POLAR adventure specialist Quark Expeditions is ramping up its unique itinerary offerings, with
the acquisition of the Kapitan Dranitsyn.
Built in Finland in 1980 and upgraded in 1999, Kapitan Dranitsyn is an icebreaker and former
research vessel, and is the sistership
(and virtually identical) to Quark’s
Kaptian Khlebnikov.
Dranitsyn measures 131 metres in
length, 26.5 metres in breadth and has a
draft of 8.5 metres; she can accommodate
100 passengers and 60 staff and crew,
and has a cruising speed of 13 knots.
All cabins and suites have private
facilities and exterior views, whilst the
vessel offers a 24-hour lounge, heated
indoor swimming pool, exercise room, sauna, theatre-style auditorium, passenger elevator and a
medical centre.
The vessel also features onboard helicopters to allow aerial sightseeing and a fleet of zodiacs.
As part of her debut Kapitan Dranitsyn will offer two new unique itineraries which take guests
to the foreboding and majestic landscapes of Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya, which are
only accessible by icebreaker.
Located in the far north of Russia in the Arctic Ocean Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya
were only discovered less than 150 years ago, and the new 13-day Franz Josef Land and 15-day
Franz Josef Land & Novaya Zemlya itineraries both depart roundtrip from St Petersburg, Russia
and take in the Barents Sea, Sea & Bell Island, Northbrook Is, Hooker Is, Jackson Is,
Stolichky, Appolonov, Wilchek Is and Champ Is.
The 15-day itinerary also takes in the Oransky Islands and Inostrantseva Bay, whilst the 13-day
cruise also takes in Hall Is.
For more details see your local travel agent, or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.
