THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE

A SPECIAL 27-DAY CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHEAST PASSAGE

EXPEDITION DOSSIER 29 AUGUST – 24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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

Wrangel Island Reserve © A Russ

Wrangel Island Reserve © S Blanc Wrangel Island Reserve © S Blanc

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 Murmansk BARENTS SEA

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. It this waterway, but recent changes in the summer wasn’t until 1878-1880 that Swedish explorer Adolf sea ice conditions mean that it is now possible for Erik Nordenskiold completed the first ever transit a brief time each summer. In 2017, we fulfilled our proving that the route was navigable, albeit with long held ambition of completing a successful some difficulty. In 1914-15 Boris Vil’kitskiy, with the Northeast Passage double transit. We are excited to icebreakers Taymyr 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 ’s policy for experience the warmth of Arctic hospitality in its Arctic regions so in 1932 the Northern Sea Route local villages. Administration was established.

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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 Walrus and there Franz Josef Land © M Kelly is the opportunity to encounter these iconic tooth walkers in ITINERARY the rich waters of the Atlantic large haulouts. The triumvirate of gifts these waters an unusual Arctic gulls – Ivory, Sabine’s and Day 1: Murmansk diversity and abundance of the elusive Ross’s Gulls all breed Murmansk is home to the Russia’s marine life. The islands were on the shores of the Northeast icebreaker fleet and featured named in 1870 after Emperor Passage and there are good as a strategically important port Franz Josef when they were opportunities to see all three. throughout the history of Russia. discovered by the Payer- While Bowhead, Beluga and Join your ship this afternoon Weyprecht expedition that was Narwhal Whales all call these and prepare for an evening searching for the Northeast waters home and our naturalists departure from port. After we sail Passage. The islands have a will be keeping close watch. there will be introductions to ship fascinating and rich record of and crew plus compulsory safety exploration, scientific research Venture ashore on some of the briefings. and habitation. least known and seldom visited shores on the planet, Severnaya Days 2 to 3: Barents Sea During our time here we have Zemlya Archipelago was the The Barents Sea was named a busy schedule of landings last major group of islands on in honour of Dutch seafarer planned including Cape Triest on earth to be discovered, the New and navigator, Willem Barents, Alger Island where the famous Siberian Islands offer a wealth who explored this region on ‘Devil’s Marbles’ (spherical of opportunities for discovery. expeditions in 1594 and 1596. geodes) dot the landscape, Sailing the mythical waters of During our two days at sea we Cape Flora on Northbrook Island Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, will start our lecture series and where the remains of three Kara & Barents Sea this is truly a as we move northwards there historic expeditions are found geographic odyssey. should be opportunities for in close proximity and Tikhaya spotting Humpback Whales Bay on Hooker Island where Our vessels were built for and Harp Seals that feed in the numbers of guillemots and navigating passages like this, these waters. kittiwakes on the remarkable with Akademik Shokalskiy columnar cliffs of Rubini Rock participating in a Soviet Days 4 to 6: Franz Josef Land are unforgettable. We also convoy in the late 1980s, and This huge archipelago of 192 plan to include a visit to Cape in 2017 transiting the passage islands located only 10 degrees Tegetthoff, the first part of Franz twice unassisted with Heritage from the North Pole offers Josef Land to be discovered. Expeditions. We invite you to numerous locations for us to There is a very healthy population join us on an historic journey to explore. Closed to outsiders for of Polar Bears living amongst discover High Arctic landscapes decades Franz Josef Land is the archipelago and we will be that few people have witnessed, today one of the great Arctic keeping a close lookout for these enjoy wildlife and wilderness wildlife refuges, its position close both ashore and on any ice experiences that until now have to the permanent ice of the which remains. Sailing within the been the preserve of a few High yet accessible to islands there are good chances Arctic explorers and researchers.

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and the Novosibirskie Islands in the east. It is named in honour of cousins who were both Arctic explorers. The Lena and the Yana are two of the larger rivers that drain into this sea.

Along the western shore of the Laptev Sea we will take the opportunity to explore the Taymyr Peninsula. Laptev Sea Walrus are only found in this area

Franz Josef Land © A Breniere and we will be on the lookout for haulouts where we can spend to spot Beluga Whales and glaciated with deep fiords and time photographing this unique Bowhead Whale and if we are majestic tidewater glaciers that and quite isolated population of extremely fortunate we may find are regularly calving icebergs, walrus. We may also have the the extraordinary Narwhal with its providing a magnificent chance to spot the lesser known unicorn-like single tusk. environment for cruising. This is Taymyr form of Herring Gull. one of the last strongholds for Days 7 to 8: Kara Sea Ivory Gulls and we look for an Days 14 to 15: Noviye Lying between Novaya Zemlaya, opportunity to visit a colony. Sebirskiye (New Siberian Franz Josef Land and the Islands) Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago Days 12 to 13: Laptev Sea These islands, which consist of with two of Russia’s greatest We enter the Laptev Sea three major groups – Southern, rivers, the Ob and the Yenisei through the Vilkitskiy Strait which Central (Anzhu) and Northern flowing in along its southern separates the Severnaya Islands (De Long), mark the border shore the Kara Sea is generally from the mainland of Russia and between the Laptev and East considered to be the coldest also marks the northern most Siberian Seas. It is from this sea in Russia. The large relatively point of the Eurasian continent. vicinity that the famed polar flat Ostrov Vize is along our This is a significant milestone on explorer and researcher Fridtjof route from Franz Josef Land our journey; traditionally the last Nansen froze the Fram into the and we will look to make a area where the ice clears and sea ice in his attempt to reach landing, conditions permitting. the biological divide between the geographic North Pole by Interestingly this island was the Pacific and Atlantic means of the natural ice drift “discovered” by Vladimir Wiese Ocean wildlife. of the Arctic Ocean. The New who postulated on its presence Siberian Islands are renowned for after analysing the drift of the This sea is bounded by the the preservation of the remains St Anna. Taymyr Peninsula and the of mammoth, rhinoceros and Severnaya Islands in the west other Pleistocene inhabitants of Days 9 to 11: Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago The Severnaya Zemlya Islands translated into English mean ‘Northern Land’. They are on the border of the Kara and Laptev Seas and are an extension of the Taymyr Peninsula. These islands were not discovered until 1914-15 when Russian explorer Vilkitski finally charted the island, this was the last significant archipelago in the world to be discovered. The three largest islands are heavily © A Breniere

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the far north; it is not uncommon to encounter their fossil remains while we explore the islands. We have allowed two days for exploring this remarkable yet seldom visited archipelago, conditions permitting we hope to have the opportunity to visit all three island groups, each with their own unique geology and landscapes.

The highest island in the group Wrangel Island Reserve © N Russ is the small Ostrov Bennetta () which is also Medvezhyi Islands (Bear Islands), Day 19: one of the most northerly in the an archipelago of five granitic Join your expedition team archipelago. On the southern islands. As the name suggests, to learn more about the rich shores of Great Lyakhovskiy the islands have a sizeable history and wildlife of the Island there is an active population of Polar Bears Northeast Passage as our meteorological station which is which den on these shores over expert lecturers share their permanently manned by a winter. A landing on the island knowledge while we transit small contingent. of Chetyrekhstolbovoy offers the East Siberian Sea. This sea the opportunity to hike to the is defined by the Novosibirskie Day 16: East Siberian Sea unusual rock ‘pillows’ which Islands in the west and Wrangel It was in this sea that the the island is named after, the Island to the east, along its Jeanette, captained by George largest of these resembling southern shores are three Washington De Long, became Moai from a distance. The of Siberia’s major rivers, the stuck fast and was crushed by abandoned weather station , Alazaya and the ice in 1879. The men made their here is a fascinating example of . The average depth way from the sinking ship in open the effects of permafrost melting is only 54 metres making it boats to the Kolmya River delta as it slowly slumps into the sea ideal habitat for walrus and where many of them perished. while the very land upon which Bowhead Whales. Wreckage from the Jeanette it was built disintegrates. On found in Greenland in 1884 gave Pushkareva Island investigate the Days 20 to 22: Wrangel Island Nansen the idea for the now old lighthouse or enjoy the Arctic Wrangel Island is one of those famous 1893-96 Fram Expedition flowers that cover the expansive islands that you have to visit drifting across the Arctic Ocean. tundra during the brief summer. to appreciate. It is a Federal Nature Reserve and World Day 17: Medvezhyi Islands Day 18: Heritage Site of international Today we will explore the little Guarding the eastern significance. Its significance known and seldom visited approaches to the Kolyma Gulf, lies in the fact that it is a major Ayon Island is relatively low lying Polar Bear denning area and with fertile tundra. The Chukchi one of the few areas of the people that call this island home Arctic to not be glaciated are reindeer herders and hunters, during recent glacial episodes. during the soviet era over In fact it is sometimes referred 20,000 reindeer were farmed to as a Polar Bear maternity on the island, today it is a more ward on account of the large manageable 4,000. Despite numbers of cubs born here. In the harsh Arctic climate, we will addition to the Polar Bears for enjoy the warm hospitality of the which it is renowned there are local people as we learn about numerous other Arctic species life on this remote island. which we will be looking for © A Breniere

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including Musk Ox, Arctic Fox, Snow Geese and the Snowy Owls which breed here annually.

Because Wrangel has not been recently glaciated the diversity of tundra flora is exceptional and during walks ashore we should see the last flowers of summer. With three days scheduled to explore, the expedition team in conjunction with the local rangers will customise our program at Beringia National Park © M Kelly Wrangel to deliver the very best opportunities to see and Day 24: Uelen Village and Day 25: Whale Bone Alley and appreciate this truly remarkable Cape Dezhnev Gil’mimyl Hot Springs island and its inhabitants. This morning we visit Uelen; the We visit Whale Bone Alley on most north-eastern village in Yttygran Island, one of the Day 23: Kolyuchin Island Russia. We will get to enjoy the most significant and intriguing Today we plan to land on hospitality of the local people archaeological sites in the Arctic. Kolyuchin Island; a 4.2km long who are predominantly Chukchi. The name comes from the large home to thousands of seabirds The village is the largest centre number of Bowhead Whale jaw just north of the Russian mainland. for traditional Chukchi and bones placed along the beach Although we will be visiting Inuit art in the world. A cultural in the form of a pathway. The after the peak of the breeding performance and visit to their site is believed to date from the season, there should still be famous bone-carving studio 14th century and its origins and large numbers of Tufted and and museum will conclude the purpose and even the identity Horned Puffins, Brunnich’s and afternoon’s activities; works of those that built it are still Common Guillemots and Black- produced from this studio can debated. The waters nearby legged Kittiwakes. There may be found in most of the major remain rich feeding grounds for also be an opportunity to Zodiac Russian museums. whales and weather permitting, cruise around the base of the we will look to take the Zodiacs cliffs where there are excellent During the afternoon we will in search of Gray Whales and photographic opportunities. As arrive at Cape Dezhnev, the walrus. we set sail for Wrangel Island join eastern extremity of the Eurasian your expedition team on deck continent. Named after the This afternoon we plan a landing as there will be good marine Cossack explorer Semyon at the Gil’mimyl Hot Springs. mammal watching opportunities – Dezhnev, the first European to Deep within the hills of eastern Humpback and Bowhead Whales sail through the Bering Strait, it Chukotka, this is a beautiful have been seen in the area is sometimes possible to see the location for exploring the tundra previously. coast of America just 50 nautical with its rich plant life and the miles away. Ashore, visit the chance to see Sandhill Cranes monument erected in honour which usually breed in the area. of Dezhnev as well as explore the remains of the traditional Day 26: Preobrazhnaya Bay Chukchi village of Naukan Crossing the Gulf of Anadyr there from which the inhabitants will be opportunities for wildlife were resettled in the 1950s. The watching. This afternoon we Bering Strait is a vitally important plan to explore the magnificent migratory pathway, we may coastal cliffs of Preobrazhnaya see flocks of King, Common and Bay by Zodiac, these cliffs are Spectacled Eiders passing south. home to an exceptional diversity and abundance of seabirds © K Ovsyanikova

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DATES: EASTBOUND Voyage #SHO2114 Murmansk to Nome 29 August – 23 September 2021

Voyage #SHO2114 Murmansk to Anadyr 29 August – 24 September 2021 PRICES

Heritage Suite $30,400 pp* Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large Wrangel Island Reserve © K Ovsyanikova forward and side facing windows allow great views. including Brunnich’s Guillemot, transferred to the airport or hotel Mini Suite $28,400 pp* Crested and Parakeet Auklets in Anadyr, depending on their Separate bedroom with a double bed and a lounge area, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. plus Tufted and Horned Puffins. flight times. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.

Day 27: Anadyr Important Notes: Superior Plus $27,400 pp* After a final breakfast on board it This expedition is subject to Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and will be time to disembark. There approval from various Russian washbasin. These cabins have windows. will be a complimentary transfer Federal and Regional Authorities Superior $24,400 pp* to the airport or to a central and may have to change One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing downtown hotel. depending on these approvals. desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have Permits have been lodged windows. Those returning to Nome will join for all the sites mentioned in * the itinerary, depending on Main Deck $22,400 pp a charter flight that will depart Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and Anadyr around midday and, approvals these may have to be drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. because of the International amended or substituted. We will These cabins have a porthole. Date Line will arrive back in endeavour to keep participants * The price listed includes the additional local Nome on the evening of the fully informed of any changes in payment of $500 which is payable in US$ cash onboard the ship. (All prices are per person in US$). previous day. However, we the itinerary as and when they strongly advise that you do not occur. ADDITIONAL OPTION book any onward travel from Nome until the following day to Private charter flight allow for possible delays in the Anadyr to Nome $1,300 pp charter flight. Those returning to Moscow can either be 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. 2114020420CC

Wrangel Island Reserve © Heritage Expeditions

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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) Antarctic 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