There is nothing quite like experiencing the awesome power of an icebreaker as it forges a brand new course through the frozen oceans of the High Arctic. The ultimate in polar voyaging, these powerful ships open up areas that are otherwise inaccessible, heightening the sense of adventure from the knowledge that few others have ever journeyed into these icelocked waters.
All the vessels that we operate in the Polar Regions are ice-strengthened and built to navigate the challenging sea conditions of the world’s extreme latitudes. Icebreakers, however, take the concept further still and with tremendous power are capable of forging routes through ice-choked channels that other ships simply cannot reach. Icebreaker voyages allow access to the most remote and least explored areas of the Arctic and Antarctic and with only a very few such passenger ships in existence are truly sought after journeys.
Two icebreakers feature within our collection of polar vessels. The Kapitan Khlebnikov, which operates in both Poles and the Yamal, which is used on our North Pole itinerary (please see our website for full details) although it is the former that we focus on here. Please be aware that the high demands made of icebreakers for scientific and commercial purposes as well as tourism reduce the opportunities for travellers such that itineraries and routes are likely to vary from season to season.
ULTIMATE EXPLORING
Onboard helicopters are used throughout the journey, serving as the eyes of the vessel on reconnaissance flights. They are also pivotal in transporting passengers closer to historic sites, giving an unparalleled view of the distinctive wildlife and untouched frozen landscapes. As ice forms and thickens these sturdy icebreakers continue to power ahead, creating unique opportunities – experience the thrill of setting foot on previously untouched pack ice. But perhaps the most awesome experience, reserved for passengers aboard this class of vessel alone, is peering over the bow as the ship powerfully drives her way through solid ice.
COMFORT & POWER
Though unlikely to win any awards for her sleek lines, the work-horse exterior look of the Khlebnikov belies the superior quality of the interior. Furnished to a high standard this vessel offers the broadest range of facilities among our fleet including an indoor swimming pool, exercise room and sauna as well as lounge and bar, auditorium style lecture theatre and two dining rooms. Each cabin has exterior windows and private facilities. So you may be in some of the remotest places on the planet, but you’ll still enjoy all the best home comforts!
Please find full details of the icebreaker voyages below or contact our team on 01737 218800.
THE NORTH EAST PASSAGE
KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV • JUN • 25 DAYS • Prices from £12,783
Russia’s Northeast Passage was closed to foreign travellers for more than half a century. Even now, extreme ice and weather conditions render the route impassable to most vessels save for the Kapitan Khlebnikov - the only polar-class icebreaker offering this impressive journey.
Read moreARCTIC ISLANDS
KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV • JUL-AUG • 17 DAYS • Prices from £8,027
The discovery of these islands spanned eight centuries; from Greenland by the Vikings in the 11th Century, to the Dutch explorers who put Svalbard on the map in the 16th Century, culminating in the pinpointing of Franz Josef land a mere 135 or so years ago. The Kapitan Khlebnikov makes it possible for intrepid explorers to visit these Arctic Islands in just 17 days.
Read moreARCTIC QUEST
KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV • AUG-SEP • 18 DAYS • Prices from £7,511
Arctic Quest traces the history of the northern peoples across 4,000 years, from the arrival of the first inhabitants to the present day. Step back in time and learn how the different cultures fished and hunted, sang and danced, and admire their beautifully sculpted crafts.
Read moreNORTH POLE
YAMAL • JUN-AUG • 15-16 DAYS • Prices from £11,853
To stand at 90° North is precisely the aim of this historic voyage and in so doing join only a handful of other adventurers to have achieved this ‘high point’ of expedition voyaging!
Read moreTHE NORTH WEST PASSAGE
PROVISIONAL ITINERARY FOR 2009*
KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV • AROUND 19 DAYS • Prices from £12,783
Since the first attempt to find the Northwest Passage in 1576, ship after ship has searched for the fabled northern route across the top of the world to the Orient. Three hundred years later, Roald Amundsen succeeded. This remarkable itinerary retraces his footsteps.
Read more