ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
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 KLEB-nik-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.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (July 10, 2016) — 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.
Day 2 (July 11-12, 2016) — Charter Flight to Anadyr, Russia
The charter flight from Anchorage to Anadyr crosses the International Date
Line. You will begin your flight 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.
Days 3 and 4 (July 13-14, 2016) — 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
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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.
Day 5 (July 15, 2016) — 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!
Days 6 and 7 (July 16-17, 2016) — 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, who thrive there.
Days 8 to 10 (July 18-20, 2016) — East Siberian Sea
The Kapitan Khlebnikov will make its way through the pack ice of the East
Siberian Sea to the New Siberian Islands. Enroute, we’ll pass by Medvezh’i
Island, known as “bear” island, and enjoy countless scenic views along the
way.
Days 11 to 13 (July 21-23, 2016) — 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.
Days 14 to 17 (July 24-27, 2016) — 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.
Days 18 to 20 (July 28-30, 2016) — 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.
Days 21 and 22 (July 31-August 1, 2016) — 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 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.
Days 23 and 24 (August 2-3, 2016) — At Sea
We will cruise through these scenic waters, a wonderland of glaciated
landscapes and icescapes.
Day 25 (August 4, 2016) — 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 anytime
after 12 noon.
Please Note:
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.
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YOUR SHIP: KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
YOUR SHIP:
Kapitan Khlebnikov
VESSEL TYPE:
Icebreaker
LENGTH:
122 m
PASSENGER CAPACITY:
110
BUILT/REFURBISHED:
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.
#### Aboard
Dining room with unreserved seating
Chef-prepared meals (all meals and daily snack included)
Coffee, tea and snacks served around the clock
Lounge and bar staffed by a professional
bartender
Passenger elevator
Heated indoor plunge pool
Sauna
Theater-style auditorium with state of the art equipment, for
daily presentations from the Expedition Team
Polar Library stocked with books and DVDs
Polar Boutique
Clinic with licensed doctor
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com
INSIDE YOUR SHIP
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com
PRICING
Optional extras & upgrades
Charter Flight 1950 USD
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com