[6] A polar-class icebreaker, combining power and technology with creature comforts, Kapitan Khlebnikov was originally designed for the rigors of the Arctic Ocean.

[2] The vessel has twin decks with superstructure and engine room in the middle, an icebreaker bow and transom stern.

Facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, exercise room and sauna, theatre-style auditorium and shop.

Air can be forced under pressure from 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) above the keel from the bow to halfway down the ship.

[9] Three of the UK passengers were a BBC film crew, working on a documentary, entitled Frozen Planet.