened ships take us to incredible Polar Region destinations in season, but as a purpose-built icebreaker, it offers a pioneering experience few will experience in their lifetime. On it, we're able to visit polar locations inaccessible by most other passenger expedition vessels."

Quark passengers have a selection of four arctic Khlebnikov itineraries, including: Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Epic Northeast Passage Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Extreme Greenland Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Best of the Canadian High Arctic Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Ultimate Northwest Passage

If taken consecutively, Arctic Icebreaker Expeditions cumulate in an epic, 75-day Arctic circumnavigation – the Arctic Icebreaker: Arctic Circumnavigation – a monumental, historic voyage offered only by Quark Expeditions and departing July 10, 2016.

Originally designed to withstand the harsh Siberian ice conditions, Khlebnikov is able to depart earlier in the season, cutting pack ice through the Northeast and Northwest Passage. It already has the distinction of having transited the Northwest Passage more than any other passenger ship in history.

How To Book:

Save up to 15% when you book before Sept. 1, 2015. Looking to book multiple voyages? Additional savings of up to 20%, PLUS a free transfer package offer is available - see Quark's Way to Save page for full details. Arctic Icebreaker Expeditions start at US$19,795 based on triple occupancy. Pricing is available in USD only. An FAQ document is also available.

Contact a Quark Expeditions Polar Travel Adviser by telephone or live chat Monday through Thursday 7:30 am to 9 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm. Eastern Standard Time. Travelers in North America may call toll free 1.888.892.0073 or +1.203.803.2666. Bookings can also be made online at QuarkExpeditions.com.

About Quark Expeditions

For 25 years, Quark Expeditions has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel. With its diverse fleet of specially equipped vessels, unique land-based adventures and seasoned expedition leaders, it offers travelers unparalleled access to the most remote regions on earth: the Arctic and Antarctica. In 2013, Quark Expeditions was voted “World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator” by the World Travel Awards™, received the “Blow the Budget” award from the Amadeus & World Travel Awards™ Travel Experience Awards and was named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime for its “Three Arctic Islands” voyage. In 2014 it earned “World’s Leading Specialist Cruise Line” designation by the prestigious World Travel Awards™.