Quark Passengers to Power through Arctic Ice Floes on Mighty Kapitan Khlebnikov for Polar Expeditions and Full Arctic Circumnavigation

Quark Expeditions®, the world's leading polar expedition company, is commissioning passenger-favorite icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov to offer unique arctic expedition experiences for 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 travellers 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 the new video. Nine years later, it was refitted as a passenger expedition ship, and now features 51 cabins, a dining room, a lounge and bar, heated indoor plunge pool, sauna, theatre-style auditorium, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks 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 September 1st 2015. When booking multiple voyages there are additional savings of up to 20%, PLUS a free transfer package offer - see Quark's Way to Save page for full details. Arctic Icebreaker Expeditions start from £13,410 based on triple occupancy. Pricing is available in USD only. An FAQ document is also available.

For more information visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call 0808 120 2333