E-mail a friendShip: Kapitan Khlebnikov
Itinerary: Arctic Islands
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Helsinki, Finland |
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| Day 2 : | Embarkation Day |
| Days 3-4 : | Barents Sea |
| Days 5-7 : | Franz Josef Land |
| Days 8-10 : | Svalbard |
| Days 11-12 : | Greenland |
| Days 13-15 : | Northeast Greenland National Park |
| Days 16-17 : | Reykjavik, Iceland / Disembark |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type |
| Destinations : Arctic, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Russia, Svalbard Activities : Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Eight centuries passed before all the islands you will visit during this expedition were charted by Europeans. The Vikings sailed to Greenland in the 11th Century. The Dutch explorer put Svalbard on the map in the 16th Century. Franz Josef Land, the last to be found, was unknown 135 years ago. On this expedition we explore a corner of Europe still relatively untouched by human intervention.
We intend to explore a UNESCO international biosphere reserve, an archipelago inhabited by only four species of land mammals, and the most northerly group of islands in Europe. In true expedition-style, the daily adventures will unfold in response to local conditions, infusing this voyage with exhilarating surprise.
The Barents Sea supports a rich diversity of wildlife – colonies of puffins and guillemots; kelp-forests and coral reefs; as well as walrus, bowhead whales and polar bears. During this expedition you may join our Expedition Team who stand watches to ensure no one misses wildlife encounters.
Day 1 : Helsinki, Finland
You spend the first night of this expedition to the European Arctic islands in Helsinki, Finland.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day
We fly you from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, where you will be transferred to the icebreaker. The Expedition Team, a well-informed group of specialists that delivers our shipboard education program, will greet you.
Days 3-4 : Barents Sea
Dutch explorer Willem Barents gave his name to the sea through which you sail en route to Franz Josef Land. A variety of whales and dolphins inhabit the Barents Sea, as well as 150 different species of fish. The Expedition Team delivers a series of engaging presentations on the sea and the wildlife that inhabit it.
Days 5-7 : Franz Josef Land
The largely uninhabited archipelago of Franz Josef Land lies between the latitudes of 80 and 81 N. Their most northerly point is about 1000 km (600 miles) from the North Pole. We plan landings at former polar exploration bases and a Cold War outpost. Access to the islands is limited to ships for only a few weeks a year. Where we will land depends on local conditions.
Days 8-10 : Svalbard
En route from Franz Josef Land to northeastern Greenland, we will make shore landings on an island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Only four species of land mammals inhabit the islands. The surrounding seas, however, are breeding grounds for a great variety of seabirds. Sixty percent of the islands’ land mass is covered by glaciers. We’ll attempt to lower our Zodiacs for a cruise along a spectacular glacier ice-front.
Days 11-12 : Greenland
The northeast coast of Greenland is often ice bound, creating habitat for walrus, four species of seals and polar bears. Our icebreaker will follow the ice edge, while our Expedition Team is on alert for wildlife sightings. Patience, perseverance and a long lens may result in once-in-a-lifetime photographs to share with family and friends.
Days 13-15 : Northeast Greenland National Park
The largest national park in the world, Northeast Greenland National Park, has been designated by UNESCO a Biosphere Reserve. We will be standing watch for musk oxen, 40% of the world’s population is believed to live near the park’s coastline.
As we sail south toward Iceland, we intend to sail striking King Oscar Fjord and Scoresby Sund. Greenland is linked politically to Europe, but geologically to North America. Our Expedition Team will point out the differences and similarities from the deck as you sail.
Days 16-17 : Reykjavik, Iceland / Disembark
We cross the Greenland Sea and Denmark Strait to Reykjavik, Iceland, where you will disembark.
- Additional fuel surcharge of $58/night on ship, per person, for Antarctic departures between Oct 2008 - Mar 2009.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy.
-Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Single supplement of 1.7 times the twin rate for travelers who want to guarantee single room.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person is required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Kapitan Khlebnikov
click to enlarge
Kapitan Khlebnikov breaking ice
The KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV was built in Finland in 1981 and is a powerful polar class icebreaker, which has sailed to extremely remote corners of the globe with adventurous travelers since 1992. No other expedition vessel has navigated more polar waters. It was the first ship ever to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers in 1996-97.
The ship's interior provides passenger facilities necessary for excellent comfort, with accommodations in 54 first class outside cabin and suites. The vessel carries a maximum of 112 passengers.
All cabins are outside, with windows that can be opened for fresh or cooler air. In addition, passengers may control the flow of air into the cabin by adjusting the vent. Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash-basin. Cabin floors are carpeted. The cabins have ample cupboard and drawer space, and a large desk. The second bed in each cabin is a convertible sofa bed, which is made up each night by the stewardess and converted back into a sofa during the day. Triple cabins have two lower berths and one upper berth. Each cabin is equipped with an 'in-cabin' music system. All cabins have robes for use while on board, which will be collected on the last day of the voyage. These are available for purchase if passengers wish to take one home.
There is ample storage space under the beds to store most luggage. If not, passengers should alert the cabin stewardess who can store it for the duration of the voyage. Hair dryers, quality soap and shower gel are available in each cabin.
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Triple 135 sq. ft. Cabins include twin bunk beds and a convertible sofa, writing desk, chair, bookshelves, storage box, telephone, and porthole or window |
Twin135 sq. ft. Cabins include one twin bed and a convertible sofa, writing desk, chair, bookshelves, 2 wardrobes, storage box, telephone, and porthole or window |
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Suite 193 sq. ft. Cabin includes separate living area, TV/VCR, refrigerator, convertible sofa, double bed 2 desks, 2 chairs, bookshelves, storage box, telephone, 2 wardrobes, and picture window |
Corner Suite 285 sq. ft. Cabin includes separate living area, TV/VCR, refrigerator, convertible sofa, double bed 2 desks, 2 chairs, bookshelves, storage box, telephone, 2 wardrobes, and picture window |
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Single Twin 135 sq. ft. Cabins include one twin bed and a convertible sofa, writing desk, chair, bookshelves, 2 wardrobes, storage box, telephone, and porthole or window |
