RUSSIAN HIGH

Rarely visited today yet significant in the history of , is worthy of its legendary reputation.

This extraordinary expedition to Franz Josef Land is as unique and authentic as the place itself. Starting in Longyearbyen in the Norwegian territory of Svalbard, we cross the icy, wildlife-rich Barents Sea to the Russian High Arctic. In Franz Josef Land we discover unparalleled landscapes, wildlife, and history in one of the wildest and most remote corners of the Arctic.

The archipelago, part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, is a nature sanctuary. Polar bears and other like Bell Island, Cape Flora, and Cape Tegetthoff we have the quintessential High Arctic wildlife--such as walruses and some opportunity to walk in the footsteps of , Frederick rare whale species--can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and George Jackson, , and other polar explorers. At around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the Tikhaya Bukhta we find the ruins of a Soviet-era research facility islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds that was also a major base for polar expeditions. Across the such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls. We'll take archipelago there are monuments, memorials, crosses, and the advantage of the 24-hour daylight to exploit every opportunity remains of makeshift dwellings, all testimony to incredible for wildlife viewing. historical events.

In Franz Josef Land we encounter a stark and enigmatic RATES INCLUDE: landscape steeped in the drama and heroism of early polar Group transfer to the ship on day of embarkation; exploration. At places Shipboard accommodation; All meals on board throughout the voyage; Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily; All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced and sail into a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The Expedition Leader & Expedition Team; scenery as we sail through Isfjorden on our first evening is Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka; spectacular and there is already the possibility of marine Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise; mammal encounters. Welcome and Farewell cocktails; All port fees; Days 3-4: Across the Barents Sea Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation; Pre-departure materials; From Isfjorden we proceed straight to Franz Josef Land across Digital Voyage Log; the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff prepare us for what lies ahead.In these far northern ITINERARY latitudes, it is possible to encounter sea ice even in summer.

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard Along the way, we'll remain vigilant for sightings of ice-dependent marine mammals such as the elusive bowhead whale, various Arctic seal species, and the majestic polar bear. Welcome to Longyearbyen, the Arctic adventure capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard and starting point of our Days 5-11: Exploration of Franz Josef (extra day here on 19 July departure) Land expedition. After arriving via scheduled commercial flight, you are free to explore this small but fascinating settlement. Be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and enjoy the shops, This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. As such, our cafes and restaurants in the town center. Your hotel for the night route and exploration opportunities in Franz Josef Land are has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the heavily dependent on weather and sea ice. Our experienced voyage. captain and expedition leader decide our best route and continually adjust plans as opportunities warrant in this wild Day 2: Embarkation in Longyearbyen and remote corner of the Arctic. Between obligatory initial and

final calls at the Russian polar station Nagurskoye in Cambridge

Bay we are free to explore the many waterways and islands of In the afternoon we welcome you aboard the expedition ship this unique Arctic wilderness. The archipelago, part of the M/V Sea Spirit; transfers from the hotel are included. Explore Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, is a nature sanctuary. the ship and get comfortable in your home-away-from-home for Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife--such the extraordinary adventure to come. The long days of summer as walruses and some rare whale species--can be spotted sunlight illuminate our surroundings as we slip our moorings anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting along the coastal islands of the Svalbard Archipelago. From colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and panoramic open decks, enjoy Arctic landscapes and wildlife kittiwakes. We'll take advantage of the 24-hour daylight to sightings. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to exploit every opportunity for wildlife viewing. Franz Josef Land is walrus and a wide variety of whales.The crossing also gives our dominated by glaciation, which covers 85% of the archipelago. expedition team the opportunity to offer a final presentation or Immense tidewater glaciers and glittering icebergs provide a two in the Oceanus Lounge. stunning backdrop to our voyage. Franz Josef Land is also home to some interesting geological features, such as the mysterious Day 14: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard stone spheres on Champ Island. Collectors of geographical extremes may take note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island is the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere. Franz After breakfast we say farewell in the town of Longyearbyen, Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the where we started our expedition. We provide a transfer to the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well-preserved historical airport, or to the town center if you plan to spend more time sites. The journals of explorers such as Julius von Payer, here. As you look back on your wonderful experience, you may Benjamin Leigh Smith, , and Fridtjof already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to Nansen come alive at Cape Norway, Cape Flora, Eira Harbour, the ice! and Cape Tegetthoff. Memorials, monuments, crosses and the remains of dwellings are testimony to incredible historical Please Note: events that are further illuminated by our expert lecturers. Tikhaya Bukhta is currently a Russian Arctic National Park Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject also a major base for polar expeditions. Nearby the fascinating to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the columnar basalt cliffs of Rubini Rock are home to thousands of vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be nesting seabirds. Our primary focus during this expedition is the guaranteed. exploration of the Russian archipelago of Franz Josef Land. However, the number of days spent there depends

Days 12-13: Back to Svalbard

Following our week of exploration in Franz Josef Land, we cross back through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea and then

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: SEA SPIRIT

YOUR SHIP: Sea Spirit

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Sea Spirit is a luxury expedition cruise ship, specifically designed to cruise the Polar regions. Carrying a maximum of just 114 passengers in 57 suites, she has the feel of a boutique hotel. Built in 1992, but refurbished several times since, the latest being in 2019, she is just 90 metres long so can navigate the small channels and bays of the Polar regions. Sailing aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit you will experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. >Features Sea Spirit's spacious suites all have panoramic oceans views. All-suite ship Think king-size or twin beds, en suites, flat screen TVs and DVDs Smallest suite is a spacious 215 square feet. and internet satellite. Many suites have private balconies, 15 suites have balconies. lounge areas & dressing tables. Owner's Suite is an outstanding 550 sq. feet. There is a lounge, bistro and bar, hot tub, gym, a Flat Screen TVs and DVD players in every suite state-of-the-art presentation room and stabilisers for smooth Gymnasium and Hot Tub with seating area and Bistro cruising. There is an open bridge policy so you can join the Library/Games Room captain and the officers at any time of day to watch the ship's Tea & Coffee Station(24 hrs) operations or just check your exact location. Elevator Every suite has an exterior view Some cabin plans may vary depending on the cruise, please check for details. Zodiac dockSuperior Suite

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Owners Suite Library

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

Classic Suite Deluxe Suite

Main Deck Suite Owner’s Suite

Premium Suite Superior Suite

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com PRICING

22-Jul-2022 to 04-Aug-2022 Triple Classic £8235 GBP pp Main Deck Suite £11315 GBP pp Classic Suite £12085 GBP pp Superior Suite £12316 GBP pp Deluxe Suite £13856 GBP pp Premium Suite £15165 GBP pp Owner’s Suite £19477 GBP pp

03-Aug-2022 to 16-Aug-2022 Triple Classic £8235 GBP pp Main Deck Suite £11315 GBP pp Classic Suite £12085 GBP pp Superior Suite £12316 GBP pp Deluxe Suite £13856 GBP pp Premium Suite £15165 GBP pp Owner’s Suite £19477 GBP pp

15-Aug-2022 to 28-Aug-2022 Triple Classic £8235 GBP pp Main Deck Suite £11315 GBP pp Classic Suite £12085 GBP pp Superior Suite £12316 GBP pp Deluxe Suite £13856 GBP pp Premium Suite £15165 GBP pp Owner’s Suite £19477 GBP pp

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com