Antarctica The Great Antarctic Explorers - Exploring the Ross Sea

1. How big are the groups?

Kapitan Khlebnikov can carry a maximum of 112 passengers. To explore such a region with just a small number of fellow passengers from all over the world is a real luxury and will help to make your Antarctic voyage of discovery and adventure a truly unforgettable experience.

2. What is included in the tour price?

• Voyage aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov as indicated in the itinerary
• Pre-cruise hotel accommodations in a shared twin room with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship
• All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed)
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
• Transfers and baggage handling between the hotel and ship, as indicated in the itinerary
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials and Antarctic handbook
• A pair of rubber expedition boots on loan
• Special expedition jacket to keep
• Detailed post-expedition log

3. What is not included in the tour price?

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; 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 stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate available on board.

6. Are these “educational” tours?

Yes, we travel with an experienced team of naturalists and lecturers from all over the world, offering a unique educational program. With formal lectures, as well as informal briefings, your lectures and expedition leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. On board you will be fully briefed on safety issues and the environmental policy and you will also receive appropriate briefings before every landing.

7. How do we travel during the tour?

We sail aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov. We use Zodiacs and a helicopter for shore excursions. Zodiac landing craft take us along huge icebergs and to remote beaches. In addition, our ship carries helicopters for ice and wildlife reconnaissance. The aerial views of polar landscapes and of our ship as it breaks through the pack ice are astounding. The Kapitan Khlebnikov is the only tour vessel in Antarctica to provide sightseeing flights and landings by helicopter. The exact make and model of helicopter will be determined prior to the voyage. All helicopter flights are weather dependent.

8. What are our accommodations like?

Refurbished to accommodate passengers in 54 first-class outside cabins and suites, the Kapitan Khlebnikov is extremely comfortable. All cabins feature private facilities, two lower berths (one fixed bed and one convertible sofa bed), a desk and large closets. Public areas include two dining rooms, lounge and bar, well-equipped auditorium, indoor swimming pool, exercise room, sauna, polar library, a shop, a passenger elevator and a small infirmary with western doctor. Views from the Navigation Bridge are outstanding.

9. What about the weather?

In very general terms, be prepared for temperatures that range from 5°F (-15°C) to 40°F (4°C). If you are properly dressed, even sub zero temperatures can be quite comfortable.

10. When is payment due?

A non-refundable deposit of $2000 USD per person is required to confirm a reservation on an Antarctic icebreaker voyage with final payment due 120 days prior to departure. Deposits can be made by credit card and/or personal check. Final payments can be made by check or credit card. Because the deposit is non-refundable, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Cancellation information is outlined in the “Terms and Conditions” section of our brochure.

11. What are the meals like?

European chefs prepare superb and varied international cuisine using fine provisions from around the world. A European barman attends the popular forward lounge that features a well-stocked bar with a good selection of beers, spirits, wine and champagne. The dining room is attended by a combination of Russian and western staff.

12. What should I take on the tour?

Once you have made your reservations, an “Expedition Cruising-Preparing for your Antarctic Voyage” primer will be sent to you in your pre-departure Trip Kit.

13. Can you arrange my flights?

We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. Stop over enroute, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.

14. What if I would like more information?

If you have any further questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to contact our office or your travel agent for additional information. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to those who have booked on the tour.

Additional information about the Kapitan Khlebnikov

The Kapitan Khlebnikov was built in 1980 and launched in 1981 by the Wartsila Company, Finland — the world’s leading builder of icebreakers. The vessel is a hard working icebreaker designed for the challenging conditions in the seas of northern Siberia. Russian icebreakers are considered among the best and most powerful in the world — and the Kapitan Khlebnikov is no exception. She has sailed to extremely remote corners of the globe with adventurous travelers since 1992 and no other expedition vessel has navigated more polar waters. She was the first ship ever to circumnavigate Antarctica with passengers in 1997 and repeats the record-breaking trip again in 2002-03.

Safety

Your safety is always paramount. Although by its very nature expedition cruising is adventurous, our ships offer comfortable accommodations and are built and maintained to the very highest standards for the most challenging ice conditions.

Environmental Policy

All our voyages are planned to minimize any disturbance to wildlife or fragile habitats. We follow a common sense code of conduct ashore and ensures that the ship, Zodiacs and helicopters are operated in an environmentally responsible manner.

Sophisticated Technical Gear

With 24,000 horsepower, a thick icebreaker hull and a gross registered tonnage of 12,288 tons, we navigate high latitude waterways closed to conventional shipping. Our vessel is equipped with the latest satellite navigation and communications equipment, including convenient Inmarsat telephone, facsimile and e-mail.

Expert Polar 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.

Please note that comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory to participate in all Antarctic Adventures. Please contact ElderTreks for details on the minimum coverage amounts required.

4. Is the medical insurance required?

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is required in order to participate in the adventure. Eldertreks offers a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy. Should you not purchase insurance through Eldertreks, a copy of the insurance policy is required.

5. Travel Insurance

Please note that travel insurance is not included in the cost of the program, but is recommended. ElderTreks offers a fully comprehensive policy to insure you fully, please call for details.