BOOK 1000 PER PERSON. Expedition into the Northeast Passage

Transcription

1 BOOK EARLY & save 1000 PER PERSON Expedition into the Northeast Passage An extraordinary adventure from Norway to Alaska aboard the MS Hanseatic 15 th August to 12 th September 2016

2 Franz Josef Land In September 2014, a monumental travel first was accomplished when the MS Hanseatic, the first non-russian cruise vessel to sail the legendary Northeast Passage, reached the northernmost point of any passenger ship, something which we hope can be achieved again in 2016 during this remarkable expedition. To sail the passage from Europe to Asia through North Cape Tromso NORWAY Oslo the Arctic, was a goal of kings, tsars, scientists and explorers for centuries and still to this day remains a great seafaring challenge. In 2016 the five star, MS Hanseatic will set out on an adventure from Tromso to Nome passing dramatic, bizarre landscapes along the way whilst experiencing encounters with polar bears, seals and whales whilst exploring Franz Josef Land and Wrangel Island. During such an expedition, the extraordinary awaits you every day when local conditions make spontaneous course changes necessary and when the Zodiacs press on to untouched coastlines. Far from civilisation, discover the Russian Arctic, which was an exclusion zone for decades and thus unreachable. This is a sea route with a legendary history offering a rare modern day adventure for which we only have a limited number of cabins available. The MS Hanseatic offers an extremely high level of service, confirmed by the satisfaction ratings from past passengers, as well as beautiful surroundings, spacious cabins and public areas. In keeping with the expeditionary nature of the cruise however, there is a convivial atmosphere onboard and the expedition team take care of the day to day events with a sense of fun and adventure. Franz Josef Land Severnaya Zemlya Bolshevik Island Novaya Zemlya Kara Sea Cape Chelyuskin Barents Sea Murmansk Press Release from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises The expedition ship MS Hanseatic of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has set a new record for passenger ships in the Northeast Passage. Yesterday afternoon (August 26, 2014), the metre-long ship reached the northernmost point at 85, 40.7 north and 135, 39.6 east. At this latitude, the MS Hanseatic was just 480 kilometres from the North Pole. Captain Thilo Natke comments: Unusual ice conditions made this record possible. North of the New Siberian Islands in the Russian Arctic, there was a large ice-free zone stretching north through the Arctic Ocean, which we used for this spontaneous detour. In temperatures of around zero degrees and a brisk north-easterly wind, the passengers took a Zodiac ride along the edge of the pack ice. This event was then celebrated in style with a party on deck. The Itinerary RUSSIA Day 1 London to Oslo, Norway. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the evening is free. Day 2 Oslo to Tromso. Return to the airport this morning for our scheduled flight to Tromso. On arrival transfer to the MS Hanseatic and sail this evening as we start our journey towards the Northeast Passage. The New Siberian Islands Chukchi Sea Wrangel Island Kolyuchin Island Chukchi Peninsula Bering Strait Provideniya Nome USA Day 3 North Cape. People once believed that the North Cape marked the end of the world. Today it marks the beginning of our great adventure. This morning we hope to see the magnificent bird cliffs at Gjesvaerstappen Island home to thousands of gannets, guillemots, puffins and razorbills before arriving at the port of Skarsvag. From here you may choose to join an optional excursion to the North Cape Plateau.

3 Novaya Zemlya Kolyuchin Island birds Arctic fox Day 4 Murmansk, Russia. Murmansk, our gateway to Russia, is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle and the headquarters of Russia s Northern Fleet. Once we have completed custom formalities there will be the chance to enjoy an optional city tour of Murmansk or trace the legacy of the Sami in the heart of the tundra on the Kola Peninsula. This evening we continue our journey eastwards. Days 5 & 6 Cruising the Barents Sea. For centuries, the Northeast Passage has fired the imagination of pioneering spirits, from the early explorations by the naval powers of the 16th century, to the first successful passage by the Swede Adolf Erik Nordenskjöld between 1878 and Your days at sea will be in the shadow of the golden age of Arctic explorers and endeavours of Willem Barents which will be brought to life through a series of onboard lectures. Days 7 to 9 Novaya Zemlya & Franz Josef Land. As Barents circumnavigated Novaya Zemlya in 1596 during his search for the Northeast Passage, his ship became trapped in the pack ice and the crew was forced to spend the winter there. Following in his wake we will call at the deep bays of this primeval island which in geological terms, is almost identical to the Urals, as it is a northern continuation of this ancient mountain range formed when Europe and Siberia collided. Subject to weather conditions, we will take the Zodiacs and explore on land whilst thousands of sea birds brood on the steep cliffs. The captain and crew can react flexibly and are always seeking the most incredible experiences with consideration for the ice and weather. Thanks to this, you will feel even closer to the pioneers of the Austro-Hungarian Polar Expedition who whilst exploring the Arctic Ocean on almost the very same date 143 years ago, happened upon new land which they named after their emperor: Franz Josef Land. The explorers first set foot on Wilczek Island, which is now home to the grave of their engineer Otto Krisch. Hooker Island also promises a fantastic expedition experience. Enjoy a visit to an abandoned Russian Arctic station from the 1930s or view the bird-inhabited cliff known as Rubini Rock up close. Besides the imposing cliffs and basalt columns, the island is also home to the largest sea bird colony in the archipelago. Enjoy other spontaneously arranged highlights in this region, made possible by the flexibility of the MS Hanseatic and the Zodiacs. Days 10 to 13 Kara Sea & Severanya Zemlya. The onboard lecture programme continues as we cross the Kara Sea towards Severnaya Zemlya. Only a few people have sailed these waters or seen the almost semi-glacial islands of Severnaya Zemlya which are inhabited by polar bears, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, walruses and seals. Days 14 to 20 Siberia. For the next seven days we track the Siberian coast as the MS Hanseatic can take full advantage of its ice class allowing us to pass through the eye of the needle in the Northeast Passage: Cape Chelyuskin, located between Bolshevik Island and the mainland, is known for frequently being blocked by ice. The course thereafter will be determined by the weather and ice. The New Siberian Islands offer lots of possibilities for Zodiac explorations and for spotting many rare seabirds, snow grouse, reindeer and lemmings. In 1893, the researcher Fridtjof Nansen allowed his ship to freeze in order to reach the geographic North Pole by using the natural ice drifts of the Arctic Ocean. These littleresearched islands give exciting insights into the adolescence of polar exploration. Meanwhile the Medvezhiy Islands in the East Siberian Sea are famous as a polar bear nursery. They are a frozen habitat where the kings of the Arctic bring their cubs into the world. Days 21 to 27 Chukchi Sea, Chukchi Peninsula & Bering Strait. We leave Siberia and arrive at the Russian Far East. If weather and ice permits we hope to call at Wrangel Island. Using the Zodiacs to land we can experience raw natural beauty. Numerous species of birds nest on steep cliffs, and long tundra hikes will give you the chance to observe polar bears and reindeer in the vast, silent landscape. Kolyuchin Island on the edge of the Chukchi Peninsula also offers overwhelming animal observations. The Zodiacs can take you to large bird-infested cliffs with thousands of thick-billed murres, black guillemots, kittiwakes, horned puffins and glaucous gulls and with a little luck, you will see lots of walruses gathering on the rocks. The Chukchi Peninsula is a natural paradise for whales, seabirds, walruses and seals, whereas on Cape Deschnyow, the most north-easterly point of the Eurasian landmass, Russian history speaks for itself. A walk will lead you to a monument to the pioneer Semyon Dezhnyov, the first to traverse the cape in In Lorino, you can gain fascinating insights into the everyday life and nomadic traditions of the Chukchi people who survive by hunting and breeding reindeer. Fascinating encounters also await you on seldom-visited Provideniya, located in the extreme east of Russia, when you go ashore with the experts and visit the small museum. Day 28 Nome. This afternoon we complete our traversing of the Northeast Passage and cross the International Date Line as we arrive in Alaska and the port of Nome where we will remain in port overnight.

4 Polar bear cubs Black legged kittiwakes Puffin, North Cape Day 29 Nome to London. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for the specially chartered flight to Vancouver. Connect here with our onward scheduled flight to London departing this evening. Day 30 London. Arrive this morning. Important note on this expedition: This itinerary represents one of the world s most difficult expedition cruises to plan, organise and sail and has been carefully planned based on average ice and weather data and closely coordinated with the local Russian authorities. Experience and careful preparation notwithstanding, the actual itinerary therefore depends on the local conditions which besides ice and weather, include decisions taken by the Russian authorities. We will, of course, do everything in our power to ensure that this cruise can take place as advertised but as with any expedition cruise to these remote destinations we are reliant on weather, ice, sea conditions and local authorities. Prices per person Based on double occupancy BOOK EARLY & SAVE 1000 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Cat Cabin Description Brochure Price Special Offer 2 Twin cabin on Amundsen Twin cabin on Explorer Twin cabin on Marco Polo Twin cabin on Explorer Twin cabin on Bridge Suite on Bridge Twin cabin on Amundsen for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Oslo on a bed and breakfast basis, 27 nights aboard the MS Hanseatic on a full board basis, mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day, specially chartered flight between Nome and Vancouver, Zodiac excursions, expedition team including onboard lectures, transfers, landing fees, gratuities to crew, port taxes, airport taxes, use of rubber boots and parka jackets onboard. Not Included: Travel insurance, optional shore excursions in Murmansk and North Cape, visas. NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change based on ice conditions. Wrangel Island Walruses

5 MS Hanseatic Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the MS Hanseatic is the world s only five-star expedition ship (Berlitz Cruise Guide 2014). With a maximum of just 184 passengers, this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere onboard with the finest surroundings. You will be joined by a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks throughout the cruise. Your Cabin/Suite There are 88 outside cabins which measure 22 square metres and four suites which measure a spacious 44 square metres. All offer a comfortable living and sleeping area with a modern en-suite bathroom cabins have a shower and suites have a bathtub and shower as well as a mini bar which is refilled with soft drinks every day, Infotainment system with private , internet access (subject to charge), TV, radio, satellite telephone, a spacious wardrobe, hairdryer, and individually adjustable air conditioning. The large panoramic windows or maritime portholes offer fantastic views. The forward-view camera shows impressions of the ocean and your arrival directly on your flat screen. On arrival in your cabin you will find fresh fruit and champagne. The cabins and suites on the Bridge also come with a safe and 24-hour butler service. Cabins on the Amundsen have portholes and all other cabins and suites have panoramic windows. Your Space The vessel has a spacious single sitting restaurant, two lounge bars, a lecture theatre, library, sun deck with a heated swimming pool and pool bar, indoor whirlpool, fitness room, sauna, hairdressing salon and small boutique. There is also a hospital on the lower deck. Whilst relaxing on deck and watching for passing wildlife, the excellent service team offer little touches like exotic fruit skewers and cooling terry cloth towels. Exciting perspectives are also guaranteed in the Observation Lounge thanks to the 180 degree panoramic view which can be enjoyed while relaxing with an aperitif at the bar and listening to the piano music. It is in the Explorer Lounge that the expedition team will hold lectures and briefings. Your Dining Experience indulgence at the highest level. Highly trained chefs will surprise you every day with their skill and attention to detail. Diversity as well as classic delicacies will be available for every meal, whether you are enjoying a quick breakfast or a relaxed evening meal. When the weather is good, you are very welcome to have breakfast on deck and at lunchtime there is always the choice between a buffet and a la carte menu. There will also be special events throughout your cruise. Life Onboard With your every need attended to, there is nothing to do but relax and enjoy the experience aboard the MS Hanseatic. After a Zodiac excursion, you will be welcomed back onboard with hot drinks and snacks, drinks will be handed to you as you stand on deck viewing magnificent icebergs and the crew of 125 will think of everything and enhance your cruise in every way possible. Highly qualified, knowledgeable experts will accompany you throughout the cruise. Discovering unknown territory and seeing amazing wildlife will be a lot more rewarding with an expert by your side. Whether a naturalist or ornithologist, their passion and enthusiasm will be conveyed through talks onboard and during excursions in small groups. The onboard fleet of 14 Zodiac landing craft enables guests to reach every spectacular sight, no matter how remote. Due to their manoeuvrability, these inflatable craft allow us to truly immerse ourselves in nature. You can be feet away from glaciers, bears, spectacular birdlife and explore otherwise inaccessible fjords and waterways. For your Comfort, Safety & Security With the highest ice class for a passenger ship E4, a shallow draught, a powerful engine and robust propellers, this is a sturdy ship with excellent manoeuvrability, allowing us to access remote islands and coastlines and is the perfect vessel from which to experience unforgettable expedition moments. Explorer Lounge

6 Drinks on the Ice Suite on bridge deck bservation bservation bservation ridge ridge ridge xplorer xplorer mundsen mundsen mundsen During this voyage you will be visiting out of the way destinations, and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Some landings ashore and optional excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. This cruise will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. Hairdresser Sauna Solarium Sauna Beauty Hairdresser Parlour + Solarium Sauna Beauty Hairdresser Parlour + OBSERVATION DECK Solarium Bar Sauna Beauty BAR Parlour Bar Pool Bar Zodiacs SPA Zodiacs PoolWhirl- pool POOL Zodiacs Whirlpool JACUZZI Whirlpool Library Library GYM Pool BarFitness Room Observation Lounge Library LIBRARY Pool BarFitness Room Observation Lounge Flexible bed arrangement (side Flexible by side bed or arrangement twin beds) BRIDGE DECK (side Flexible by side bed or arrangement twin beds) Radio Room (side by side or twin beds) Radio Room Radio Room Columbus Columbus Bridge Lounge Bridge Columbus Lounge Bridge Lounge Reception EXPLORER DECK RECEPTION Explorer Lounge Reception LOUNGE Explorer DanceLounge Stage DANCE Floor FLOOR Dance Stage Floor BAR Bar Tour Office TOUR OFFICE MARCO POLO DECK Bar Tour Office STAGE arco Polo arco Polo LOUNGE RESTAURANT Marco Polo Marco Restaurant Polo Restaurant AMUNDSEN DECK SHOP Boutique Boutique BAR OBSERVATION LOUNGE BRIDGE Restaurant Observation Lounge Twin Cabin, Explorer ck arwin arwin arwin DARWIN DECK Darwin Hall Darwin Hall Darwin HALL Hall Hospital Hospital Hospital H CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 6 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 5 CATEGORY 7 Cabins with two beds positioned side by side Unmarked Cabins with cabins two beds are furnished positioned with side. twin by side beds. Unmarked Cabins with cabins two beds are furnished positioned with side. twin by side beds. These Unmarked cabins cabins are equipped are furnished and with furnished twin beds. to accommodate disabled passengers These cabins are equipped and furnished to accommodate disabled. passengers These cabins are equipped and furnished to accommodate disabled. passengers aranteed cabin Amundsen Explorer Marco Polo Explorer aranteed cabin Amundsen Explorer Marco Polo Explorer aranteed cabin Amundsen Explorer Marco Polo Explorer Bridge Bridge Bridge 6 6 Bridge Bridge Bridge 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Bowhead Whale _S