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Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and design scene and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Murmansk, Russia. Once aboard, get acquainted with the ship and crew and settle in for your voyage north.
Today we sail through the Barents Sea, named for the great Dutch explorer Willem Barents, who led two expeditions to Novaya Zemlya in the 1590s. The Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the region, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Expedition Staff will also keep a lookout for the seabirds, such as kittiwakes, skuas and fulmars, soaring above your ship. Whale and seal sightings may also be possible in this biologically rich sea.
The largest of the Eurasian Arctic archipelagoes, the rarely visited Novaya Zemlya (“New Land”) is the third-largest wilderness area in Europe. This seemingly long, thin island actually consists of two main islands, Severny (northern) and Yuzhny (southern), separated by the imposing Matochkin Strait. These islands are pure, rugged Arctic beauty at its best— massive extinct volcanoes, jagged ice cliffs and the most isolated mountain range in the Barents Sea. As we explore Novaya Zemlya, expect a new adventure every day. Each expedition will be unique, depending on the weather and ice, but a few landing sites we strive to visit include Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory Navalok and Russkaya Gavan. Boasting one of the most picturesque glaciers in the entire archipelago, Inostrantseva Bay provides breath-taking panoramic views of pristine Arctic wilderness. If conditions allow, we may explore ashore, or Zodiac cruise along the face of the glacier, at a safe distance, possibly witnessing the wonders of calving ice. Encounters with Brünnich’s guillemots (Thick-billed murres) are likely, owing to a small colony in the coastal cliffs. To the east side of Severny Island are the Oransky Islands. Wildlife abounds here, with a variety of animal and plant life to be discovered, Walrus have been sighted here on many previous expeditions. Coming across a walrus haul-out is unforgettable. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create a raucous as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. Encounters with whales and seabirds are possible, as well as Polar bears, a genetically distinct sub-population here. A significant site in Polar exploration, Novaya Zemlya also offers a number of opportunities for you to trace the footsteps of famous explorers and reflecton the region’s history.
Say goodbye to Novaya Zemlya as we cruise farther east, exploring the Kara Sea. The westernmost Asian sea off Siberia, the Kara Sea is known as the “ice cellar” of the Arctic, as it is often encumbered by trapped ice floes. Ice conditions will be considered by the skilled captain during navigation—luckily sea ice happens to be a great habitat for iconic Arctic wildlife. There are several sites and small archipelagoes along the Siberian coast we hope to explore, tracing the path of Polar explorers searching for the Northeast Passage. Weather and ice will determine where we explore, but some areas we hope to visit include Russky Island, Troynoy Island and Cape Chelyuskin. Both Russky Island and Troynoy Island are part of the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve, the largest reserve in Eurasia. Russky Island is the site of a former Polar station, established, in part, to monitor navigation along the Northern Sea Route, the Russian section of the Northeast Passage. Troynoy Island is the largest of the Izvesti Tsik Islands, about 90 miles (150 km) off the coast of the Taymyr Peninsula. The island is uninhabited, except for the researchers at the weather station. Home to an Ivory gull colony, the island is also frequented by Polar bears. At the tip of the Taymyr Peninsula is Cape Chelyuskin, the northernmost point of the Russian and Eurasian mainland and the site of another active research station. Here, at “the edge of the earth,” we hope to explore on foot. Dependent on ice and weather conditions, an exploration of Severnaya Zemlya embodies the true spirit of adventure. Dominated by glaciers and Polar desert, the archipelago was not discovered until 1913 and remained virtually unexplored till 1930–32, the last major undiscovered territory on earth. Amongst many possible destinations, we hope to visit a number of glaciers, including the Vavilov Ice Cap and those at Marat Fjord. If conditions are favourable, we may cruise the Red Army Strait, flanked by the massive Academy of Sciences Glacier (which also runs along the eastern shore of Zhuravlev Bay) and the smaller Rusanov Glacier. As one of very few people to ever explore this remote area in depth, you’ll want to have your camera ready to capture these amazing sights.
There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Attend dynamic presentations by the Expedition Team, relax in our Polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea and searching for wildlife.
This remote group of 191 islands, many ice covered, forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. A nature reserve, it is part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Our exploration of the region is highly determined by weather and ice conditions, but we hope to explore historical sites, remote seabird colonies and walrus rookeries such as Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell Island and Tikhaya Bukta. Polar bear encounters are also possible. On Jackson Island, Cape Norway is where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered from 1895 to 1896. The conditions were astonishingly difficult, but they survived until the summer and continued their journey south. The remains of their stone hut are still here today, with a memorial marking the event. Exploring Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), the site of an abandoned weather station on Hooker Island, is a step back in time. There is plenty to discover as you wander the ruins, immersed in Russian Polar history, and you may even be able to send a postcard from the post office! Another possible landing site, if time and weather permit, is Cape Tegetthoff on Hall Island, where we hope to visit the Barents memorial. The scenery here is spectacular, and we may be fortunate to view Polar bears and Atlantic walrus.
As your Arctic expedition winds down, you have a couple of days to sail through this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of various species are often seen. Take in a presentation, reminisce about your journey with your shipmates, relax in the lounge while swapping stories and photos or enjoy the solitude of the sea. Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any questions and spot wildlife.
Returning to Russia’s most northerly city, you’ll have time to bid farewell to the Expedition Team and crew before catching our group charter flight back to Helsinki, where you will have one more night in this exquisite city.
After breakfast, spend time exploring more of the Finnish capital or catch your homeward-bound flight.
* 19 nights on the ship, 2 nights hotel in Helsinki
* Expedition cruising in comfortable condition
All meals while on the ship included.
*Typical Meals*
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with
excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes,
accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
*Breakfast: *Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit
juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of
bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
*Lunch: *Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.
*Dinner: *Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a
choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea
and coffee.
* 19 nights on the ship, 2 nights hotel in Helsinki
* Expedition cruising in comfortable condition
*Travelling Conditions*
The voyages are designed to be as flexible as possible, taking advantage of
circumstances and events as they occur, as well as passengers’ wishes and
particular interests wherever possible. The atmosphere on board is relaxed
and friendly with expedition staff, including naturalists and Polar experts,
on hand and the opportunity to mingle with people from all over the world.
The ship is kept warm, clean and comfortable.
On the Zodiac cruises you are sitting still for most of the time with the
potential for some sea spray and a cold headwind - if you are not dressed
appropriately you will get cold. On the shore excursions, the majority of
landings are ‘wet’ which means that the Zodiacs beach and you are helped
to slide into the ankle deep shore break before walking up onto dry land
(wellington boots are issued to all passengers).
There are, of course, no paths, so be prepared for slippery, rough terrain
and sometimes fairly deep snow. Back on board the cosy ship after each
adventure, you can have a hot shower and then relax with a tea, coffee, hot
chocolate or something stronger from the bar.
*Polar Itineraries*
All Polar itineraries should be treated as a guide only - it is possible
that, amongst other things, the capricious nature of wind, visibility and
ice, intelligence from previous sailings, changes in local landing
regulations or the expert opinion of the crew onboard may lead to adjustments
to the route published.
*Booking Conditions*
Please note that the booking conditions for this trip differ from our
standard conditions.
As with all Polar holidays and voyages, the required deposit is 20% per
person of your selected travel arrangements (minimum £1000 per person or
equivalent) and the balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be
paid at least 133 days before your departure date. The deposit is
non-refundable, and at 133 days before departure date, our cancellation
penalties are 100% of the holiday cost.
Ocean Adventurer
The* High Arctic Odyssey: Remote Russian Archipelagos* voyage is offered on
the *Ocean Adventurer* which is a Polar Adventure Ship. Two nighst in a
standard hotel in Helsinki are included. Full board accommodation on the
ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with
en suite facilities. Please visit the Polar Fleet page [1] for Ship
Information and Deck Plans.
*Polar Adventure Ships*
These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate
adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff,
so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to
keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking,
kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about
accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the
technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure
Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the
Poles.
[1] node/935
All meals while on the ship included.
*Typical Meals*
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with
excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes,
accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
*Breakfast: *Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit
juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of
bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
*Lunch: *Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ.
*Dinner: *Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a
choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea
and coffee.
During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are
accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these
large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.
*Travelling land only: 22 days starting and ending in Helsinki*
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Helsinki in the afternoon of Day 1
of the itinerary described below. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks
before departure.
The Russian Arctic has an Arctic climate with average temperatures that do
not exceed 10° C in the warmest summer months. However, the conditions in
the coastal regions of the Arctic during the northern summer are both mild
and changeable. Enjoyable sunny days can swiftly change to cold, windy storms
with snow flurries and rolling seas. Average daily temperatures in mid-season
are between -4 and +2 Celsius; however, wind conditions can make it seem
colder. It is common that you will experience daytime temperatures below
freezing.
Boots – Rubber boots are essential for a Polar expedition, but to eliminate
these from your packing list we will loan you a pair for the duration of the
voyage.
Parkas – A complementary Quark parka will be provided on the ship.
Trousers – Waterproof trousers are essential for Zodiac travel as well as
activities on shore.
Gloves – To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a minimum of two pairs of
gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be worn underneath warm outer
gloves.
Hat and Scarf – Pack a warm, woollen hat or cap that covers your ears, as
well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection.
Socks – For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear two pairs of socks to
wear inside the rubber boots.
Outer Clothing – Pack woollen or fleece jumpers and tops, plus several
turtlenecks for layering.
Underclothing – Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you
warm without adding bulk.
Knapsack or Backpack – To keep your hands free for shooting photograph,
bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.
Shoes – Non-slip shoes for walking around the vessel.
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Camera, extra batteries, film or memory cards
Protective sunscreen
Electric converter with adapter plug set
Small medical kit containing prescription medicines and over-the-counter
medication for basic ailments such as stomach upsets, allergies, headaches
and seasickness
Snow poles or trekking poles
On board the ships all transactions are in US dollars. You may require some
Euros before or after the trip while passing through Finland.
At the conclusion of your voyage, you will be presented with an account. This
will include any drinks from the bar, laundry or ship’s shop purchases for
which you have signed. You may pay for this in US Dollars cash, credit card
(Visa or MasterCard ONLY) or US dollars Traveller’s Cheques.
*Please note:* on the last evening, once your ship account has been settled,
credit card payments are no longer accepted. It is therefore advisable to
bring at least some US$ cash if you wish to purchase drinks from the bar or
any items from the on board shop at this time.
The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter but it
is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide
approximately US$13-15 per day per passenger would be appreciated)
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Mandatory transfer package (including charter flights from Helsinki to
Murmansk return) which is £1700 per person (or equivalent in booking
currency) paid upon booking
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.