Arctic Explorer
Arctic 2006 Icebreaker Expedition
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VOYAGE TO THE NORTH POLE
Everyone's first impression of the Arctic is that it is a cold, lifeless and empty place...an icy desert with the
spare, balanced, quiet landscape common to all deserts. However, with some investigation, it reveals itself
to be, instead, a place that has a wealth of biological detail. The monotony of its vistas is not only relieved
by weather systems that move through, but also by the activities of the animals that have adapted to the
harsh environment. The flora of the area can also surprise and delight the eye with unexpected color on an
otherwise plain canvas. And occasionally, there are remnants of human presence, both ancient and
modern.
How the Arctic is specifically defined is, in large measure, dependent on one's perspective. Different criteria are
required for terrestrial and marine definitions. The Arctic is most commonly delineated by the Arctic Circle,
located at 66°32' N. This, however, is a purely mathematical line and is of little use in an ecological sense. For
example, the Arctic Circle runs right through Greenland, leaving a large portion of that country's polar ice-sheet
to the south of the defined Arctic. An engineering or geomorphological viewpoint might use permafrost as the
defining criteria, but the difference between continuous and discontinuous permafrost is often ignored.
Geophysicists would place the Arctic boundary around the area of the Aurora Borealis and magnetic storms.
The Arctic will be defined as that area having a polar climate, where the mean temperature of the warmest month
does not exceed 10° C/50° F. In a practical sense, this places the southern limit of the Arctic at the place of the
10° C July isotherm rather than at a specific latitude. This viewpoint is especially valid because of its geographic
correlation with the tree line. (However, there are places that the two lines diverge by as much as 160 km due to
desiccating winds, permafrost and poor soil.) Using this definition of the Arctic also allows for easy
identification using aerial photographs and satellite imagery, although it must be noted that in places the tree line
is not clearly defined.
The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean, bordered by the northern parts of the mainlands of North American and
Eurasia, and their outlying islands. Some of these islands are mountainous with interior icecaps, such as
Greenland and the northern half of Novaya Zemlaya. Others are low-lying and not glaciated, such as Wrangel
Island and the western islands of the Canadian Arctic. It is a land of seasonal hibernation. The total number of
species as well as biological productivity is lower than in more southern latitudes. Strong surface winds occur
resulting in a severe windchill, and abundant drifting snow in winter.
Instead of tree growth there is tundra vegetation that includes grasses, sedges, mosses, lichens, and shrubs...all
low-standing plants that exist on permafrost soils that are frozen solid throughout most of the year, (except for a
short but intense growing time during the summer.) Without benefit of a forest for protection animals must learn
how to survive in the harshest of circumstances. The Arctic Ocean is a big ocean, in areas approximately twice
the size of the Mediterranean. It is also very deep, plunging 4,000 meters in the center, although there is a wide
continental shelf along the Siberian coast. It is mostly covered by pack-ice (frozen sea-water) averaging three
meters thick, but thicker where pressure ridges have developed. The ice drifts around the polar basin under the
influence of winds and currents, breaking up during blizzards and then refreezing. Its only sizable escape
southward is between Svalbard and Greenland the surface current in the Bering Strait is northward. In the
summer the ice is less thick and the edge of the pack retreats northward 100 miles or more.
The maritime climate caused by this ocean explains why the coldest place in the Arctic is not at the North Pole
but in Siberia. In terms of marine life, because the waters of the Arctic are permanently covered with a layer of
drifting pack ice, sunlight never deeply penetrates the surface waters to nourish and encourage biological growth.
In addition, the water is vertically stable, offering no upwelling of inorganic salts (like phosphates, nitrates, and
silicates,) without which a rich life in the upper sunlit layers cannot exist. The result is that the true marine Arctic
remains cold and relatively lifeless. It is only near the land or in the Subarctic where the pack-ice is seasonal and
the waters are warmer and richer in nutrients, that there is a proliferation of plant and animal life that
encompasses the total spectrum of the food chain from microscopic phytoplankton to walruses and whales.
Our voyages
Endless expanses of ice-covered sea. Landscapes of jagged mountains, immense glaciers and windswept tundra.
Polar bears and seals feeding among the floes. Arctic seabirds diving from craggy cliffs. The groan of breaking
ice under the bow of a giant ship. The dark ribbon of our progress viewed from the air as you speed in a
helicopter across the frozen sea. This is the Arctic world that we invite you to explore. We want to show you
what we've seen, tell you what we've learned and share our passion for this remote, spectacular region that's
unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Arctic 2006 - Our Expedition Goals
Our goal in the Arctic is straightforward: to gather the best specialists, choose the best routes, recognize the best
opportunities for exploration and, drawing on years of experience, create the best possible polar adventures.
You'll witness firsthand the haunting beauty of the northern wilderness; encounter narwhals, musk ox, puffins,
Gyrfalcons - every type of Arctic wildlife; gain new perspectives from outstanding naturalists, historians and
scientists; discover the unexpected pastel tones of the tundra, with its profusion of wildflowers; sail on one of the
world's most powerful vessels as it plows through meters-thick ice; view the polar vastness from the deck or
from the air; travel in comfort and safety on a ship renowned for its accommodations and superb cuisine; and
follow generations of explorers on one of the last great travel experiences.
VOYAGE TO THE NORTH POLE - 90° North The Top of the World
July 01-16, 2006 or July 14-29, 2006, Start/Finish: Murmansk
July 1- 2: Helsinki, Finland, to Murmansk, Russia
Explore the charming Finnish capital, then rendezvous for an overnight stay at the Radisson SAS Royal. Next
morning we fly to Murmansk, the home base for Russia's nuclear icebreaker fleet - including the Yamal.
July 3: Barents Sea
On your first full day at sea, relax and explore the sophisticated vessel that will be home for the next two weeks.
Our specialists begin presentations on Arctic wildlife, geology, history and other areas of interest. We provide
briefings on your upcoming helicopter flights, as well as environmental guidelines for visiting this remote part of
the planet. And of course you have many opportunities to view seabirds and whales as we sail north.
July 4-7: Into the Ice Pack
Surrounded by endless polar vistas, the Yamal begins breaking through the multi-year pack ice, surging
northward at speeds of up to 12 knots in conditions that few vessels have the power to negotiate. You're
welcome to watch the ship's awe-inspiring progress around the clock, as helicopters come and go on
reconnaissance flights and our experienced Captain and his officers review the latest ice charts transmitted via
satellite. You also have a chance to take your own helicopter flight, enjoying incredible aerial views of the
Yamal as it crashes its way toward the Pole, leaving massive blocks of ice in its wake. At one point we plan to
stop, lower the gangway and invite everyone down onto the ice for an invigorating walkabout. And as usual we'll
keep watch for a diverse array of Arctic wildlife.
July 8: The North Pole
This is the day we hope to reach our ultimate destination. The ship buzzes with anticipation until the moment
we've all been waiting for - when you actually stand at the top of the world. You have plenty of time to wander
out onto the ice and survey the expanse of white and blue stretching hundreds of kilometers in all directions.
There are inevitable reflective moments as you take in the reality of where you are and recall the past
adventurers who struggled in vain or lost their lives trying to reach the point where you now walk so easily. As
on all expeditions, we make time for a celebration on the ice - and even, for those who dare, a brief plunge into
the Arctic Ocean!
July 9-11: Southward Bound
Your goal achieved, there's nowhere to head but south. Our exact route will vary with local ice and weather
conditions. As ever, the helicopter pilots are always at the ready for reconnaissance flights and excursions over
the spectacular, constantly changing ice and sea. As you watch the fascinating progress of the Yamal from one of
the decks, keep an eye out for more wildlife; your chances of spotting polar bears in particular are excellent as
we near Franz Josef Land. Meanwhile, the naturalists and other specialists on the Expedition Team continue to
illuminate various aspects of the vast polar wilderness.
July 12-13: Franz Josef Land
A remote world of jagged mountains and massive icebergs, Franz Josef Land was not discovered until 1873 and
remains relatively unexplored. The most northerly point in Russia, this archipelago of 191 islands is a naturalist's
paradise. Polar bears and Arctic fox often come very close to our ship; seals are plentiful, and you can spot
beluga whales and narwhals offshore; and the high, rocky cliffs are home to huge colonies of seabirds. We
explore the dramatic coast via Zodiac (as local conditions permit) and enjoy spectacular aerial views flying over
glaciers and volcanic plateaus in the helicopters. We also plan to go ashore at early exploration sites such as
Cape Norway, where Norwegian explorers Nansen and Johansen survived the winter of 1896-97 after a bold
attempt to reach the North Pole. (Please note that all of our landings in Franz Josef Land are subject to
government permission, variable timing restrictions and weather conditions.)
July 14-16: Barents Sea to Murmansk & Helsinki
On the final leg of our journey south across the Barents Sea, there are seabirds and whales to look out for, and of
course the Expedition Team's presentations provide helpful context for your unique adventure. Then it's time to
say farewell to the Yamal and its crew as you disembark in Murmansk, fly back to Helsinki for a final night at
the Radisson SAS Royal and, after breakfast on July 16, continue home independently.
Expedition Rates:
Twin Cabin EUR 16.030,00 Decks 1/2/Bow (Price without Heliflights: EUR 13.890,00)
Twin Cabin - single occupancy EUR 27.260,00 Decks 1/2/Bow (without Heliflights: EUR 23.390,00)
Mini Suite EUR 18.570,00 Decks 2/3 (without Heliflights: EUR 16.290)
Suite EUR 21.095,00 Decks 1/2/3 (without Heliflights: EUR 18.290)
NUCLEAR ICEBREAKER YAMAL
Designed as a working vessel to keep shipping lanes open along Russia's Northern Sea Route, the Yamal is
among the world's most powerful and sophisticated icebreakers and one of the few surface ships ever to have
reached the North Pole. The ship is a model of technology - a nuclear-powered vessel with 75,000 total
horsepower and an armored steel hull designed to withstand the toughest polar conditions. At the same time, the
Yamal offers the utmost in passenger comfort, with all the amenities you'd expect from the ultimate expedition
ship. One of five icebreakers in its class operated by the Murmansk Shipping Company, the Yamal has been
carrying adventurous travelers to the North Pole since 1993.
CABINS & AMENITIES
• 50 first-class outside cabins and suites, private facilities, large windows, desk, television and large closets
• Twin cabins have one fixed berth and one convertible sofa bed
• All suites have a sitting room separate from the bedroom
• Dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast; tableservice lunch and dinner with main course
choices from a changing daily menu; cakes served in mid-afternoon; coffee, tea available all day
• Lounge and bar staffed by a European bartender, open late morning, afternoon and evening with a wide
selection of wines and spirits
• Heated indoor swimming pool, exercise room and sauna
• Theater-style auditorium for Expedition Team presentations
• Onboard shop and library of books and videos
• Ship-to-shore communications via Immarsat or Iridium telephone and e-mail
• Clinic with licensed doctor
SPECIFICATIONS
Staff & Crew: 140, Passengers: 100, Length: 141.84 m, Breadth: 30 m, Draft: 11.08 m, Propulsion: 2 nuclearpowered steam turbines; - 75,000 total horsepower, Ice Class: LL1 (the highest rating possible), Cruising Speed:
20 knots (open water), Range: 4 years (approx.), The ship is registered by Murmansk Shipping company.
What's Included
We know that ensuring a successful polar journey requires fanatical attention to detail. We also understand that
when you choose to explore these remote corners of the planet, you want to travel with experts who have thought
of everything. Our passionate devotion to comprehensive planning and support is reflected in every facet of the
expeditions we create. The rate you pay covers your voyage aboard the Yamal, from embarkation to
disembarkation as indicated in the itinerary. But it also includes a great deal more: Air transportation from the
staging point to the port of embarkation, as well as your return flight from the port of disembarkation. Hotel
accommodations: 1 night pre-expedition and 1 night post-expedition lodging with breakfast at the hotel
named in the itinerary. The number of guests per hotel room is the same as the cabin occupancy you have
booked on board the ship. Travelers who reserve a suite on board the ship are accommodated in standard rooms
at the hotel. (Please note: Because this brochure is published well in advance of our departure dates, occasionally
the hotels listed in the itinerary are not available. In such cases, we arrange for stays at hotels of comparable
quality in similar locations.)
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board the ship throughout your voyage, including a complimentary
glass of house wine with every dinner. (If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us as far in
advance of your expedition departure as possible. Regrettably, the ships' kitchens are not set up for kosher meal
preparation.) All shore landings and excursions by Zodiac according to the daily onboard program. All
helicopter transfers and aerial sightseeing according to each day's onboard program.
Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and
other activities arranged by the Expedition Team. Formal and informal educational presentations by our
Expedition Team and guest lecturers as scheduled during the voyage. An onboard multimedia artist who, in
the tradition of early expeditions, will chronicle the voyage and produce for each traveler a remarkable memento
of the experience - a digital work on CD combining narrative, photography and video in the artist's individual
style.
A specially designed expedition parka that is yours to keep. (To simplify packing, we also lend you a pair of
rubber boots for use on landings throughout your voyage aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov.) Comprehensive
pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic book. Round-trip transfers between the
host hotel and the airport for your flights out of and back to the staging point, and between the ship and the local
airport at the port(s) of embarkation and disembarkation - plus all baggage handling aboard ship. All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
Not Included in Expedition Rates
Airfares to or from the gateway city, whether on scheduled or charter flights; passport and visa expenses;
government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel;
baggage, cancellation and travel insurance (please note that emergency medical insurance is mandatory - see
Terms & Conditions); excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other charges of a personal nature;
telecommunications charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service
personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for
the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced on board.
Notes:
Shipboard Policies
The Ships are smoke-free with the exception of some outside decks and designated areas. The helicopter deck
and Zodiac decks are smoke-free. There is no smoking in the cabins. You are welcome to visit the Bridge as
often as maritime regulations and the safety of the ship permit.
Request-Share Program If you are a solo traveler, you can realize significant savings by taking advantage of
our Request-Share Program, which matches like-minded travelers of the same gender so that they can share the
same twin cabin. While we'll do our best to fulfill your request, if we cannot find a match, you will pay only the
twin rate. Triple request share is also available on the Kapitan Khlebnikov.
Terms and Conditions:
Reservations and Payment: A deposit of the equivalent of US$1000 per person is required to confirm a
reservation with final payment due 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellations and Refunds: All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received
90 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. Please note that
within the 90 day limit all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 90 day period and
full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately.
For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation
insurance.
Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which
you choose not to participate, including any helicopter flying time (if applicable and which, at the discretion of
the captain and expedition leader, may or may not be utilized). It is understood that refunds cannot be made to
passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever.
Itinerary:
The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the ship's master. This is an expedition to a
remote part of the world and we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions, availability
of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control without consulting the participants.
It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all passengers aboard and with regard to
the safety of the vessel. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these
inevitable itinerary changes.
Rates: Voyage rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and subject to
change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor
sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices
accordingly.
Responsibility:
Please read this important information carefully.
The payment of a deposit of any part or full payment for a reservation on this tour shall constitute consent to all
the provisions contained herein. We act as general sales agents for the vessel and as such exercise every possible
care. However, their subsidiaries and/or associated Agents, shall not be held responsible for property loss or
damage and/or any damages resulting from illness, personal injuries or death which may be sustained by reason
of, or while engaged on, any tour whether due to the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any
aircraft, helicopter, automobile, bicycle, boat, vehicle, hotel, common carrier or any other conveyance used in
carrying out these tours. We can assume no liability due to any cause whatsoever whether caused by failure or
delay or other irregularity, acts or omissions occurring during a tour under which the means of transportation or
other service provided thereby is offered or supplied by owners, operators or public carriers for whom we act
only as agent. We reserve the right (at our discretion) to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change any
reservation, feature and/or means of conveyance without notice and for any reason whatsoever and without
allowance or refund and with extra costs, if any, resulting therefrom paid by the passengers. We reserve the right
to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case payment will be refunded without further obligation on our
part. We shall not be responsible for any injury to person (whether or not resulting in death) or damage to
property arising out of any act of war, insurrection, revolt or other civil uprising or military action occurring in
the countries of origin, destination or passage.
We strongly urge individual passengers obtain appropriate insurance coverage. Baggage is at the owner's
risk entirely. In case of a medical problem arising during the voyage, either on board or on shore, which results
in costs for evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely
to the passenger.
We strongly advise that passengers ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance.
If not covered by travel insurance the responsibility still remains with the passenger and we specifically decline
any responsibility whatsoever. The transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any
act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their carriers or conveyances.
The passenger contract in use by the carriers concerned (when issued) shall constitute the sole contract between
the transportation companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage.
By accepting the ticket the passenger also agrees to its terms and conditions. By forwarding of deposit, the
passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would
create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. We reserve the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a
member of the tour at any time.
Experience: We have been at the forefront of the adventure cruise industry for thirteen years and has grown to
become the world’s leading polar cruise expert. We have unbeatable experience in operating safe and
comfortable expedition cruises to the polar regions.
A world of polar firsts: We pioneered the use of polar icebreakers for wonderfully adventurous journeys in first
class comfort. We have successfully operated many first-ever passenger voyages, including: the first transpolar
voyage across the North Pole, the first Circumnavigation of Antarctica as well as the first Arctic
Circumnavigation, the first voyage to the ‘Far Side’ of Antarctica, the first Weddell Sea voyage, and the first
Northeast Passage. After more than a decade these voyages are still only available to intrepid passengers through
the Expeditions.
Staff: Every voyage is accompanied by a dedicated, experienced and highly-qualified team of expedition
leaders, naturalists, historians, geologists and other experts. Our office staff have first-hand experience of our
expeditions and are an excellent resource for planning your voyage.
Safety: Your safety is always paramount. Although by its very nature expedition cruising is adventurous, our
ships offer comfortable accommodation and are built and maintained to the very highest standards. Our crews
and expedition teams are also highly professional and experienced when it comes to safety.
Responsible Tourism: All Expeditions voyages are planned to minimize potential disturbance to wildlife or
fragile habitats. Our company policy is to follow a common sense code of conduct ashore and to ensure that the
ship and our Zodiacs are all operated in an environmentally responsible manner. We also pick expedition teams
with a genuine concern for the places we visit.
Community visits: Our policy is to conduct community visits with great care and attention to detail – with the
blessing of the local people. We aim to minimize the impact of our visits and to maximize the economic and
cultural benefits. Our expedition teams ensure that everyone arrives on shore well briefed and determined to
respect the privacy of our temporary hosts.
Historical perspective: Thanks to the Arctic climate, elements of the past have been partially preserved. It is a
great privilege to be able to view these historical sights, but this must be done with the greatest care and respect.
We feel very strongly about this and ensures that all passengers are fully briefed before such visits take place.
A Note on Our Itineraries
We take you to remote polar regions where very few travelers venture. We constantly adjust our routes in
progress to take best advantage of weather and ice conditions - which can vary unpredictably from day to day. In
some cases our exact landings depend on official permission that can only be obtained locally. And we are
always ready to alter plans according to wildlife sightings and other one-of-a-kind opportunities. All this to say
that our itineraries are painstakingly planned but not definitive summaries of the journey you'll actually
experience. We cannot guarantee that all landings will take place or that they will include all the events we've
outlined in advance. Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy - and excitement - of expedition-style travel,
and a measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring on the voyage.