ALASKA & RUSSIAN FAR EAST T R AV EL GU I DE CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION Journey Into The Wilderness 1

Regional Highlights 2

REGIONS Chukotka 4

Kamchatka 4

Sakhalin & 4

Inside Passage 5

Aleutian Islands 5

Nome 5

Katmai National Park 5

Kenai Peninsula 5

ON BOARD & ASHORE Born of Reindeer: The Eveny People of Siberia and the Russian Far East 6

Meet the Locals 7

Royal Geographic Society 8

Experts by Your Side 9

Silversea's All-Inclusive Lifestyle 10 luxury Meets Adventure 11

An Explorer's Heart 13 Yankicha Island, Russian Far East

JOURNEY INTO THE WILDERNESS Realms of fire, ice, and remote splendor

There are few places left on Earth that feel truly untouched by human hands. On this voyage, we’ll introduce you to two of them. A journey to Alaska and the Russian Far East is an adventure worthy of Jules Verne or H.G. Wells. This is where millennia of isolation, the timeless efforts of Mother Nature, and even centuries of polarizing politics have combined to create fantastical landscapes of untamed and primal beauty. It’s a region that’s been a more welcome home to whales, bears and puffins than it ever was to man. From the Ring of Fire to the Arctic tundra, it’s a world of breathtaking extremes. Welcome to Alaska and the Russian Far East.

1 Yttygran Island Proliv Senyavina Hot Springs SIBERIA Cape Kuyveveem Anadyr Nome Provideniya Anastasiya Bay ALASKA Cape Navarin Gabriela Bay Meynypilgyno College Fjord Bogoslav Island Pavel Bay Peter Bay Seward Cape St. Elias Yegrineyskaya Bay Hubbard Glacier St. Matthew Island Talan Island Tymlat Homer Skagway Okhotsk Lavrova Bay Chiswell Islands Haines Zavyavialova Island Yuzhnaya Glubokaya Point Adolphus Ushki Elfin Cove Juneau St. Paul Island Larsen Bay BERING Kodiak Island Tracy Arm Iony Island Castle Bay Sergius Narrows Endicott Arm SEA Chignik Aghiyuk Island Sitka Petersburg Semidi Islands Sail Island Wrangell Narrows SEA OF Ketchikan Behm Canal The Haystacks Metlakatla Rudyerd Bay OKHOTSK Unga Village Petropavlovsk Triple Islands Prince Rupert Dutch Harbor Opala River Kekurnyy Point Utashud Island Harbor Atlasova Island Pine Island Piltun Lagoon Vancouver Island NORTH PACIFIC Johnstone Strait Seymour Narrows Tyuleniy Island Nemo OCEAN Nanaimo Krenitsyna Point

Korsakov Yankicha Island Chirpoy Island

Otaru Kushiro Hakodate Aomori

Tokyo

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS The combined population density of TOTAL LAND AREA Few other voyages in the world offer more geological diversity Alaska and the Russian Far East is + or abundance of exotic wildlife. Much of the Russian Far East roughly 0.5 people per square km 2m Km lies along the Ring of Fire, the most volcanic region on Earth. Kamchatka alone is a geological wonderland of snow-capped peaks, active volcanoes and bubbling geysers. In Alaska, the There are roughly over 100,000 haunting beauty of the Arctic ice, roar of calving glaciers, and glaciers in Alaska, covering about ancient coastal forests beckon. The creatures of these lands have COVERED4.5% IN GLACIERS 4.5% of the state spun mariners’ yarns and shaped local folklore. In the , colonies of seals and seabirds await. On land, caribou abound. And the mighty brown bear roams through forest and The United States purchased YEAR PURCHASED tundra. Look to the skies and rocky promontories for seabirds Alaska from the Russian Empire for ranging from the colorful to the majestic Steller’s sea $7.2 million which is equivalent to eagle. Culturally, this sparsely populated world is often at odds around $120 million today 1867 with its identity. Alaska lies less than 60 miles from the coast of Russia, while Petropavlosk is closer to Tokyo or even Vancouver There are about aproximately than it is to Moscow. The indigenous people of this region have 390 volcanos between Alaska and clung to the land for generations, weaving a tale of tenacity, ≈ the Russian Far East endurance and harmony with their fierce surroundings. 390

2 Utashud Island, Russian Far East REGIONS Alaska and the Russian Far East present some of the most inaccessible destinations in the world and, consequentially, among the most biologically rich areas on the planet. Follow in the wake of legendary explorers Vitus Bearing and Captain James Cook as you travel from the near-uncharted Sea of Okhotsk, across the and to the waterways, islands and coastal towns of Alaska’s famed Inside Passage.

CHUKOTKA Arctic fox on Yankicha Island, Russian Far East The Northeastern-most territory in the Russian Far East, part of Chukotka lies along the Bering Strait. On a clear day, you can see the Alaskan shore from its coast. Tufted Puffins, Black-legged Kittiwakes and other seabirds frequent the rocky crevasees of the towering granite cliffs that define spectacular Cape Kuyveveem. Farther northeast lies Yttygran Island and its haunting natural monuments of bowhead whale bones. Beluga whales are a common sight in the surrounding waters. In Anadyr, capital of Chukotka, learn about the region’s culture, with important landmarks such as the Cathedral of Divine Transfiguration and the Chukotka Museum.

KAMCHATKA Nature and the Cold War have both shaped Kamchatka. Because of its proximity to the United States, the peninsula held great strategic value for the competing superpowers. As a result, Russia restricted access to this territory to foreigners and Russians alike. Its isolation bears rich fruit today for visitors. Of its more than 150 volcanoes, Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the largest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere, and Kronotsky is considered one of the most beautiful on Earth. Its famed Valley of the Geysers is a hotbed of geothermal activity, from boiling springs to mud volcanoes. And the locals include reindeer, brown bears and nearly one-third of the world’s Pacific salmon population.

SAKHALIN & KURIL ISLANDS On in the Kuril Islands lies Yankicha, a caldera that has been breached and then flooded by the sea. You can enter the caldera in a Zodiac and land on a beach to access a stunning walk to the rim of the Yankicha volcano. When tide and weather conditions are right, you can see the Pacific Ocean on one side and the interior of the caldera on the other, with its calm water and steaming ground stained yellow by sulfur. Atlasov Island, also part of the Kuril Islands, is dominated by one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the world. And in Sakhalin, you can visit dark-sand beaches or spot rare gray

whales near Piltun Lagoon. Kamchatka

4 INSIDE PASSAGE Katmai National Park, Geographic Harbor, Alaska Named by early explorers who were looking for the Northwest Passage (found much farther north), the Inside Passage is a dramatic tapestry of wildlife-filled fjords, ice floes dotted with seals, the thunderous snap of calving glaciers, mountains carpeted with forests rising from the sea, and remote villages hugging the coastline. This popular route, found on itineraries from Seward to Vancouver, includes ports of call at Juneau, a capital city inaccessible by road, and Ketchikan, known for its colorful totem poles and lush landscapes.

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS From the southwestern end of the Alaska Peninsula, the archipelago of the Aleutian Islands stretches across the Pacific towards Kamchatka. The islands were part of the theater of war in the Pacific during World War II, with Japanese soldiers invading Kiska Island and Attu Island in 1942 (just six months after the bombing of Pearl Brown Bear, Kukak Bay, Alaska Harbor). These were the only two invasions of the U.S. during the war. The Japanese also attacked Dutch Harbor on . A visit today includes a step back in military history, along with hikes to verdant volcanic landscapes.

NOME Located on the edge of the Bering Strait, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Arctic Ocean, Nome has long been a gateway to Alaska. The history of this rugged outpost dates back 10,000 years, to a time when the Inupiaq hunted and gathered here. The most famous gold rush town in the state, Nome was host to the last great gold stampede of the American West. Panning for gold is still a popular activity, as is watching to see who crosses the finish line in the famed Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

KATMAI NATIONAL PARK The 15 volcanoes and almost alien beauty of Katmai National Park has it sitting atop many “Best of Alaska” lists. Brown bears can be found digging for clams, munching on berries, or fishing for salmon in Geographic Harbor and Kukak Bay. In the waters around the harbour, you can spot otters, whales, and an abundance of seabirds. Beneath the waves, halibut, cod and rockfish lure thousands of anglers each year. Holgate Glacier, Kenai Peninsula

KENAI PENINSULA Home to some of the most populous areas in Alaska, including Seward and Homer, Kenai Peninsula is famed for its glacier- capped mountain range, much of which lies within the Kenai Fjords National Park, a living remnant of the Ice Age. The park’s famous Holgate Glacier is a spectacularly active river of ice set against a dramatic portrait of rugged mountains. Surrounded by the park’s mountains, the Chugach National Forest, and Resurrection Bay, the picturesque city of Seward is a railroad town with absolutely breathtaking scenery.

5 BORN OF REINDEER: THE EVENY PEOPLE OF SIBERIA AND THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST

Selena Hoy, Author

In the beginning, there was only the sea. One day, a maiden came down from heaven to the water. She was riding on an eight-legged reindeer, and tufts of reindeer fur that scattered on the surface of the sea became a raft. The reindeer gave their body to become earth, mountains and forests. The lice from their fur became wild reindeer roaming the landscape. The reindeer’s heart became a hero, and their lungs became a boy and a girl. So says one Eveny legend, recounted by Semyon Egorovich Dyachkov and recorded by professor Vasily Afanasievich Robbeck in 1978.

Reindeer are vital to the survival of the Eveny, or Even (singular), people — an indigenous ethnic minority living in northeastern Siberia and Far East Russia. There are about 20,000 Eveny, and they are close cousins of the more well-known and numerous Evenki people.

Photo By Lucia Griggi

Expand your curiosity on our travel blog Photo by Lucia Griggi

These colorful tales are but a sample of a collection of in-depth stories featured in our Discover travel blog. Our destination experts share personal anecdotes, while vivid photography showcases worldwide cruise itineraries, and behind-the-scenes DISCOVER videos from iconic photographer Steve McCurry highlight his recent travels with Silversea. These original posts present an authentic glimpse into what it’s truly like to sail around the world with Silversea — from encountering crocodiles basking under the Kimberley sun to exploring the Arctic realm of the mighty polar bear.

Discover more on our travel blog: https://discover.silversea.com

6 Walrus, Anastasiya Bay, Kamchatka

MEET THE LOCALS Every moment can amaze: a whale so close you can count the barnacles on its back, a huge sea lion hauling out on a rocky ledge. Sea otters and pods of whales cruise the waters, sea lions and fur seals crowd the shorelines, and the numbers of seabirds can only be described as unimaginable. In fact there are about 350 bird species in this ornithologist’s paradise. Here are just a few examples of wildlife you may encounter.

NORTH SPECIES OF AMERICA’S 32 CARNIVORES 70% BROWN BEARS Alaska’s predators can be found in the air, on land and beneath the waves. Orca Brown bears can be found throughout the state of Alaska. The largest brown and salmon shark roam the waters; bears, foxes and wolves are among its most bear in the world, the Kodiak, can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. The only natural iconic wildlife; and eagles, hawks and owls are among the raptors who patrol predators of brown bears in Alaska are other brown bears. the skies.

WORLD'S 1 PACIFIC BIRDS /5 SALMON 102 SPECIES Six species of Pacific salmon come to Kamchatka to spawn where they face an The Bering Sea, the only waterway in the world connecting the Pacific and arduous race for survival upstream, all while evading fierce land predators like Arctic Oceans, is a breeding and hunting ground for more than 10 million bears and humans, and raptors from the air like the Steller's Sea Eagle. seabirds. Some of these, like auklets, kittiwakes, Aleutian Tern and Red-faced Cormorants, live and breed here.

Wildlife sightings listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions.

7 ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY WITH IBG Silversea Expeditions and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) have joined forces to spread knowledge collated from centuries of scientific exploration. Founded nearly 200 years ago to advance geographical science, the Society, whose patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, will share some of the world’s most important geographical research and archive material.

ALASKA & THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST

In the 16th century it was the Russian traders and explorers who 01 first reached Russia’s Far East, and, following the voyage of the Russian expedition led by Vitus Bering in 1741, began to set up trading posts. Bering established that the continents of Asia and North America were separate land masses, although an earlier, little-known expedition led by Russian surveyor Michael Gvozdef is thought to have reached land at Norton Sound, Alaska in 1730. In 1784 Gregor Shelikof founded the first permanent settlement at Three Saints Bay, Kodiak Island.

In 1791, George Vancouver, who had sailed with Captain James Cook, returned to the southeastern coastline, which he mapped in such detail that his charts remained the most reliable source of information for over 100 years.

From 1799-1863 the Russian American Company (RAC), initially led by Shelikof, controlled and managed Russia’s interests in 02 Alaska. Alexander Baranof, as chief director of the RAC, was effectively its sole ruler and mastermind of the company’s fortunes in the region. Baranof’s ambitions were thwarted by the Russian Imperial Navy, which in 1881 took control of Alaska.

American interests in Alaska were first kindled by the whalers and sealers at the beginning of the 19th century, by which time the trade was an important economic catalyst along the Alaskan coastline. In 1824 the United States negotiated a ten year contract for equal trade in the region which began the shift in focus for Russia to the west and its involvement in the Napoleonic Wars.

As Russia’s interests in the region faltered, America’s westward expansion grew, led in 1865-67 by the Western Union Telegraph Expedition to Alaska. The American flag was hoisted in a ceremony at Sitka, then capital of the RAC, on 18 October 1867 following purchase of the state from Russia by the United States.

01 ‘Ainu people from the island of Jezo []. ‘Plate from: ‘Nippon. Archiv zur Beschreibung von Japan…’ by Philip Franz von Siebold, 1852 (335008) 02 ‘Krapto [Sakhalin]’. Plate from: ‘Nippon. Archiv zur Beschreibung von Japan…’ by Philip Franz von Siebold, 1852 (335008). 8 EXPERTS BY YOUR SIDE Silversea takes great care to assemble a truly top-notch team of naturalists and other experts to accompany each ship. For we know full well that those who yearn to explore the farthest reaches of our planet are driven by a quest for knowledge and discovery.

BRAD SIVIOUR Senior Expedition Leader

DAI MAR TAMARACK Expedition Leader

Brown bear, Russian Far East DANNY EDMUNDS Historian, Expedition Leader Silversea Expeditions has one of the highest “expedition team to guest” ratios in the expedition cruising industry. This means that every expedition voyage benefits from the presence of between 11-28 qualified specialists to help guide you through every step of your adventure.

You can attend daily recaps & briefings presented by professionals hand-picked JONATHAN FUHRMANN Geologist for their expertise in specific areas depending on your destination.These educated, experienced and talented men and women have all been chosen for their friendliness, infectious enthusiasm and passion in their specialized field. They will make sure that every opportunity for adventure is properly evaluated; making sure that your experience is something to write home about.

The team includes a variety of experts such as biologists, naturalists, ornithologists, geologists, historians and photographers. So whether you want SCOTT SCHOETTE Ornithologist to know how to get that perfect exposure, what the name of that bird is or what the history of the local area is, there is always someone there to answer your questions, and lend a hand.

The Expedition Team members scheduled for any voyages can be subject to change or cancellation.

9 SILVERSEA'S ALL-INCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE

With a staff ratio of almost 1:1 and a dedicated butler for every suite, our service remains one of the jewels in our crown. Devoted, discreet and experienced: our staff are there to make it perfect, and see to it that your every wish is fulfilled. Ours is an all-inclusive ambiance that leans toward lingering longer on the veranda, with Italian prosecco in hand and the horizon in view. Days at sea are best spent enriching your senses with a carefully curated lecture, while evenings come filled with stimulating conversation served alongside slow-cooked Coq au Vin. The ease of knowing you really can have it all allows you to focus on making the very most of every moment.

DURING YOUR VOYAGE ON THE SILVER MUSE • Spacious ocean-view suites • Butler service in every suite • Unlimited free Wi-Fi for all suites • Personalized service – nearly one crew member for every guest • Multiple restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining

• Beverages in suite and throughout the ship, including Katmai National Park, Geographic Harbor, Alaska champagne, select wines and spirits • Inclusive room service Veranda Suite, Silver Explorer • Enrichment lectures

• Onboard gratuities

EXCLUSIVE TO SILVERSEA EXPEDITIONS

Adventure and exploration lie at the root of our Silversea Expedition voyages aboard the Silver Explorer. Yet the thrill of reaching the most remote corners of the globe is no longer reserved only for the most intrepid souls. Our sophisticated onboard expedition environment, shared among curious travelers, inspires you to seek the unseen with a collection of complimentary shore excursions. Expedition days begin with traveling by Zodiac to observe polar bears plodding across ice and finish with long nights of midnight sun. Every fjord and glacier you encounter comes to life alongside our Expedition Team, who steers you on a path of unforgettable discovery.

• Highly-qualified expedition team with experts in their field (marine biologists, ornithologists, historians and more) • Included excursions and activities: Zodiac cruising, and hiking on most sailings • Specialty expeditions: Culinary • Exclusive partnership with The Royal Geographical Society

*On select voyages. Pool Grill, Silver Muse

10 LUXURY MEETS ADVENTURE The right gear is essential for enjoying the full experience of the Russian Far East without the limitations of weather. To help you properly outfit for your adventure we have teamed up with Ship to Shore Traveler, a one-stop outfitting service. Rely on them for fine quality gear and accessories, both for purchase or rental. And do heed the advice of all smart travelers — don’t overpack! Launderettes are available aboard.

PACKING CHECKLIST

On all Polar voyages, a 2-in-1 parka developed exclusively for Silversea Expedition sailings, lightweight and rain- resistant backpack and stainless steel water bottle is provided, compliments of Silversea. Please be sure to select the size for your complimentary parka. Visit: https://silversea.shiptoshoretraveler.com/

 As you will step into icy water during Zodiac landings, pull- on rubber boots are essential.

Rain jacket — waterproof and breathable.

Waterproof trousers. Rent with free concierge delivery to

the ship. Visit: https://silversea.shiptoshoretraveler.com/ Cape Kuyvyveen, Russian Far East

Wool or wool blend socks

Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles — for use on board the ship and during expeditions.

Waterproof, knee-high, rubber boots with non-slip soles. As you will step into icy water during Zodiac landings, boots are essential. For your comfort we recommend you bring your own boots or rent boots with free concierge delivery to the ship Visit: https://silversea.shiptoshoretraveler.com/

Long-sleeved shirts and blouses.

Light weight sweater.

Light weight long trousers.

 Bathing suit, for use in ship’s heated whirlpools or on certain excursions.

Hat for sun protection.

Windproof gloves that dry quickly or are made of neoprene.

 Water-resistent Backpack: Provided on board, compliments Yankicha Island, Russian Far East of Silversea. Plastic seal-proof or leak-proof bags are recommended for addition protection for your camera etc. Verkhotyrova Island AN EXPLORER’S HEART

Anybody looking to go on an adventure that takes them off-the- beaten track, and I mean far-off the beaten track, will love the Russian Far East. The Kuril Islands with their huge number of seals and birds are a nature lover’s fantasyland; our Zodiacs can get so close to sea lions hauling out on the rocks you can hear them breathe! And Alaska’s classic beauty, from the vast Arctic tundra to the rainforests of the scenic Inside Passage, hardly needs any introduction.

Happy Travels

CONRAD COMBRINK SVP Strategic Development Expeditions and Experiences

13 CALL YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR YOUR RESERVATION TEAM

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