arctic icebreaker expedition: epic northeast passage aboard the

ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION:
EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
ABOARD
THE KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
Arctic
DATES, FEES, & ITINERARY
Exclusive and unparalleled. As a
polar pioneer, the mighty Kapitan
Khlebnikov icebreaker has taken
adventurers to some of the most
inaccessible corners of the globe
since 1992, and was the first ship
in the world to circumnavigate
Antarctica with passengers in
1997. On this expedition,
Khlebnikov (pronounced KLEBnik-off) will take you to some of
the most remote and remarkable regions of the world.
On the fabled Northeast Passage, travelers will encounter thick pack ice, unique geological
formations and the fascinating cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Russian Arctic. On-board
helicopters and the Khlebnikov’s sheer icebreaking force combine to take you to some of the most
magnificent regions of the world others dare not sail.
Jul 10-Aug 4, 2016
Triple
Twin
Suite
Corner Suite
$29,995
$39,995
$45,995
$51,995
*Single rates are at 1.7 x twin and 2 x for all suites.
DAY 1: ARRIVE ANCHORAGE, UNITED STATES
Your unforgettable journey will begin in Anchorage, a unique urban environment in the heart of
great wilderness. Spend the day taking in the glorious scenery – populous wildlife, spectacular
mountain vistas, fascinating culture and icy blue glaciers await your discovery. Plan to arrive and
make your way to the hotel in time for our pre-departure briefing at about 6pm.
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Overnight at hotel
DAY 2: CHARTER FLIGHT TO ANADYR, RUSSIA
The charter flight from Anchorage to Anadyr crosses the International Date Line. You will begin
your fl ight on the morning of July 11 and end it early in the afternoon on July 12, losing a day en
route, even though the flight is only 3 hours. Travelers are transferred to the magnificent Kapitan
Khlebnikov after clearing Russian customs, where the excitement of boarding the renowned
Russian icebreaker begins as you travel northward through the Bering Strait.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAYS 3-4: CHUKOTKA PENINSULA
Educational program to commemorate the icebreaker’s voyage through the Arctic will occur when
the ship reaches Russia’s Far East – the Chukotka Peninsula – and guests will be treated to cultural
presentations on the indigenous people of the Russian Arctic. You will visit the tiny village of
Uelen, known for its talented carvers who work in walrus ivory. At Cape Dezhnev, the most
easterly point of the Asian continent, building architecture is distinctively Russian.
You’ll cruise in Zodiacs to Puffin Island where two species of the comical bird cohabit. On the
shores of Ittygran Island, the ribs of whales, planted in the tundra by people long ago, still stand on
lowland known as “whalebone alley.” The final shore landing is a visit to Chaplino, where locals
dressed in traditional attire will demonstrate their skills as reindeer wrestlers and ropers.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAY 5: BERING STRAIT
The Bering Strait connects the Pacific Ocean to the Chukchi Sea – a portion of the Arctic Ocean.
Sailing north, the ship will cross the Arctic Circle entering the land of the midnight sun. Daylight
will be continuous for 37 days!
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAYS 6-7: WRANGEL ISLAND
Crossing the Delon Strait, you may start to see thick pack ice. Your Expedition Leader will ask the
Captain to deploy the helicopter to enjoy an aerial view of the Khlebnikov crushing ice up to a
yard (one meter) thick. Landings are planned on Wrangel Island, which was designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diverse flora and habitat for migratory birds. Don’t be
surprised to see copious musk oxen which thrive there.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
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DAYS 8-10: EAST SIBERIAN SEA
The Kapitan Khlebnikov will make its way through the pack ice of the East Siberian Sea to the New
Siberian Islands. En route, we’ll pass by Medvezh’i Island, known as “bear” island, and enjoy
countless scenic views along the way.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAYS 11-13: NEW SIBERIAN ISLANDS
Ancient camping grounds will be explored on these remote islands. If conditions permit, travelers
will see the northernmost point of the European continent. Be on the lookout for polar bears, often
spotted in the archipelago.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAYS 14-17: SEVERNAYA ZEMLYA
Landings on these least accessible islands of the Arctic will be one of the highlights of this
circumnavigation. The archipelago thwarted many attempts to sail around the Arctic Ocean until
the development of engine-driven surface vessels. Zodiacs and helicopters will be deployed during
our exploration.
There are two indigenous peoples in the Russian Arctic who depend on reindeer to exist – the
Chukchi and the Tundra Nenets. The Chukchi people live on the Chukotka Peninsula. The Tundra
Nenets live in the region from the Taymyr Peninsula to the White Sea, east of Severnaya Zemlya.
We will attempt to visit a camp of these nomadic peoples, who move from place to place
following their herds.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAYS 18-20: NOVAYA ZEMLYA
Meaning “new land”, the Novaya Zemlya is an arctic archipelago consisting of two main islands
and a number of smaller ones located off the coast of northeastern Europe. Of interest here is the
longest-operating scientific station in the Russian Arctic. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for
arctic fox, polar bear and lemming as well as a variety of birds.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAYS 21-22: FRANZ JOSEF LAND
Well above the Arctic Circle, only 10 degrees from the North Pole, lie the most northerly islands in
Eurasia – Franz Josef Land. They are the habitat of polar bear and walrus. We plan to visit Cape
Flora, where the remains of three historic expeditions are found. If conditions permit, Zodiacs will
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cruise the base of towering cliffs where seabirds nest. We expect to use the helicopter for aerial
sightseeing and for transfers to otherwise inaccessible landing sites.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAYS 23-24: AT SEA
We will cruise through these scenic waters, a wonderland of glaciated landscapes and icescapes.
Overnight aboard Kapitan Khlebnikov
DAY 25: DEPART LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD, NORWAY
In the morning you will arrive in Longyearbyen and disembark. Say goodbye to the Expedition
Team before transferring to the airport for your homeward bound flight, or spend time discovering
the unique sights and sounds of Longyearbyen. If you plan to fly out today, be sure to book flights
any time after 12 noon.
Overnight responsible by traveler
Important Reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition
travel. Our actual icebreaker program will vary according to ice and weather conditions, unexpected
opportunities and wildlife sightings. The captain and expedition leader will determine our exact route based
on reconnaissance flights and ice reports. The ice conditions in the Arctic vary dramatically from season to
season – and no specific itinerary can be guaranteed in advance. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what
you’ll experience on this voyage. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar
expedition.
KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
The Kapitan Khlebnikov is a polar-class
icebreaker combing power and technology
with comfort. No passenger ship has transited
the Northwest Passage more often than the
renowned Kapitan Khlebnikov. Originally
designed to take on the rigors of northern
Siberia, the 24,000 horsepower engine and
advanced ice-breaking technology take you
places no other ship can.
The ship offers 51 outside cabins and suites, all featuring private facilities, large windows, desk,
hair dryer, robes and large closets.
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ADVENTURE OPTIONS*
 Helicopter (included, optional private
flightseeing available at an additional
charge)
*All activities not included in trip cost must be booked and paid for in advance as space is limited. Waivers must be
signed.
Deposit: 20% of expedition cost (minimum $1,000 USD)
Final Balance: Due 120 days prior to expedition.
Mandatory Transfer Package: $1,950 (includes: one night hotel accommodation in Anchorage with
breakfast, group transfer hotel to Anchorage airport, flight from Anchorage to Anadyr, transfers to and from
ship, group transfer ship to Longyearbyrn airport)
Included: Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks
on board throughout your voyage; leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader,
including shore landings and other activities; group scheduled helicopter flightseeing and excursions; all
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by our Expedition
Team; downloadable photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition
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boots on loan for shore landings; an official expedition parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available
around the clock; a complimentary selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; hair dryer and
bathrobes in every cabin; comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic
Reader; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling
aboard ship; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per
person.
Not included: Mandatory transfer package (see above); International airfare; passport and any applicable
visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore unless otherwise specified;
baggage, cancellation, interruption, and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; mandatory
waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified;
phone and internet charges; the voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; any
overnight accommodations; helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group.
*Please note baggage allowance on charter flight is 33 lbs checked and 11 lbs carry-on.
For more information, please call an Adventure Specialist at 1-800-543-8917
1-800-543-8917 ⦁ www.nathab.com ⦁ [email protected]