Russia's day begins

The Russian Far East coastline dominates the North Pacific but so few people have experienced it. This cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the many fiords, bays and islands along this coastline. During our landings, local guides will accompany you on visits to villages and towns, where you will meet the reindeer herders, the fishermen and the local people who have an amazing story to tell. We will spend time in some of the most outstanding nature reserves experiencing a huge range of natural habitats from the rugged Kuril Islands in the south to the volcanic wonderland of Kamchatka, then to the taiga and tundra of the north.

Day 1 - August 10
Transfer from your hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to the Port of Korsakov to join our vessel. We depart late morning bound for Kunashir Island. This afternoon there will be introductions to the staff and important background information on this expedition.
Day 2 - August 11
We arrive at Kunashir Island about midday and the Kurilsky Zapovednik (Reserve). The Zapovednik has unusually beautiful landscapes including the commanding presence of Tatya Volcano, there are unique floral and faunal communities and it has been nominated as a World Heritage Site. We spend the afternoon in the reserve exploring the rich biodiversity.
Day 3 - August 12
At sea this morning we continue northwards through waters rich in marine life including Sperm Whales. Later we explore Chirpoy Island, dramatic headlands rise out of the ocean covered in kittiwakes, guillemots and puffins all clamouring to complete their breeding season. Sheltered coves give opportunities to explore and botanise on the lower slops of the still active volcano.
Day 4 - August 13
At the northern end of Simushir Island there is a huge caldera that was once a large Soviet Union submarine base. The now abandoned village of Krateruyi lies on the slopes of Karlomyy Volcano. We explore the village and the surrounding region through the regenerating forest and the fellfield vegetation. This afternoon we sail north to the Island of Yankicho in the Ushishir group where the landing and birdlife is nothing short of spectacular. This island must be considered alongside the great seabird islands of the world. Outside the caldera towering cliffs are obscured by birds clinging to the narrow ledges. Inside the caldera is home to uncountable masses of Crested, Whiskered and Parakeet Auklets. Arctic foxes patrol the area and sulfurous geothermal activity completes an other worldly experience. The sound is like a symphony, as if each bird contributes a different note - fulmar, puffin, auklet and murre....
Day 5 - August 14
We explore Atlasova Island this afternoon. It is the northern most island in the Kuril Islands, it also has the highest volcano. Mt Alaid (2339 metres) is active and erupted as recently as 1971. At the foot of the mountain lies the remains of a 'forced labour' camp.
Day 6 - August 15
This afternoon we sail into Russkaya Fiord just one of a number of spectacular fiords on the Kamchatka Peninsula. We plan an expedition landing here. It will be an opportunity to explore the coast either on foot or by zodiac.
7 - August 16
The Kronotsky State Biosphere Preserve is one of the oldest reserves in Russia. It was established in 1882 and showcase's all that is Kamchatka. It is also home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. Our time ashore will have opportunities to enjoy the wildlife which could include brown bears and Steller's Sea Eagles.
Day 8 - August 17
Today we are at sea as we cruise north east from Kamchatka to the Commander Islands. This is an opportunity to catch up on notes, attend lectures in preparation for our visit to these islands and enjoy some seabird watching from the bridge or simply relax in the library. As we cross the Kuril - Commander Trench the marine mammals are also worth watching for.
Day 9 - August 18
The Commander Islands are named after the famed Danish Captain and explorer Commander Vitus Bering whose expeditions in this part of the world are legendary. He was shipwrecked and eventually died of scurvy on the Commander Islands in 1741. Not only are these islands rich in history they are home to a huge number of bird species including horned and tufted puffins, crested and parakeet auklets, thickbilled murres, red-legged kittiwakes, and redfaced cormorants. We may also see harbour seals, Steller's sealions and northern fur seals.
Day 10 - August 19
Today we cruise north westward towards the Goven Peninsula and the Koryaksky Preserve. This outstanding and internationally important Preserve is managed by the World Wide Fund for Nature and will be one of the highlights of our journey.
Day 11 and 12 - August 20 and 21
Koryaksky Preserve protects a wide array of habitats from raised beach plains to steep glaciated mountains while the surrounding waters house a rich diversity of marine life including species such as Steller's Eider and Kittlitz's Murrelet. Ashore wetland areas provide an internationally important refuge for migrating birds. Our two days in the region give ample opportunity to explore a range of habitats as well as look for elusive Snow Sheep or encounter the Brown Bears which inhabit this wilderness.
Day 13 - August 22
We continue north towards Bukta Natalii. The coastline is incised by deep bays and fiords. Ashore the taiga and tundra communities mingle amidst a backdrop of glaciated snow-capped peaks. Nearby Ostrov Bogoslova is a haven for a multitude of seabirds and many Pacific Walrus also frequent the area.
Day 14 - August 23
At sea today as we follow the coastline north past Cape Gavriila, named after Bering's ship St Gabriel. Grey whales frequent this area and because of the strong tides, there is often an abundance of food in the water and there are numerous seabirds feeding here.
Day 15 - August 24
Arakamchechen archipelago will be another highlight of the expedition. As recently as 1976 Russian anthropologists discovered an astonishing ancient memorial site nicknamed 'whale bone alley' on Yttygran Island. This ceremonial site has immense jawbones and ribs of bowhead whales placed together in a stunning arch formation. Today the surrounding waters are rich in marine life with Walrus and Grey Whales.
Day 16 - August 25
We sail into the upper reaches of Anadyrskiy Bay with our passage marked by the capes and headlands we pass on the starboard side.
Day 17 - August 26
From Egvekinot, a small port in Kresta Bay, there is a road running inland across the tundra of the inland plains where the reindeer herders graze their herds in the summer months. We plan a day trip by Russian Ural buses into this region so you can explore and appreciate the vastness and beauty of the region, see the many tundra plants and hopefully meet up with a group of nomadic reindeer herders.
Day 18 - August 27
We arrive at the town of Anadyr, one of the earliest settlements of the region. Formerly a trading post this town is now the administrative centre of the Chukokta Autonomous region. We disembark the vessel here, in time for you to explore the town and the very good museum. There is a modern airport with good connections to Moscow and other cities.

Grade A:
General good health necessary.
No specific fitness requirements.

The expedition is ship-based, and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join the voyage, you must be able to get up and down steps between the different ship levels and up and down the gangway to board the zodiacs for the excursions ashore.

Rodney Russ - Expedition Leader
Rodney trained with and worked for the New Zealand Wildlife Service (now Department of Conservation) as a "Protected Species Officer" - responsible for the management and conservation of rare and endangered bird species. His work took him the length and breath of New Zealand and to the Sub Antarctic Islands. He left the department to further his studies at the University of Otago - where he completed a double degree in New Zealand and Pacific History and theology.

He became more passionate about the need to share the natural world with people, emphasising the need for advocacy in a successful conservation strategy.

The company has put a lot of energy and effort back into conservation work in New Zealand. In the last five years the company has invested over US$100,000 dollars in support and cash for the Fiordland Crested Penguin - a project which was instigated by Rodney. Wandering Albatross research work in the Sub Antarctic has received considerable support.

In addition to New Zealand Expeditions Rodney has led expeditions to the Pacific and Asia and more recently to South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula. His goal in everything that he does is to provide opportunities which enhances the travellers experience and understanding of the natural world.

Our Expeditions are also led by some of the most experienced Southern Ocean naturalists, who have devoted a lifetime to research in this region.

On board the ship: The ship is heated throughout with the normal temperature 17-25C. In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales" comes over the load speaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm on board the ship - and cold out on deck. There may be an occasion, ie: Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or a spontaneously Posh Night where you may require clothing that is a little more formal.

Tips to stay comfortable & warm in cold weather:

Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration.

Wear water repellent outer garments that will keep you dry on the outside and still breathe enough so that moisture from you body can escape.

Body heat is most likely to be lost from parts that have a lot of surface area in comparison to total mass - namely, the hands and feet. Keep them warm and dry. For hands, mittens are better than gloves.

If the rest of your body is covered, as much as 90% of heat can come from your head, so be sure to wear a hat, beanie or balaclava. These items can be pulled down to protect your ears, forehead, neck and chin. The neck also needs protection with a woollen or synthetic scarf that can be wrapped around the face, when travelling against the wind.

Dress comfortable, loose layers. For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy item. Between each layer there is a film of trapped air which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator. Keep from overheating.

Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. When damp or wet, polyester down is better insulator than goose or duck down. Polar fleece is popular and recommended.

Essential Items

Warm Trousers

Waterproof trousers

Thermal Underwear

Sweaters/Jerseys

Turtlenecks

Mittens and Gloves

Woollen Hat or Balaclava

Warm Socks

Rubber Boots (Gumboots or Wellingtons as we commonly call them)

Waterproof & Windproof Jacket

Backpack

Sunglasses

A pair of Binoculars - highly recommended.

Optional items:

Sandals or similar (slip on sandals) are very useful to wear around the ship

Earplugs may be useful if sharing a cabin with a snorer.

Our Expedition Vessel 'Spirit of Enberby' (Professor Khromov) is one of the best run ships of it kind. On board the atmosphere is peaceful and warm, more akin to a private yacht than a cruise ship.

With just 48 passengers a very tangible camaraderie is created amongst passengers and crew. The ship is under the command of an experienced team of Russian Officers, with New Zealand and Australian hotel and expedition staff.

Built in 1984, the Spirit of Enberby measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two, 1,156 horse power, diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. The vessel is fitted with stabilisers, making travel much more comfortable.

Excellent accommodation is provided in twin share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities and the remainder shared facilities. On board is a bar, library and lounge.

We encourage you to spend time on the bridge to witness our experienced captain and officers in action, recognised as experts in polar navigation. Our team of expert staff are always on hand to assist with every need and question. Throughout the voyage we maintain a lookout for seabirds, dolphins or whales and keep an expedition log, a bound copy of which will be sent to everybody at the conclusion of the expedition.

The key to these expeditions is the fleet of semi rigid inflatable Naiad (Greek for water nymph) craft, also known as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places, where few others have ever been.

Dining is informal and relaxed, and the cuisine outstanding. Award winning chefs prepare delicious meals and are able to cater for any special dietary requirements. A selection of fine New Zealand and Australian wines is available.

Heritage Suite: has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There are large forward and side facing windows with great views.

Mini Suite: has a small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.

Superior Plus: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Superior: Cabins have one bunk, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main deck: Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

Main deck triple: This cabin has one bunk and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.

What type of ship to shore communication facilities does the ship have?
a) Phone: Telephone calls can be made from the ship by the Inmarsat system or the Iridium phone.
b) Fax: Fax messages can be sent from the ship to any fax number anywhere in the world. Charges for outgoing faxes will appear on your ships account.
c) Emails: Emails can be sent to the ships email address. To send messages to this address the sender must be registered with Xantic ( www.xantic.net). There will be a charge for all redirected email messages and this will show on the relevant ship board account. It is possible to send emails to any address anywhere in the world from the ship and a charge will appear on your ship account for any emails sent.

What currency is accepted on board?
The U.S. dollar is the standard currency on board. We will however accept New Zealand and Australian currency at the current exchange rate.

Can you cater to specific dietary requirements?
Our chefs can prepare food according to special dietary needs providing we are notified at the time of final payment. We regret that no kosher or vegan meals can be offered.

Can I recharge my batteries and use electrical appliances on board (ie: hairdryer)?
Power on board is 220V (AC current) with outlets being recessed, round 2 pronged European type. If you plan to bring the American standard 110V equipment with flat pronged plug, you will need to bring a convertor and a round 2 pronged European type adaptor plug. Please check your equipment to be sure you bring what is necessary for your personal needs.
Special note for video equipment battery packs: Please check with a camera source and bring with you a convertor adequate for recharging your pack if your equipment is 110V and needing to be converted to the 220V on board.

How sea sick will I be?
All people wonder if they will be sea sick, the answer to this is difficult as it depends entirely on the individual. From our experience we expect a small percentage of people to get sick and then recover for the remainder of the voyage. If you think you are susceptible to sea sickness then it is a good idea to be prepared. Motion sickness tablets or Scopolamine patches (Scopoderm) can be purchased from your local chemist. Please remember if you are concerned, commence these before the voyage starts (as directed on the information for each medication) rather than after you are already sick.

Not included in expedition fee:
Airfare to and from your home to the port of departure.
Items of a personal nature such as insurance, and excess baggage charge.
Passport, visa and vaccination fees.
On board the ship: beverages, communication charges, medical supplies, laundry, sea shop purchases.

Single Travellers:
Single travellers who wish to share their cabin/hotel room should so indicate on the booking form. The published per person double occupancy fare is guaranteed in this case, whether or not a cabin mate is available.

Payment: Although we advertise the price of this expedition in U.S. dollars we will be charging you in the equivalent amount of New Zealand dollars. We will be using the current exchange rate on the day of making the booking but as exchange rates are constantly changing we cannot guarantee that your credit card bill will come out to the exact US dollar price as advertised. Please also allow for currency conversion fees charged by your bank (usually between 1% and 3%).

Deposits: A deposit of 25% of the expedition fee is required upon booking to confirm participation. The balance of the fee is payable 90 days prior to departure date.

Cancellations:
Cancellations must be received in writing. For cancellations received more than 120 days before departure date, a full refund will be made less $US400.00 fee per person for administration/handling fee. For cancellations received within 120 days of your embarkation date, the full deposit is forfeited. The full expedition fee is forfeited if your notice of cancellation is received within 90 days of your departure date. On forwarding the deposit you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions found here.

Travel Insurance:
We reserve the right to alter our prices should there be substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates, cost of fuel, labour or materials.

Price Changes
We reserve the right to alter our prices should there be substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates, cost of fuel, labour or materials.

Itinerary Changes
Due to the nature of our expeditions, weather, ice or government regulations may require changes to be made to the itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every attempt will be made to adhere to the itineraries described within the limits of safety and time. The ships captain has the last word on any decision made with regard to the vessels itinerary and it is understood that such a decision will be made in the interest of safety of the vessel and of all the passengers on board. In the event of changes, passengers have no right to any refund or other compensation. Expedition fees are based on group participation. Should you choose not to take to part in any activity or make use of services provided, no refund will be made.

Notes: This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.