Across Top of World
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| Length | 15 days | ||||||||||||
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| Grade |
A (you need to be in reasonably good health)
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| Start | Alaska | ||||||||||||
| Finish | Nome, Alaska | ||||||||||||
| Departs |
12 August 2010 – 26 August 2010 (V1028) 25 August 2010 - 8 September 2010 (V1030) 28 July 2011 - 11 August 2011 (V1128) 10 August 2011 - 24 August 2011 (V1130) 23 August 2011 - 6 September 2011 (V1132) |
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| Prices | Period 1 Feb 10 - 30 Sep 10 | ||||||||||||
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| Prices | Period 1 Oct 10 - 30 Sep 11 | ||||||||||||
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| Extra Costs | Landing Fees US$350 |
Maximum 48
Back to topItinerary
Discover the north eastern part of Eurasia (Chukotka) in a way that has never been possible before. On this expedition we cruise across the Arctic Circle through the Bering Strait and into the Arctic sea. It will be mid summer with 24 hour daylight and the ice will have retreated. On shore you will meet the Chukchis, who have learnt how to live in one of the harshest environments on the globe. You will see an abundance of wildlife, many of the species are migratory, coming here only to breed, but for others like the polar bear, walrus, and reindeer this is their home. We plan two days at Wrangel Island, a world class Nature Reserve, which is often referred to as the 'Polar Bear Maternity Ward'.
Day 1.
An informal dinner in Anchorage, Alaska, gives the opportunity meet one another and talk about the journey ahead.
Day 2.
Fly to Nome (cost not included) to board the ship, Spirit of Enderby. Orient yourself to the ship and your cabin, and after completion of customs formalities, depart for Provideniya, Russia.
Day 3.
After crossing the dateline, we will enjoy the hospitality of the people of Provideniya this morning. This is a small town situated on the northwestern coast of a picturesque fiord and was an important strategic town and seaport and during the height of the Soviet Union. Many military personal were stationed here but today the population is much reduced. The local people are proud of their history and it has one of the best museums in the region with over 12,000 exhibits
Day 4.
Laventiya is a modern comfortable town of 1000 people, most of whom are Chukchi people. Grey whales may be spotted as we cross Laventiya Bay in the evening.
Day 5.
Landing at Cape Dezneva on the extreme northeastern edge of Eurasia, gives us a view of the border of the two oceans: the Pacific and the Arctic. This afternoon at the village of Uelen, the center of world famous Chukotka ivory carving you will be welcomed by the locals and have an opportunity to visit the museum and workshop where this traditional skill is practiced and taught.
Day 6.
This morning we land on the small island of Kolchyn. This island which is the site of a Russian Polar Research Station lies about 25 km off the northern coast. It is also a recognized walrus haul out area as well as an important seabird-nesting island. Puffins, gulls, cormorants and guillemots can be seen in abundance, and from only metres away.
Day 7 - 10.
We endeavour to spend 4 days exploring the remote and seldom visited high arctic Wrangel Island. Wrangel Island was declared a Nature Reserve in 1976 to protect its rich biodiversity. We will enjoy some of the 400 plant species and the 160 bird species that have been recorded from the Island. Species to watch for include Ross’s, Sabine’s and Ivory Gulls – all of which breed and feed in the surrounding waters. Snowy owls, snow geese, skuas and reindeer are a highlight. The shores of Wrangel Island house the highest density of Polar Bear dens in the world, earning it the title of the “Polar Bear Maternity Ward”, and with such high concentrations of bears and cubs we hope for some great encounters.
Day 11.
Cape Vankarem is home to a traditional Chukchi village. We take advantage of this opportunity to meet and interact with the people of this remote and rarely visited land. At sea again we watch for bowhead and gray whales which are abundant in these areas.
Day 12.
Today we explore the Kolyuchin Inlet taking in its wild and desolate beauty. The tidal areas and sand dunes support an array of birdlife. Watch for emperor geese, and spoon-billed sandpipers. Gray whales can sometimes be seen feeding offshore only metres from the shoreline.
Day 13.
Whalebone Alley is a historic site dating back to the 14th Century. The carefully laid stones and nearly 150 meat storage pits lie alongside the impressive and imposing sight of whale skulls and jaw bones. As the site is close to a migratory route for whales, we board the zodiacs and explore the shoreline in the hope of seeing these magnificent creatures.
Day 14.
Return to Provideniya to complete Russian customs formalities. We depart for Nome, Alaska, crossing the Bering Sea and the dateline once more. A farewell dinner on board the ship gives the opportunity to talk and reminisce about the wonderful trip.
Day 15.
Arrive in Nome and the completion of the journey.
Grading & Fitness
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.
Guides & Safety
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 breadth 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 enhance 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.
What to take
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:
Essential Items
Optional items:
Transport
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.
Food
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.
Back to topAccommodation
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.
Questions
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.
Additional Costs
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.
Booking Conditions
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 strongly recommend that travellers purchase trip cancellation protection and/or travel insurance at the time of booking.
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.
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