One of eight passenger vessels of this class, the
Lyubov Orlova was built in Yugoslavia in 1976 for the Far Eastern Shipping Company. The
Clipper Adventurer is one sibling. The
Lyubov Orlova was last upgraded in 2002 and has an ice-strengthened hull. She measures 4,251 tons and takes 108 passengers and a Russian crew of 70 at 15 knots.
Among Quark's itineraries are the east-to-west Northwest Passages and a complete circumnavigation of the Antarctic Continent. The Lyubov Orlova, named after a popular Soviet Film actress, may also be chartered by other companies.
Passengers are adventurous and agile types who want to see wildlife in its natural habitat. They may be generalists who seek new places or those who have a special interest in birds, including the varieties of penguins seen in Antarctica. Suggested tips average US$9 to US$11 per day.
Itineraries operate in the summer to the west coast of Greenland for its fjords, glaciers and native culture, and across the Baffin Bay to the Canadian Arctic for spotting whales, seals, walrus and polar bears. In winter, cruises operate from the southern tip of South America to the Falklands and Antarctica for whales, seals and Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, plus icebergs and a visit to a research station. Excursions and landings are by Zodiacs and all are included in the fares. The expedition staff gives talks and show slides and documentaries.
This five-deck ship has a forward facing lounge, a portside lounge and bar that face an enclosed promenade deck, and a dining room at the stern. Breakfast is buffet, and lunch and dinner is wait-served. The ship has an open-bridge policy, conditions permitting.
Cabins are all outside with private facilities, radios, robes and hair dryers. Doubles have two lowers, and some are triples with an upper berth. Two suites have a separate living room. All cabins, except those on the Lower Deck with sealed portholes, have windows or portholes that open. The cabins on the Upper Deck face an enclosed promenade so the view is through two sets of windows. Also the deck is lighted at night, so shades need to be drawn. The ship has no elevator.
The Lyubov Orlova is a very comfortable small passenger ship that carries Quark's excellent expedition staff.
