North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure

Transcription

1 North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure Your icebreaker ship, 50 Years of Victory, will take you to a part of the world more commonly associated with fairy tales and folklore the North Pole. Crushing through multi-year pack ice, the journey can take as long as a week, which only helps to heighten the level of excitement. Celebrate with champagne upon your arrival and soar above the entire Earth on an optional hot air balloon ride. Join us on this amazing voyage to 90 N aboard 50 Years of Victory. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF: Top of the World 90 N Nuclear-powered icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory Helicopter flight above the Arctic Ocean Optional aerial sightseeing by hot air balloon Zodiac cruising Franz Josef Land wildlife and wildflowers DID YOU KNOW? The closest permanently inhabited settlement to the North Pole is in Canada. The settlement of Alert in Nunavut is normally home to 5-10 people and lies only 817 kilometers (508 miles) from the North Pole. NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1

2 Adventure Options You have the chance to book optional adventure activities on your expedition. These options vary by departure, are all subject to availability and fill up quickly, so be sure to book yours early. Please note, all Adventure Options are weather dependant. BALLOONING If reaching the North Pole isn t a big enough thrill, be one of only a few people in the world to soar above the sea-ice in a hot air balloon, with a sweeping 360 view to all points south. Rising as high as 30 meters, your birds-eye view of the ship and Arctic tundra will be something you ll remember forever. Exclusive to Quark Expeditions, this option brings you a whole new perspective on the North Pole! *This option can only be booked during your voyage and is highly weather dependant. More information about your Adventure Options, including physical requirements and cost of each option is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser. NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2

3 Itinerary DAY 1 Helsinki, Finland Your adventure begins with a one-night stay in Helsinki, Finland s capital. DAY 2 Embarkation Day in Murmansk From Helsinki, your charter flight will take you to Murmansk, Russia, where you ll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with 50 Years of Victory, the world s largest and most powerful icebreaker. DAY 3 TO 6 Northbound in the Arctic Ocean Watching Victory crush through the Arctic pack-ice is a sight you ll never forget, made even more memorable by taking a helicopter flight for a thrilling aerial view of Victory and expansive Arctic Ocean. You can expect the days, and hours, to present variable sailing conditions this far north. The crossing from Murmansk to the North Pole can take us anywhere from 5 to 8 days. This means you ll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates, stare out at the horizon, enjoy some drinks at the bar or go for a swim in the ship s lap pool. DAY 7 90 North All the anticipation of the prior days reaches a climax as you reach the North Pole! Many travelers find themselves overcome with emotion, while others are in a festive and celebratory mood. Take photos, wave a flag, enjoy your moment! Later, everyone enjoys a champagne toast and a BBQ on the ice. Take a Polar Plunge into the icy waters marking the North pole. Add an exclamation to your success by rising high in a hot air balloon to commemorate this great moment (weather dependent). DAY 8 Southbound in the Arctic Ocean Now you can sit back and relax, everything from here on out is a bonus! Expect more great memories, as you head further south, you may get lucky and spot polar bears hunting for seals. DAYS 9-10 Franz Josef Land and the Arctic Ocean This group of 191 islands forms the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia, and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you ll explore Cape Flora, and discover historic remains from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. When conditions permit, Zodiac trips beneath towering cliffs will explore remote seabird rookeries. Onboard helicopters again provide aerial sightseeing and our Zodiacs transfer WANT TO STAY LONGER OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless worry-free booking of all trip extensions. NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3

4 you to seldom visited landing sites. This part of the Arctic Ocean is so remote that Franz Josef Land was discovered after Antarctica. It is the most northerly archipelago in Eurasia and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you ll visit historic places like Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, home to buildings and ruins from three ill-fated Arctic expeditions. We may see walrus and polar bears on these islands, which you ll explore on Zodiac excursions and helicopter sightseeing rides. DAYS Southbound at Sea Enjoy a few moments on deck or reminisce with your shipmates and new friends as you cross the Arctic Ocean back to Murmansk. DAY 13 Disembarkation in Murmansk Returning to Russia s most northerly city, it will be time to bid farewell to your ship, 50 Years of Victory. You ll be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Helsinki, Finland to enjoy one final night with your newfound friends. DAY 14 Helsinki, Finland After breakfast, your official Quark Expeditions journey comes to an end. We do encourage you to spend some extra time exploring Helsinki, Tallinn (the capital of Estonia) and St. Petersburg. WANT TO STAY LONGER OR ARRIVE EARLIER? Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via , live chat or phone ( ) for seamless worry-free booking of all trip extensions. NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4

5 Inclusions THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES 1 night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast 1 night post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Finland, with breakfast Day 2 group transfer from Helsinki hotel to airport Day 2 group transfer from Murmansk airport to ship Shipboard accommodation with housekeeping Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners Shore landings included in daily program Group helicopter transfers and sightseeing flights included in the daily program Professional Expedition Leadership All Zodiac excursions and transfers Formal and informal educational presentations by the Expedition Team Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage The loan of a pair of waterproof boots for the duration of the voyage An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages Hair dryer and bathrobes in each cabin Day 13 group transfer from the ship to the Murmansk airport Day 13 group transfer from Helsinki airport to the hotel Comprehensive pre-departure package including Quark s Arctic Reader and map All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program All shipboard luggage handling Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person All Zodiac excursions and transfers included in the daily program THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES Airfare to and from your hometown Mandatory charter flights from Helsinki to Murmansk and back again - Cost per person US$1,690 Helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group Passport and visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes Meals ashore, other than the breakfasts included with the hotel accommodation Baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance Excess baggage charges Laundry and other personal charges Shipboard and land telecommunication fees Voyage-end gratuities for Crew, Hospitality and Expedition Team members Any overnight accommodations required due to flight connections Ballooning at the North Pole IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5

6 Dates & Rates NORTH POLE CRUISE The Ultimate Arctic Adventure Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship 50 YEARS OF VICTORY Dates Days Emb/Disemb Twin Mini Suite Suite Victory Arktika Charter Flight June 19 - July 2, Murmansk $24,995 $29,995 $34,995 $36,995 $37,995 $1,690 June 30 - July 13, Murmansk $24,995 $29,995 $34,995 $36,995 $37,995 $1,690 All non-alcoholic and house pouring drinks are included. A selection of premium alcoholic drinks (such as top wines and spirits) is also available at an additional cost. HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS To book your cabin or inquire about the availabilty of adventure options, contact a Polar Travel Advisor ( ) NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 6

7 North Pole POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS Visitors to the North Pole usually number in the mere hundreds each year. Soak up the icy surroundings knowing that even polar bears and harp seals are rare visitors to this extremity of the earth. Franz Josef Land POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS ALEXANDER LAND Some World War II history, with the remains of Germany s Schatsgräber station found here. There is also a large air landing strip and the frontier Russian station Nagurskaya, which was abandoned in ALGER ISLAND Relics from the turn of the 20th century are found along the shores of Alger Island. A number of expeditions, including the Baldwin-Ziegler expedition of and the Fiala- Ziegler expedition of set up bases here. Remains of their huts and time here are found at Camp Ziegler and West Camp Ziegler. At the center of the island is the impressive Mount Richthofen (404 m). Nearby Matilda Island also offers insights into life here more than 100 years ago. APOLLONOV ISLAND This small island has a ridge that may provide a vantage point for viewing a walrus rookery, which are known to haul-out on the island. Zodiac cruising for watching walrus from a distance is also a possibility here. BELL ISLAND In 1881 Benjamin Leigh-Smith s expedition built a hut here, but never had the opportunity to use it as their ship wrecked off the coast. The hut is in supreme condition, and has a number of interesting inscriptions on its interior walls. An old Russian isba (wood structure) is also found here, which may even pre-date the official 1873 discovery of Franz Josef Land. CALM BAY, HOOKER ISLAND Sporadically in use today, this is the site of the first ever polar station in the archipelago, built in Memorials to Georgiy Sedov s wintering in are built here and the remains of a glaciologist hut are also found here. CAMBRIDGE STRAIT This is a well-known area for spotting polar bears. This is a popular hunting ground for them as seals also frequent the area. CAPE FLIGLEY, RUDOLF ISLAND The most northern point of the archipelago is marked with a copper plaque and memorial cross. This is also the most northern part of Europe, reaching further north than Spitsbergen. The island is almost entirely ice-covered and temperatures only rise above freezing here for a few shorts weeks each summer. CAPE FLORA, NORTHBROOK ISLAND More than half a dozen expeditions passed through here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among them was the 1000 Days in the Arctic expedition of Jackson-Harmsworth. Many buildings from the time are in ruins or have fallen into the sea, but some remain. Memorials and crosses have been erected in more recent years in memory of both the survivors and victims of those early expeditions. CAPE FORBE, GRANT LAND Of interesting note here is a Norwegian hut from the 1930 s, which was used for walrus hunting. CAPE HELLER, WILCZEK LAND Historically significant markers can be found here, including the remains of a stone hut that was used by two men from the Walter Wellman expedition. There is a grave site and large memorial post in honor of the one member who died here just after New Year s in NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 7

8 CAPE NORWAY, JACKSON ISLAND Sometimes unreachable, even to icebreakers, weather is always a factor at this northern part of the archipelago. A variety of Arctic flora is found in this area, making it particularly interesting for botanists. This is also the location where Fridtjof Nansen and Frederick Jackson stayed during the winter and the remains of their stone hut can be visited. CAPE TEGETTHOF, HALL ISLAND Impressive tall cliffs are home to large numbers of seabirds here, while the ruins of the Walter Wellman expedition are also found here. With a diverse landscape the island is great for exploring on foot, provided that polar bears aren t in the vicinity. CHAMP ISLAND Wildflowers of the tundra are a common sighting here, giving a bit of color to an often bleak landscape. Of particular interest though are the mysteriously perfectlyrounded rocks that are scattered on parts of the island. They are up to 2m in diameter and have been nicknamed Devil s Marbles. GRAHAM BELL ISLAND One of two islands in the archipelago named after Alexander Graham Bell. Cape Kohlsaat on the eastern edge of the island is the most eastern point of the archipelago. Until 1995 there was a large military base in use here and the island is still subject to military restrictions. GREELEY ISLAND The Fiala-Ziegler expedition of left behind a large depot here, named Kane Lodge. It is one of the more impressive depots from this, and other, expeditions that can be found in the archipelago. HAYS ISLAND For 40 years the geophysical observatory known as Krenkel operated here, complete with a launching ramp for sending rockets into the upper atmosphere. The station re-opened in 2004 with much smaller operations, thus a large part remains unused. Research and modern-life in the Arctic are portrayed well here, with a great sampling of abandoned items, including aircraft. The island also has a natural attraction, featuring a scenic ice dome and interesting basalt formations. NEGRI FJORD This is a scenic and narrow waterway that lies between MacKlintok Island and Hall Island towards the southern reaches of Franz Josef Land. RUBINI ROCK, HOOKER ISLAND Considered by many to be home to the most impressive birds cliffs anywhere in Franz Josef Land. The cliffs here are home to a bounty of seabirds and because of deep waters ships are able to get right up close to the edge of the cliffs for great views. Most of the shores here are dominated by glacier fronts, with a large part of the island ice-covered. SALISBURY ISLAND A number of narrow channels and varying landscapes are found near Salisbury Island, which is close to Champ, Ziegler and Wiener-Neustadt Islands. This makes it an ideal place for helicopter exploration and scenic flights. It is relatively difficult to land along the coast of the archipelago s sixth largest island, so admire from afar. TEPLITZ BAY, RUDOLF ISLAND With a long history of Arctic exploration this bay was first explored during Julius Payer s 1874 expedition. Once a base for long-distance Arctic flights, the bay is also home to an abandoned polar station. Ships have sunk in these icy waters, a wrecked aircraft lies on the icecap and monuments and graves pay homage to the early explorers who died here. For wildlife both narwhal and beluga whales have been seen in these waters. VICTORIA ISLAND The westernmost island of the archipelago, this very small island is actually geographically closer to Svalbard than Franz Joseph Land. The icecap here reaches almost 100m thick and is an impressive sight from a distance. Walrus, polar bears and ivory gulls are most commonly spotted here, with the island being a large breeding ground for the gulls. WILCZEK ISLAND The Austro-Hungarian Tegetthof expedition left their mark here after being trapped in ice in Sites include a grave of one of their team members, located high up on a ridge. The island is half ice-covered and is among the most southerly islands of the archipelago. NORTH POLE EXPEDITION DOSSIER 8