sign in sign up
<<
Home , Northern Sea Route

THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE

A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE

EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2 – 28 AUGUST 2021

Wrangel Island Reserve © S Blanc A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE

Wrangel Island Reserve © K Ovsyanikova

Wrangel Island Reserve © M Kelly Wrangel Island Reserve © G Riehle

ALASKA Nome

CHUKCHI SEA BERING SEA

Arctic Ocean Wrangel Is. Anadyr RUSSIAN FAR EAST EAST SIBERIAN Franz SEA Josef New Land Siberian Islands Severnaya NORWAY Zemlya

he allure of the mysterious Northeast Passage Having been sought for centuries by European has captivated adventurers for centuries. explorers who hypothesised upon its presence and T Its Russian-controlled waters are steeped economic benefits, The Great Northern Expedition in history and mystery, while abundant wildlife is of 1733-43, sponsored by Peter the Great, made found along its remote shores. Only a handful of many significant discoveries, but also revealed the passenger vessels have ever completed a transit of route was not an economic trading proposition. this waterway, but recent changes in the summer It wasn’t until 1878-1880 that Swedish explorer sea ice conditions mean that it is now possible for Adolf Erik Nordenskiold completed the first ever a brief time each summer. In 2017, we fulfilled our transit proving that the route was navigable, albeit long held ambition of completing a successful with some difficulty. In 1914-15 Boris Vil’kitskiy, with Northeast Passage double transit. We are excited to and Vaygach, made the once again be running this geographical odyssey second transit of the Northern Sea Route as part from Anadyr to Murmansk in 2020. Join us as we of a major push by the Imperial Russian Navy to trace the route of legendary Polar explorer Adolf render it navigable for strategic purposes. The Erik Nordenskiold, navigate narrow fiords, search development of the Northern Sea Route became for unique wildlife, glimpse into the past and a central objective of the Soviet Union’s policy for experience the warmth of hospitality in its Arctic regions so in 1932 the Northern Sea Route local villages. Administration was established.

WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COM 2 [email protected] A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE

The vast shallow waters north of , protected by the expansive sea ice that covers the region for most of the year, are a refuge for many Arctic species; Polar Bears roam throughout but there are especially large concentrations on the reserves of Wrangel Island and Franz Josef Land. During our voyage we travel through the ranges of the Pacific, Laptev and Atlantic and there is the opportunity to encounter these © A Chavanne iconic tooth walkers in large haulouts. The triumvirate of Arctic ITINERARY Day 2: Preobrazhnaya Bay gulls – Ivory, Sabine’s and the Crossing the Gulf of Anadyr NOTE: You can join this elusive Ross’s Gulls all breed there will be opportunities for expedition either in Anadyr or on the shores of the Northeast wildlife watching as well as time in Nome, Alaska. Those starting Passage and there are good to become familiar with the in Nome will fly by a Heritage opportunities to see all three. ship. This afternoon we plan to Expeditions’ charter flight to While Bowhead, Beluga and explore the magnificent coastal Anadyr to join the ship and Whales all call these cliffs of Preobrazhnaya Bay by remaining expedition members waters home and our naturalists Zodiac, these cliffs are home who have travelled direct to will be keeping close watch. to an exceptional diversity and Anadyr. abundance of seabirds including Venture ashore on some of the Brunnich’s Guillemot, Crested Day 0: Nome least known and seldom visited and Parakeet Auklets plus Tufted For those departing from Nome, shores on the planet, Severnaya and Horned Puffins. Zemlya Archipelago was the Alaska, your adventure begins last major group of islands on with a flight across the Bering Day 3: Whale Bone Alley and earth to be discovered, the New Sea to the Anadyr, the capital of Gil’mimyl Hot Springs Chukotka and the starting point Siberian Islands offer a wealth We visit Whale Bone Alley on for our expedition. of opportunities for . Yttygran Island, one of the Sailing the mythical waters of most significant and intriguing During the flight you will cross Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, archaeological sites in the Arctic. the International Date Line, Kara & Barents Sea this is truly a The name comes from the large arriving into Anadyr on Day 1. It is geographic odyssey. number of jaw advised that you arrive in Nome bones placed along the beach the day before or by midday Our vessels were built for in the form of a pathway. The today at the latest. navigating passages like this, site is believed to date from the with Akademik Shokalskiy 14th century and its origins and Day 1: Anadyr participating in a Soviet purpose and even the identity Join your ship this afternoon in convoy in the late 1980s, and of those that built it are still Anadyr, the bustling political in 2017 transiting the passage debated. The waters nearby and commercial hub of twice unassisted with Heritage remain rich feeding grounds for Chukotka. Once aboard join Expeditions. We invite you to whales and weather permitting, your expedition leader for join us on an historic journey to we will look to take the Zodiacs introductions to the ship, staff discover High Arctic landscapes in search of Gray Whales and and crew. This evening there that few people have witnessed, walrus. enjoy wildlife and wilderness are excellent chances to spot Beluga Whales as we sail out of experiences that until now have This afternoon we plan a landing the Anadyr Estuary. been the preserve of a few High at the Gil’mimyl Hot Springs. Arctic explorers and researchers. Deep within the hills of eastern

WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COM 3 [email protected] A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE

Chukotka, this is a beautiful location for exploring the with its rich plant life and the chance to see Sandhill Cranes which usually breed in the area.

Day 4: Cape Dezhnev and Uelen Village Early this morning we will arrive at Cape Dezhnev, the eastern extremity of the Eurasian continent. Named after the

Cossack explorer Semyon Wrangel Island Reserve © N Russ Dezhnev, the first European to sail through the , it the afternoon’s activities; works In fact it is sometimes referred to is sometimes possible to see the produced from this studio can as a maternity ward coast of America just 50 nautical be found in most of the major on account of the large numbers miles away. Ashore, visit the Russian museums. of cubs born here. In addition monument erected in honour to the Polar Bears for which it is of Dezhnev as well as explore Day 5: Kolyuchin Island renowned there are numerous the remains of the traditional Today we plan to land on other Arctic species which we Chukchi village of Naukan Kolyuchin Island; a 4.2km will be looking for including Musk from which the inhabitants long home to thousands of Ox, Arctic , Snow Geese and were resettled in the 1950s. The seabirds just north of the Russian the Snowy Owls which breed Bering Strait is a vitally important mainland. Although we will be here annually. migratory pathway and we may visiting after the peak of the see flocks of King, Common breeding season, there should still Because Wrangel has not been and Spectacled Eiders passing be large numbers of Tufted and recently glaciated the diversity south. A few nautical miles to Horned Puffins, Brunnich’s and of tundra flora is exceptional and the west of Cape Dezhnev is Common Guillemots and Black- during walks ashore we should the village of Uelen; the most legged Kittiwakes. There may see the last flowers of summer. north-eastern village in Russia. also be an opportunity to Zodiac With three days scheduled to In the afternoon we will get to cruise around the base of the explore, the expedition team enjoy the hospitality of the local cliffs where there are excellent in conjunction with the local people who are predominantly photographic opportunities. As rangers will customise our Chukchi. The village is the largest we set sail for Wrangel Island join program at Wrangel to deliver centre for traditional Chukchi your expedition team on deck the very best opportunities to and art in the world. A as there will be good marine see and appreciate this truly cultural performance and visit mammal watching opportunities remarkable island and to their famous bone-carving – Humpback and Bowhead its inhabitants. studio and museum will conclude Whales have been seen in the area previously. Day 9: Join your expedition team to Days 6 to 8: Wrangel Island learn more about the rich history Wrangel Island is one of those and wildlife of the Northeast islands that you have to visit to Passage as our expert lecturers appreciate. It is a Federal Nature share their knowledge while Reserve and World Heritage Site we transit the East Siberian of international significance. Its Sea. This sea is defined by the significance lies in the fact that Novosibirskie Islands in the west it is a major Polar Bear denning and Wrangel Island to the east, area and one of the few areas along its southern shores are of the Arctic to not be glaciated three of ’s major rivers, © K Ovsyanikova during recent glacial episodes. the Indigirka, Alazaya and the

WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COM 4 [email protected] A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE

Kolyma. The average depth is only 54 metres making it ideal habitat for walrus and Bowhead Whales.

Day 10: Ayon Island Guarding the eastern approaches to the Kolyma Gulf, Ayon Island is relatively low lying with fertile tundra. The that call this island home are herders and hunters, during the soviet © A Breniere © A Breniere era over 20,000 reindeer were farmed on the island, today it is a it was built disintegrates. On not uncommon to encounter more manageable 4,000. Despite Pushkareva Island investigate the their fossil remains while we the harsh Arctic climate, we will old lighthouse or enjoy the Arctic explore the islands. We have enjoy the warm hospitality of the flowers that cover the expansive allowed two days for exploring local people as we learn about tundra during the brief summer. this remarkable yet seldom life on this remote island. visited archipelago, conditions Day 12: East Siberian Sea permitting we hope to have the Day 11: Medvezhyi Islands It was in this sea that the opportunity to visit all three island Today we will explore the little Jeanette, captained by George groups, each with their own known and seldom visited Washington De Long, became unique geology and landscapes. Medvezhyi Islands (Bear Islands), stuck fast and was crushed by an archipelago of five granitic ice in 1879. The men made their The highest island in the group islands. As the name suggests, way from the sinking ship in open is the small Ostrov Bennetta the islands have a sizeable boats to the Kolmya River delta (Bennett Island) which is also population of Polar Bears which where many of them perished. one of the most northerly in the den on these shores over winter. Wreckage from the Jeanette archipelago. On the southern A landing on the island of found in in 1884 gave shores of Great Lyakhovskiy Island Chetyrekhstolbovoy offers the Nansen the idea for the now there is an active meteorological opportunity to hike to the unusual famous 1893-96 Expedition station which is permanently rock ‘pillows’ which the island is drifting across the . manned by a small contingent. named after, the largest of these resembling Moai from a distance. Days 13 to 14: Noviye Sebirskiye Days 15 to 16: The abandoned weather station (New Siberian Islands) This sea is bounded by the here is a fascinating example of These islands, which consist of Taymyr Peninsula and the the effects of permafrost melting three major groups – Southern, Severnaya Islands in the west as it slowly slumps into the sea Central (Anzhu) and Northern (De and the Novosibirskie Islands in while the very land upon which Long), mark the border between the east. It is named in honour the Laptev and East Siberian of cousins who were both Arctic Seas. It is from this vicinity that explorers. The Lena and the Yana the famed polar explorer and are two of the larger rivers that researcher froze drain into this sea. the Fram into the sea ice in his attempt to reach the geographic Along the western shore of North Pole by means of the the Laptev Sea we will take natural ice drift of the Arctic the opportunity to explore the Ocean. The New Siberian Islands Taymyr Peninsula. Laptev Sea are renowned for the preservation Walrus are only found in this area of the remains of mammoth, and we will be on the lookout for rhinoceros and other Pleistocene haulouts where we can spend © A Breniere inhabitants of the ; it is time photographing this unique

WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COM 5 [email protected] A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE

and quite isolated population of was “discovered” by Vladimir walrus. We may also have the Wiese who postulated on its chance to spot the lesser known presence after analysing the drift Taymyr form of Herring Gull. of the St Anna.

We depart from the Laptev Sea Days 22 to 24: Franz Josef Land through the Vilkitskiy Strait which This huge archipelago of 192 separates the Severnaya Islands islands located only 10 degrees from the mainland of Russia and from the North Pole offers also marks the northern most numerous locations for us to point of the Eurasian continent. explore. Closed to outsiders for This is a significant milestone on decades Franz Josef Land is Franz Josef Land © M Kelly our journey, traditionally the last today one of the great Arctic area where the ice clears and wildlife refuges, its position close geodes) dot the landscape, the biological divide between to the permanent ice of the Cape Flora on Northbrook Island the Pacific and Atlantic Arctic Ocean yet accessible to where the remains of three Ocean wildlife. the rich waters of the Atlantic historic expeditions are found gifts these waters an unusual in close proximity and Tikhaya Days 17 to 19: Severnaya diversity and abundance of Bay on Hooker Island where Zemlya Archipelago marine life. The islands were the numbers of guillemots and The Islands named in 1870 after Emperor kittiwakes on the remarkable translated into English mean Franz Josef when they were columnar cliffs of Rubini Rock are ‘Northern Land’. They are on the discovered by the Payer- unforgettable. We also plan to border of the Kara and Laptev Weyprecht expedition that was include a visit to Cape Tegetthoff, Seas and are an extension of the searching for the Northeast the first part of Franz Josef Land Taymyr Peninsula. These islands Passage. The islands have a to be discovered. There is a very were not discovered until 1914-15 fascinating and rich record of healthy population of Polar Bears when Russian explorer Vilkitski finally exploration, scientific research living amongst the archipelago charted the island, this was the last and habitation. and we will be keeping a close significant archipelago in the world lookout for these both ashore to be discovered. The three largest During our time here we have and on any ice which remains. islands are heavily glaciated with a busy schedule of landings Sailing within the islands there deep fiords and majestic tidewater planned including Cape Triest on are good chances to spot glaciers that are regularly calving Alger Island where the famous Beluga Whales and Bowhead icebergs, providing a magnificent ‘Devil’s Marbles’ (spherical environment for cruising. This is one of the last strongholds for Ivory Gulls and we look for an opportunity to visit a colony.

Days 20 to 21: Lying between Novaya Zemlaya, Franz Josef Land and the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago with two of Russia’s greatest rivers, the Ob and the Yenisei flowing in along its southern shore the Kara Sea is generally considered to be the coldest sea in Russia. The large relatively flat Ostrov Vize is along our route to Franz Josef Land and we will look to make a landing, conditions permitting. Interestingly this island Franz Josef Land © A Breniere

WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COM 6 [email protected] A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE

Whale and if we are extremely Day 27: Murmansk DATES: WESTBOUND fortunate we may find the Murmansk is home to the Russia’s Voyage #SHO2112 extraordinary Narwhal with its fleet and featured Nome to Murmansk unicorn-like single tusk. as a strategically important port 1 – 28 August 2021 throughout the history of Russia. Days 25 to 26: Barents Sea We will disembark the ship in Voyage #SHO2112 Anadyr to Murmansk The Barents Sea was named Murmansk where complimentary 2 – 28 August 2021 in honour of Dutch seafarer transfers to the airport or central and navigator, Willem Barents, hotels will be available. PRICES who explored this region on expeditions in 1594 and 1596. Important Notes: Heritage Suite $30,400 pp* Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double During our two days at sea we This expedition is subject to bed, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large will complete our lecture series approval from various Russian forward and side facing windows allow great views. and recap the experiences Federal and Regional Authorities of our voyage. As we move and may have to change Mini Suite $28,400 pp* Separate bedroom with a double bed and a lounge southwards the opportunities depending on these approvals. area, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private for spotting the large numbers Permits have been lodged for all bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows. of Humpback Whales and the sites mentioned in the itinerary, Harp Seals that feed in these depending on approvals these Superior Plus $27,400 pp* Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and waters increase. Approaching may have to be amended or drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and the coast of Russia join your substituted. We will endeavour to washbasin. These cabins have windows. expedition staff on deck as our keep participants fully informed Superior $24,400 pp* voyage through the fabled of any changes in the itinerary as One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with waters of the Northern Sea and when they occur. shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have Route draws to a conclusion. windows.

Main Deck $22,400 pp* Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.

* The price listed includes the additional local payment of $500 which is payable in US$ cash onboard the ship. (All prices are per person in US$). ADDITIONAL OPTION Private charter flight Nome to Anadyr $1,300 pp PRICE INCLUDES Pre/Post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all expedition shore excursions. PRICE EXCLUDES All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/ domestic flights, visas and travel insurance. 2112020420CC

Wrangel Island Reserve © A Russ

WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COM 7 [email protected] Wrangel Island Reserve © A Fergus

Heritage Suites: Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.

Mini Suites: Separate bedroom with a double bed and a lounge area, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.

Superior Plus Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Superior Cabins: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main Deck Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.

Main Deck Triple: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.

Freephone: 0800 262 8873 (within NZ) 1800 143 585 (within Australia) 1866 285 7884 (within USA/Canada) House, 53B Montreal Street, P.O. Box 7218, Christchurch 8240, New Zealand. Tel +64 3 365 3500 Fax +64 3 365 1300 [email protected] www.heritage-expeditions.com