KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
The Kapitan Khlebnikov was constructed in 1981 by the Wartsila Company, Finland -- the world=s leading builder of icebreakers. Not simply an ice-reinforced ship, the Kapitan Khlebnikov is a powerful working icebreaker designed for the challenging conditions in the seas of northern Siberia.
Now refurbished to accommodate passengers in 54 first class outside cabins and suites, our ship is thoroughly comfortable. All cabins feature private facilities, two lower berths, a desk, and large closets. Ample public areas include a lounge and bar, well-equipped auditorium, heated indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and sauna. Views are excellent from the navigation bridge (where we are always welcome) and large open decks on several levels. Our ship has a library of polar books, a passenger elevator and a small infirmary.
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
European Chefs prepare varied international cuisine using fine provisions from around the world. A European barman attends the popular forward lounge, which has a well-stocked bar with a good selection of your favorite spirits, wine and champagne.
EXPEDITION STAFF, OFFICERS AND CREW
Our icebreaker is staffed by Russian officers and crew, all highly experienced in polar navigation. Russian captains are recognized as the world experts in icebreaker operations. The voyage is directed by an expedition leader and staff chosen for their local knowledge and experience.
ZODIAC AND HELICOPTER EXCURSIONS
A fleet of versatile Zodiac landing crafts takes us among ice floes and to remote beaches. In addition, our ship carries helicopters for ice and wildlife reconnaissance and excursions. We visit inland sites, penguin rookeries and otherwise inaccessible shores. The unique aerial views of polar landscapes and our ship as it crashes through the pack ice are astounding.
TECHNICAL GEAR
With 24,000 horsepower, a 45mm-thick icebreaker hull and a displacement of 15,000 tons, we navigate high latitude waterways closed to conventional shipping. Our vessel is equipped with the latest satellite navigation and communication equipment, including convenient Inmarsat telephone facsimile.
FARES INCLUDE:
Voyage aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov; hotel accommodations in a shared twin room with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary; all meals aboard ship; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter flying time as allotted; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership provided by experienced expedition staff; comprehensive pre-departure materials; transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship for those traveling on the group flights; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges; special expedition jacket; detailed expedition log.
NOT INCLUDED:
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore and supplement for single hotel accommodations; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for the stewards and others who have served you aboard (guidelines will be provided). Any helicopter flights beyond those offered for the group within the allotted time will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Reservations and Payment.
Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including any helicopter flying time (if applicable and which, at the discretion of the captain and expedition leader, may or may not be utilized). It is understood that refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever.
Itinerary. The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the ship's master. This is an expedition to a remote part of the world
and we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions,
availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond
our control without consulting the participants. It is understood that
such decisions will be made in the best interests of all passengers aboard
and with regard to the safety of the vessel. Participants have no right to
any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable
itinerary changes.
Rates.
Responsibility.
Quark Expeditions Inc. (QEI) and Supernova Expeditions Ltd. (SNEL) act
as general sales agents for the vessel and as such exercise every possible
care. However, QEI, SNEL, their subsidiaries and/or associated Agents,
shall not be held responsible for property loss or damage and/or any
damages resulting from illness, personal injuries or death which may be
sustained by reason of, or while engaged on, any tour whether due to the
ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any aircraft,
helicopter, automobile, bicycle, boat, vehicle, hotel, common carrier or
any other conveyance used in carrying out these tours. We can assume no
liability due to any cause whatsoever whether caused by failure or delay or
other irregularity, acts or omissions occurring during a tour under which
the means of transportation or other service provided thereby is offered or
supplied by owners, operators or public carriers for whom QEI and SNEL act
only as agent.
QEI and SNEL reserve the right (at their discretion) to alter or omit
any part of the itinerary or change any reservation, feature and/or means
of conveyance without notice and for any reason whatsoever and without
allowance or refund and with extra costs, if any, resulting therefrom paid
by the passengers. We reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to
departure, in which case payment will be refunded without further
obligation on our part.
QEI and SNEL shall not be responsible for any injury to person
(whether or not resulting in death) or damage to property arising out of
any act of war, insurrection, revolt or other civil uprising or military
action occurring in the countries of origin, destination or passage. QEI
and SNEL strongly urge individual passengers obtain appropriate insurance
coverage. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
The transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible
for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard
their carriers or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the
carriers concerned (when issued) shall constitute the sole contract between
the transportation companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or
passage. All legal questions and actions against QEI and SNEL must be
brought at London, England and by accepting tickets and embarking on the
voyage, the passenger waives any right to bring an action in any other
forum.
By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she does not
have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would
create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. QEI and SNEL reserve
the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of the tour at any
time.
A deposit of 25% of the cabin rate is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 120 days prior to
departure. All prices and payments are in U.S.dollars and no other
currencies can be accepted.
Cancellations and Refunds. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received 120 days prior to departure are fully
refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. Please note that within the 120 day limit all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 120 day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due
immediately. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance.
Voyage rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at
the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure.
Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel,
services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements
significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices accordingly.
Please read this important information carefully. The
payment of a deposit of any part or full payment for a reservation on this
tour shall constitute consent to all the provisions contained herein.