Arctic 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.
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF:
• Travel on the extraordinary, one-of-a-kind Kapitan
Khlebnikov icebreaker
• Take in magnificent aerial sightseeing on one of two
helicopters
• Witness the sights and sounds of the crushing of pack ice
as you power through ice-choked waters
DID YOU KNOW? Because of the large amount of impenetrable sea ice for all but periods in the summer, it took
many attempts before the Northeast Passage was first fully traversed. This took place in 1878–79 on an expedition
led by the Swedish explorer Baron Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld.
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 1
Included Activities
HIKING
Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept
landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during
the brief arctic summer, with bursts of color from shrubs
and plants that eke out a living in this polar environment.
You’ll find each hike is different - exploring communities,
shorelines or glaciated landscapes, often on the lookout for
wildlife. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition
Team will advise you of what levels of activity you can
expect prior to each excursion.
HELICOPTER
The Kapitan Khlebnikov is one the few vessels offering
aerial sightseeing flights and landings by expertly-piloted
helicopters – an essential feature of icebreaker operations
offering a unique perspective of the Arctic.
You’ll witness astounding aerial views of pristine polar
landscapes and the mighty Kapitan Khlebnikov as it crushes
through pack ice. All helicopter flights are weather
dependent and are included in the cost of your voyage.
If time and conditions permit, consider booking additional
private flightseeing for exclusive views (extra charge applies).
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 2
Itinerary
Chukchi
Sea
Arctic
Ocean
Wrangel
Island
North
Pole
Norway
Severnaya
Zemlya
1
FROM
ANCHORAGE,
ALASKA
ANADYR
LONGYEARBYEN
Franz
Josef
Land
Bering
Strait
New
Siberian
Islands
East
Siberian
Sea
Barents
Sea
Russia
Novaya
Zemlya
Actual itinerary may vary based on weather conditions.
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 6 pm.
DAY 2 | JULY 11-12, 2016
Fly 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 3-4 | 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 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 Novoye 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!
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 3
DAYS 6-7 | 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 8-10 | 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 11-13 | 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 14-17 | 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 Tamyr
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 18-20 | 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 longestoperating 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 21-22 | JULY 31 - AUG. 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 23-24 | 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 any time
after 12 noon.
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.
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 4
Inclusions
THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES
• Shipboard accommodation with daily
housekeeping
• All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on board
• All beverages on board, including a selection of
house wines, beer and spirits
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Group scheduled helicopter flightseeing and
excursions
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our
experienced Expedition Leader
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily
program
• Formal and informal presentations by our
Expedition Team
• Downloadable photographic journal
documenting the expedition
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore
landings
• An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Hair dryer and bathrobe 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 to a maximum
benefit of US$100,000 per person
• Russian invitation letter for visa application
provided after final payment
THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES
• Mandatory transfer package*
• International airfare
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not
mentioned above
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption, and mandatory
medical travel insurance
• Excess baggage charges
• Waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other
gear not mentioned
• Laundry and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone and internet charges
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for
shipboard staff and crew
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for
the group
*MANDATORY TRANSFER
PACKAGE 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 Longyearbyen
airport
Package cost: $1,950
Note: Baggage allowance on charter flight is 33 lbs (15 kg) checked
and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on.
IMPORTANT
Russian visas are required for tourists of most countries. This voyage requires single-entry Russian visas. See
your country’s Russian consulate or embassy for details.
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 5
Dates & Rates
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Epic Northeast Passage
Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
Dates
Jul 10 - Aug 4,
2016
Days Start/End
25
Anchorage/
Longyearbyen
Triple
Twin
Suite
Corner Suite
$29,995
$39,995
$45,995
$51,995
• •
Mandatory Transfer Package $1,950
All rates per person in USD.
WANT MORE
ICEBREAKING?
Check out 3 more voyages on
the next page. Ask your Polar
Travel Adviser about savings
on 2 or more voyages!
HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS
To book your cabin or inquire about the availability of Adventure Options,
contact a Polar Travel Adviser 1.888.892.0073 (+1.203.803.2666).
1.888.892.0073
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 6
Additional Dates & Rates
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Extreme Greenland
Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
Dates
Aug 4 - Aug 24,
2016
Days Start/End
21
Triple
Longyearbyen/ $23,495
Ottawa
Twin
Suite
Corner Suite
$32,995
$37,595
$41,995
• •
Mandatory Transfer Package $1,650
All rates per person in USD.
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Best of the Canadian High Arctic
Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
Dates
Aug 22 - Sep 8,
2016
Days Start/End
18
Ottawa
Triple
Twin
Suite
Corner Suite
$19,795
$26,395
$29,995
$33,995
• •
Mandatory Transfer Package $2,150
All rates per person in USD.
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION Ultimate Northwest Passage
Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV
Dates
Sep 6 - Sep 23,
2016
Days Start/End
18
Ottawa/
Anchorage
Triple
Twin
Suite
Corner Suite
$20,695
$27,795
$31,595
$35,495
• •
Mandatory Transfer Package $2,650
All rates per person in USD.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS
To book your cabin or inquire about the availability of Adventure Options,
contact a Polar Travel Adviser 1.888.892.0073 (+1.203.803.2666).
1.888.892.0073
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 7
Russia
POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Please note that this list is a sampling of some of the possible sites visited during our expeditions to the Arctic.
Your expedition may or may not include sites listed here. No expedition will include all the sites listed.
ANADYR
VILKITSKY ISLAND
The town of Anadyr (pop. 11,038) is the administrative center
of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Situated on the mouth
of the Anadyr River, it was founded in 1889.
This island was charted less than a hundred years ago during
a Russian Arctic Hydrographic Expedition of 1910-1915
conducted in the icebreaker Taimyr. The island is 0.62 miles
(less than a kilometer) across; the elevation is 236 feet (72m).
CAPE DEZHNEV
BENNET ISLAND
The easternmost point of the Eurasian mainland was
discovered by Semen Ivanov Dezhnev, who traveled around
the cape in 1648. He preceded Bering, the man for whom the
Strait is named, by some 80 years.
This island is an outpost in the northern East Siberian Sea.
George Washington de Long led his men ashore after his
ship Jeannette was lost.
UELEN
KOTELNY ISLAND
Some of the 1,000 people who inhabit the village are
indigenous, who make their living hunting marine mammals.
Uelen is built upon a flat gravel spit. The museum collection
of walrus ivory carvings is especially fine.
Mammoth tusks were discovered buried in the muddy cliffs
of the island. An old hunter’s camp with numerous cunning
fox traps built from driftwood may be visible.
BELKOVSKIY ISLAND
KOLYUCHIN ISLAND
The flat topped island with steep cliffs is an excellent habitat
for nesting seabirds, tufted and horned puffins, kittiwakes
and murres.
WRANGEL ISLAND
This tundra-covered island is one of the westernmost New
Siberian Islands. Capstans are evident on cliff tops. They
were used by hunters hauling walrus hides up from the
beach below. If walrus are sighted in this area, they would
be the rarely seen Laptev walrus, a subspecies of the Pacific
walrus. Some scientists suggest they may be a separate
species.
The island never experienced glaciation during the
Quaternary Ice Age, as a result it is biologically diverse in
comparison to other islands in the area. The world’s largest
population of Pacific walrus inhabit the waters around the
island. Gray whales feed there during migration to Mexico.
A hundred migratory bird species nest on the island. The
self-contained ecosystem of the island earned it a UNESCO
World Heritage designation.
Charted in 1933, this archipelago was the last to be formally
discovered on the planet. In December 2006, the local
parliament voted to rename the islands to honor Tsar
Nicholas II (arkhipelag Zemlya Imperatora Nikolai II) and a
number of Saints.
KOMSOMOLETS ISLAND
CHUKOTKA PENINSULA
Sixty-five percent of the island is covered in glaciers and was
not explored until a Russian expedition in the 1930s.
The northeastern shore of the Asian continent is Russia’s Far
East. Cape Dezhnev is the most eastern point.
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
SEVERNAYA ZEMLYA
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 8
Franz Josef Land and Longyearbyen
POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Please note that this list is a sampling of some of the possible sites visited during our expeditions to the Arctic.
Your expedition may or may not include sites listed here. No expedition will include all the sites listed.
CAPE TEGETTHOFF
LONGYEARBYEN
Spectacular scenery and the possibility of sighting polar
bears and Atlantic walrus are the reasons to land on this
island.
Eighteen hundred people inhabit the administrative capital
of Svalbard, which is situated on the shore of Isfjorden. The
settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear,
the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston.
AUSTRIA SUND
The icebreaker may cruise the water of the sound while
the Expedition Team deploys the helicopters for aerial
sightseeing.
CAPE NORWAY
The tundra is rich on Cape Norway. It was here that Nansen
and Johansen wintered from 1895 to 1896.
BUKTA TIKAYA
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.
The sea cliff of near vertical basalt rock is home to a vast
seabird colony. The most abundant birds are kittiwakes and
dovekies.
CAPE FLORA
Three expeditions, Benjamin Leigh-Smith, JacksonHarmsworth, the Ziegler-Fiala, camped at Cape Flora. The
remains can be explored.
Last revised: April 1, 2015
ARCTIC ICEBREAKER EXPEDITION: EPIC NORTHEAST PASSAGE
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