Quark Expeditions Commissions the Kapitan Dranitsyn

WATERBURY, Vt., Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar adventure, announced the addition of a new Russian icebreaker, Kapitan Dranitsyn, to the company's fleet.  Built in Finland in 1980 and upgraded in 1999, this vessel is a powerful icebreaker designed for reaching the most remote and raw Arctic landscapes.  The Kapitan Dranitsyn is virtually identical to her sister ship, the famous Kapitan Khlebnikov.

In addition, Quark has announced two unique itineraries aboard the ship. Discovered less than 150 years ago, the foreboding landscapes of Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya are only accessible to independent travelers by icebreaker. Dotted with relics from famous expeditions of the past, the archipelago is home to the walrus, polar bear, seals, Arctic Fox, Beluga Whale, seabird nesting areas, and the elusive narwhal.

"Quark's voyages aboard the Kapitan Dranitsyn offer exclusive access to the traditionally inaccessible regions of Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya," stated Hans Lajerweij, President of Quark Expeditions. "The experience is coupled with briefings on the history, geography, and wildlife of the region.  The rugged Arctic beauty can be enjoyed through Zodiac landings, helicopter rides, and on deck sightings of Polar wildlife in its natural habitat."  

New Itineraries

The Franz Josef Land Itinerary takes place July 17-29, 2012 and is priced from $12,995.  

The Franz Josef Land & Novaya Zemlya itinerary takes place July 27-August 10, 2012 and is priced from $15,995.

For more information, contact a Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0171 or visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.

About Quark Expeditions

Since 1991, Quark established a tradition of firsts in polar expedition travel. The company was first to transit the Northeast Passage with commercial passengers; the first to take travelers to the "far side" of Antarctica and the first to circumnavigate the Antarctic continent with guests.  Quark is recognized for its diverse passenger fleet – including the only polar-class icebreaker operating as an expedition ship. In 2011, Quark was named a recipient of National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for their "Three Arctic Islands" voyage.

SOURCE Quark Expeditions