You may be wondering how comfortable icebreakers' cabins are?

Our icebreakers have thoroughly cozy and comfortable cabins. They all feature outside windows, one fixed berth and one convertible sofa, a lavatory and a shower, closets for personal belongings and a desk. Besides, "Yamal"’s cabins are equipped with on-board video circuit monitors.

How do I spend my free time on board during the expedition?

An important part of our voyage is lectures delivered by noted naturalists, scientists and experienced Polar explorers. Documentary, feature film and slide shows are to be held. Entertainment programs are drawn up and announced by our staff daily.

Many tourists prefer to spend their spare time on the navigation bridge watching the ship force her way through the ice. This vantage point affords the opportunity of viewing sights of unmatched beauty. Our open decks can also give you chance to enjoy breathtaking sights of the Arctic wildlife.

Our icebreakers also have well-stocked bars and libraries, as well as saunas and swimming pools with heated sea water.

What is the on-board cuisine like? Can all passengers of a vessel have a meal at one time?

Exquisite international cuisine is at passengers’ disposal. Highly qualified chefs with experience at five-star restaurants will cook dainty dishes for you. There is a buffet service on board the vessel, where you can order a main course for your dinner and supper.

Our dining rooms are spacious enough to accommodate all passengers in one seating.

What should I bring along? What to pack? What clothes are worn on board the vessel?

The atmosphere on the vessel is quite informal. Most tourists choose to wear T-shirts and jeans, which have proved to be ideal for thelandings by helicopters or as underwear for waterproof trousers used at landings by Zodiacs. More detailed information about the things to take along we send to all passengers with the pre-departure materials.

How much time do we spend ashore?

Since the North Pole is the main goal of the cruises aboard "Yamal", we willy-nilly spend most time treading our way through multiyear pack ice to the Top of the World. But on our way back home we will make a call at Franz Josef Land archipelago to visit its historic places and view its natural beauties .

Franz Josef Land is the main goal of the cruises aboard "Kapitan Dranitsin". There are many historical sites and rich wildlife on the islands. So we will give you a chance to spend plenty of time ashore .

We are not experienced travelers. Do we need some special preliminary training?

No preliminary special training is required. To undertake any travel you have to be just sufficiently healthy. Our cruises make no exception.

Actually, for the most part the Arctic wildlife can be observed from the decks of the vessels. When landing ashore, we always try to spot places where we can take a closer look at the wildlife and marvel at it without exerting our strength.

In any case, our staff is always around, and ready to help you in your exploration of the fragile Arctic environment.

Is there a doctor on board the vessel?

Yes, there is an expedition doctor and a small infirmary.

What weather conditions are in store for us?

The weather in the Arctic plays a pivotal role. Unfortunately, no absolutely reliable weather forecast can be made even for some hours ahead. This notwithstanding, our experienced captains, ice experts and our professional staff, with the help of advanced navigation equipment, will take you to a desired place on time. They will do their best to make sure the passengers get to know the Arctic as close as possible.

Will our route be the same as described in the brochure?

No, it won’t. The itinerary outlined in our brochure is there for guidance only. Many decisions on the routes to follow are made depending on the situation. Besides, in our expeditions we always try to visit and explore places that have never been reached by explorers, to make sure our tourists get a thrill of genuine pioneers of the Arctic. Anyway, the Captain and the Expedition Leader, the consummate professionals, will make final decisions.

Will it storm during the cruise?

While covering Arctic expanses between the Archipelagoes we may possibly get into rough sea. But once sheltered by islands in ice-bound waters, you won’t feel any ocean swell nor heavy sea.

Does the staff speak English?

Yes, it does. All our staff, as well as the officers of the crew speak English. Besides, for each group of 20 non-English speaking passengers we provide an interpreter.

Is there any problem in getting Russian visa?

We will provide you with all documents necessary to get Russian visa. We will also send all relevant covering documents to the Russian Embassy nearest to your residence.