onboard 50 Years of Victory

Transcription

1 Cape North to Pole Cape onboard 50 Years of Victory February 29 March 23, 2016 July 18 30, 2019

2 Expedition Overview If there is one geographical coordinate that has the power to excite a traveler s wildest dreams, it has to be 90 North: the top of the world, the terrestrial North Pole. Join Apex Expeditions on the world s most powerful nuclear icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory, as it slices through pack ice to reach the very apex of the earth. Ride the ship s helicopter to gaze out over the icescape. Stand at the North Pole and look south in all directions. Then, visit Franz Josef Land in the Russian Arctic National Park to see Walrus, Arctic Fox, seals, whales and the king of the ice, the mighty Polar Bear, where they are all still thriving. Visit relics of early Arctic explorers during stops at several of the park s islands. Most of the year, 50 Years of Victory pilots scientific and cargo ships to the farthest reaches of the Arctic. Only in this narrow window in summer does it escort a few lucky travelers to the place of fairy tales and fantasies, the Photos: (Cover) Polar Bear, North Pole, Walrus geographic North Pole.

3 Lauren Farmer Itinerary Thursday, July 18: Arrive Murmansk, Russia Touch down in Murmansk, the Arctic s largest city, and the jumping-off point for Russian Arctic adventures. Transfer to your hotel, and enjoy meeting your fellow travelers and expedition team over a welcome dinner and briefing. Dinner and overnight at the Azimut Hotel. Friday, July 19: Embark 50 Years of Victory After lunch at the hotel, set out on a city tour of Murmansk, including a stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the harbor and a visit to the nuclear icebreaker Lenin, now a floating museum and cultural center. The ship was the world s first nuclear-powered civilian ship and hosted passengers from all over the world. See intriguing Soviet era décor and furniture twirling stairwells, minimalist clocks, and brass map displays. This afternoon, embark the hulking nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, this 525-foot behemoth is your home away from home for the next 12 days. Be sure to have a good vantage point as the Victory slips its moorings and sails north through Kola Bay, out into the great Barents Sea. Saturday Tuesday, July 20 23: Cross Barents Sea In August of 2017, the Victory broke the world record for transit time to the North Pole from Murmansk. But it s not the ship's speed that is its most amazing attribute the feeling you will have as her enormous spoon-shaped bow crushes through the Arctic pack ice is unlike any other. Take three days to cruise northward through the Barents Sea. Spend time on deck with your expedition leaders and watch for ice-dependent marine mammals. Whales present in the area include Minke, Beluga, Humpback, and, less frequently, Bowhead and Narwhal. Bearded, Ringed and Harp Seals abound. And, of course, the king of the ice, the majestic Polar Bear, reigns on surrounding floes. Photos: 50 Years of Victory, Polar Bears, Helicopter Flightseeing Lauren Farmer

4 Meanwhile, learn about the icebreaking capabilities of the ship, and tour its massive engine room. Get a unique vantage point over the Victory and the vast polar icescape through which it navigates on a helicopter sightseeing tour. Wednesday, July 24: North Pole Today, arrive at the most fantasized-about latitude on earth 90 degrees North. The ship will ceremoniously drop anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during a special International Round Dance. Enjoy a barbecue and champagne toast on the ice. Conditions permitting, you may even take a polar plunge into the icy water. Soak in the view at the top of the world, before re-embarking the ship and heading south toward the High Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land. Lauren Farmer Thursday Saturday, July 25 27: Franz Josef Land This group of 191 islands, known as the Franz Josef Land Archipelago, has been part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, and is a special paradise for Arctic wildlife enthusiasts. Polar Bear, Walrus, reindeer and Arctic Fox can be seen, in good numbers. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of seabirds, including Brünnich's and Black Guillemots, Northern Fulmars and Little Auks. Common Eiders, Purple Sandpiper, Arctic Skuas, Glaucous and Ivory Gulls, Arctic Terns and Snow Buntings nest on the flat tundra. Weather and sea ice conditions will greatly determine our course. The expedition team will take full advantage of the near 24-hour daylight for Zodiac trips and helicopter excursions to ensure you the best chances for wildlife viewing. Franz Josef Land is also home to some fascinating geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. What s more, nestled among this jaw-dropping realm of glaciers, moss-covered peaks and fields of Arctic poppies and saxifrages are several well-preserved historical sites, vestiges of Franz Josef Land s many famed explorers. The adventures of Julius von Payer, Benjamin Leigh Smith, Frederick George Jackson, and Fridtjof Nansen come alive on Bell Island, Cape Floral and Tikhaya Bay, and crosses, gravestones and the remains of dwellings stand as memorials to their fascinating travels. Sunday & Monday, July 28 & 29: The Voyage South Today, head back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Attend lectures to learn more about the flora, fauna and history of the region. Join the expedition team on the panoramic open decks to look for seabirds and whales. Share photographs and memories with your fellow travelers as you near Murmansk. Tuesday, July 30: Disembark Murmansk / Homeward After breakfast, disembark 50 Years of Victory in Murmansk. Bid farewell to the Russian Arctic as you transfer to the airport for your international flights homeward. Lauren Farmer Anthony Smith Photos: Walrus, Ship at North Pole, Champ Island, Franz Josef Land

5 Expedition Map Map for illustrative purposes only A Murmansk B North Pole C Franz Josef Land By Ship

6 Your Expedition Leaders Kevin Clement Not many people can say they have lived inside Denali National Park, but Kevin Clement is one. Nowadays, however, he spends most of his time guiding ecotourism and adventure travel trips on all seven continents. Kevin has served as the Denali Foundation instructor for natural history and as a trainer for the Park s staff of naturalists. For several years he worked with the sled dogs of Denali National Park, rebuilding sleds in the summer and patrolling in the winter. He has lived in several other national parks and has guided groups in whitewater rafts, on cross-country skis, by sled dog, and on foot, earning certifications in scuba diving, swiftwater rescue, and wilderness medicine, as well as a Coast Guard Master s license. Kevin s interests and experience make him a superb all-round naturalist. A veteran of over 100 voyages to the Antarctic, most recently Kevin has been coordinating and leading kayaking excursions in South Georgia and on the Antarctic Peninsula. Kevin also continues to draw and paint. His first career was as an illustrator and he never travels without his sketchbook. Or his sense of humor. Kevin is the consummate Renaissance Man, possessing a poetic and artistic take on the world that adds a fascinating dimension to his interpretation as you explore alongside him. Judy M., HawaiI Ingrid Nixon Ingrid Nixon is a professional storyteller and former National Park Service ranger. She has worked in expedition tourism for three decades, sharing stories of exploration, folklore, and natural history, while leading groups and driving Zodiacs. In her 15 years with the National Park Service, she directed the interpretive and education programs at Denali and Mount Rainier national parks, and created the innovative science education and partnership program for the Denali-based Murie Science and Learning Center, which represents eight of Alaska s northern national parks. As an award-winning storyteller, Ingrid performs myths, tall tales, historical stories, folktales, and more at storytelling festivals and events throughout the United States, including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism, she has written, hosted and/or narrated numerous films about national parks and won several national awards for her work. Over the years she s also worked as a journalist, copywriter, and jack-of-all trades for a public radio station. Ingrid recently completed her masters in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. She currently hails from the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Travel with Ingrid is not only informative, but a great deal of fun. She is sooooo knowledgeable! Even tempered, as well. Always look forward to another journey with her. Sandy G., Baltimore

7 North Pole 2019 onboard 50 Years of Victory The 50 Years of Victory holds the distinction of being the most sophisticated and powerful icebreaker ever constructed, with a more efficient automated control system and spoon-shaped bow. It is driven by two nuclear reactors that produce 75,000 horsepower allowing for a top speed of 21 knots. Primarily used as a working vessel to pilot scientific and cargo ships to hard-to-reach areas of the Arctic and along the Northeast Passage, 50 Years of Victory is only available to travelers during the short summer months when a select few get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel to the geographic North Pole. Despite the fact the vessel was not designed with tourism in mind, she offers comfortable accommodations and gourmet cuisine for guests. Complete with a helicopter and Zodiacs for excursions, what sets this ship apart is its ability to go where other ships cannot. Cabin Categories Mini Suite Junior Suite Grand Suite Victory Suite Arktika Suite Solo Standard Suite Solo Mini Suite Per Person Rates $29,475 $32,135 $38,975 $39,925 $42,870 $43,820 $49,422 $63,290 Vessel Specifications Length feet Width feet Speed knots Guests Crew Passenger Decks...5 Registry... Russia Cabin Details: The vessel has six cabin categories, all with ocean view, private ensuite bathroom, a television and DVD player.

8 Expedition Details North Pole July 18 30, Days Trip Length Murmansk Start Murmansk End Included The Apex price includes, as noted in the itinerary, a welcome reception and dinner in Murmansk, with local beer and wine included; lunch and sightseeing in Murmansk before embarking the ship; beverages onboard the vessel (except certain premium brands of alcohol) and all gratuities. In addition, the voyage rate includes all accommodations, meals, activities and excursions, as noted in the itinerary; services of two Apex Expeditions leaders, as well as the full onboard lecture team and expedition staff; transfers on the group arrival and departure dates; and Emergency Evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person. Not Included Not included in the price of your Apex expedition is airfare to or from Murmansk; select premium wines and liquors; helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group; travel insurance (Trip Cancellation and Interruption is not included, but is highly recommended); airport departure taxes; passport and/or visa fees; excess luggage charges; items of a personal nature (phone calls, s, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); and independent travel arrangements preor post-trip. Payments & Terms 20% of the trip cost will confirm your place on the expedition. The final balance is due 150 days prior to departure. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Per person pricing is based on double occupancy. The Solo Rate is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations and is subject to availability. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. However, if a roommate is not available, the published Solo Rate will be charged. Upon confirming your reservation you will be required to pay the published Solo Rate, if we are able to pair you with a roommate, the applicable difference will be refunded at the time that final trip payment is due for all participants. Please note that solo accommodations are limited and cannot always be guaranteed throughout. For our full set of Terms & Conditions, please visit our web site at One-of-a-kind adventures to the world s most fascinating places. Join us. Dietmar Denger

9 Deck Plan - 50 Years of Victory GYM BOW DECK Dining Room Reception Clinic Pool & Saunas BRIDGE DECK 1 Gym BRIDGE DECK 2 Victory Bar Library & Lounge Shop Aft Saloon BRIDGE DECK 3 BRIDGE DECK 4 Bridge Mini Suite Junior Suite Grand Suite Arktika Suite Junior Suite Arktika Suite Mini Suite Victory Suite Arktika Suite

10 Cabin Details - 50 Years of Victory One lower berth, one sofa bed, private facilities with a shower, TV and DVD player, opening windows. 151 sq. ft. Mini Suite Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. 237 sq. ft. Junior Suite Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. 258 sq. ft. Grand Suite Sitting area with sofa bed, sleeping bed separated from the sitting area, private facilities with a shower, TV and DVD player, refrigerator, opening windows. 280 sq. ft. Arktika Suite Very spacious bedroom and sitting room, sofa bed in sitting room, private facilities with a bathtub, refrigerator, TV and DVD player, coffee maker, opening windows. 355 sq. ft. Suite layouts and deck plans are for illustrative purposes only.

11 Reservation Form North Pole July 18 30, 2019 Person 1: (Primary Contact) Passport Name: Preferred Name: Date of Birth: Address: Mailing Details: Address: City: State: ZIP Code: Country: Phone: Fax: Double Solo Cabin Category Preference Person 2: (If applicable and at same address, otherwise please submit a second Reservation Form.) Passport Name: Preferred Name: Date of Birth: Address: Deposit Information: My deposit check is enclosed Charge my deposit to my: VISA MasterCard American Express Card #: Expires: CCV Code: Name on Card: Signature: Please return this completed form to Apex Expeditions. info@apex-expeditions.com or Mail: 4130 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116