Arctic Cruise Adventure: Northeast Passage
Russia’s Northeast Passage was closed to foreigner travelers for more than half a century. Total darkness six months of the year coupled with extreme ice and weather conditions continue to make the Northeast Passage relatively inaccessible to travelers. But not to Quark Expeditions! Our travel partners in polar exploration were the first - and will be the only - expedition company capable of offering this ambitious journey aboard a polar-class icebreaker in 2008.
130th Anniversary
Since the 16th Century, explorers have attempted to transit the Northeast Passage, which follows the Arctic coast of Russia from the Barents Sea to the Bering Strait. This sought after northern trading route shortens the sea voyage to Asia by almost 4,200 miles and 13 days.
In 1878, Swedish explorer Nils Nordenskjöld sailed Vega from Goteborg, Sweden arriving in Yokohama, Japan, in 1879. That was the first successful transit of the Northeast Passage. The feat was not repeated for nearly 35 years. The Arctic summer of 2008 is the 130th anniversary of that first successful transit. We are marking the occasion by designating the Northeast Passage our International Polar Year featured expedition.
Arctic Cruise Northeast Passage Itinerary:
- Day 1 Anchorage, Alaska
- Day 2 Embarkation Day
- Days 3-5 Chukotka Peninsula
- Days 6-7 Wrangel Island
- Days 8-14 New Siberian Islands
- Days 15-19 Severnaya Zemlya and Novaya Zemlya
- Days 20-21 Franz Josef Land
- Days 22-25 Barents Sea
- Day 26 Fly home
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Our actual program and routing will depend on local permissions, ice and weather conditions - which vary unpredictably from season to season and day to day—unexpected opportunities and our luck with wildlife sightings. This is an expedition into a very little-traveled area and no specific itinerary can be guaranteed in advance. A flexible approach to alterations of the itinerary will be essential for the success of this exciting voyage of discovery and will maximize our chances to see marine wildlife on the way. Therefore please read this itinerary as a guide only.
Voyage aboard the Kapitan Khlebnikov as indicated in the itinerary. Pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations in a shared twin room with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary. Charter flights to/from the port of embarkation as indicated in the itinerary. All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship. All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and helicopter (as included in group excursions with no specific amount of helicopter time guaranteed). Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff. Transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship as indicated in the itinerary. All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program. Comprehensive pre-departure materials and Arctic handbook. Special expedition jacket. Detailed post-expedition log.
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights except as specified; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore and supplement for single hotel accommodations; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided). Any possible helicopter flying time in excess of that offered for the group will be charged at an hourly rate to be announced onboard.
A deposit of $2000 of the cabin rate is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in U.S. dollars, and no other currencies can be accepted.
All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received up to 150 days prior to departure are refunded less an administrative fee of $500 per person. If cancellation is received between 149 and 90 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited. Please note that for cancellations received within 89 days prior to departure, all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 89 -day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid monies are due immediately. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Prices quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including any helicopter flying time (if applicable and which, at the discretion of the Captain and Expedition Leader, may or may not be utilized).
The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the ship's master. This is an expedition to a remote part of the world, and we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions, availability of anchorage, political conditions and other factors beyond our control without consulting the participants. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all passengers aboard and with regard to the safety of the vessel. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes. Nothing in this brochure is meant to signify the use of any specific design or model of helicopter. Not all voyages include the use of helicopters.
Visas for Russia will be required for those traveling on the Northeast Passage voyage and the cost of processing this visa is additional. REI Adventures will provide you with a Russian visa kit in your confirmation packet which includes details on visa processing. All completed forms, your passport and photos along with payment for this visa are to be sent directly to the visa service. We recommend that non-US passengers secure their Russian visa independently.
If you plan to secure your Russian visa independently, you must advise us. A letter of invitation is required, which can only be provided by Quark Expeditions, and will be required when you apply for the visa. Quark Expeditions and REI Adventures cannot be held responsible for the improper processing of a Russian visa and, as a result, you will not be allowed to board the flight in Anchorage, Alaska for Anadyr, Russia.
Voyage rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices accordingly.
Please read this important information carefully. The payment of a deposit of any part or full payment for a reservation on this tour shall constitute consent to all the provisions contained herein.
Quark Expeditions Inc. (QEI) and Supernova Expeditions Ltd. (SEL) act as general sales agents for the vessel and as such exercise every possible care. However, QEI, SEL, their subsidiaries and/or associated Agents, shall not be held responsible for property loss or damage and/or any damages resulting from illness, personal injuries or death which may be sustained by reason of, or while engaged on, any tour whether due to the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any aircraft, helicopter, automobile, bicycle, boat, vehicle, hotel, common carrier or any other conveyance used in carrying out these tours. We can assume no liability due to any cause whatsoever whether caused by failure or delay or other irregularity, acts or omissions occurring during a tour under which the means of transportation or other service provided thereby is offered or supplied by owners, operators or public carriers for whom QEI and SEL act only as agent.
QEI and SEL reserve the right (at their discretion) to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change any reservation, feature and/or means of conveyance without notice and for any reason whatsoever and without allowance or refund and with extra costs, if any, resulting therefrom paid by the passengers. We reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part.
QEI and SEL shall not be responsible for any injury to person (whether or not resulting in death) or damage to property arising out of any act of war, insurrection, revolt or other civil uprising or military action occurring in the countries of origin, destination or passage. QEI and SEL strongly urge individual passengers obtain appropriate insurance coverage. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
In case of a medical problem arising during the voyage, either on board or on shore, which results in costs for evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the passenger. QEI and SEL strongly advise that passengers ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance. If not covered by travel insurance the responsibility still remains with the passenger and QEI and SEL specifically decline any responsibility whatsoever.
The transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their carriers or conveyances. The passenger contract in use by the carriers concerned (when issued) shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage. By accepting the ticket the passenger also agrees to its terms and conditions.
By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. QEI and SEL reserve the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of the tour at any time.
A polar-class icebreaker, combining power and technology with creature comforts. Originally designed for the rigors of northern Siberia, Kapitan Khlebnikov is one of a few vessels of its kind in the world.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Arctic Cruise Adventure: Northeast Passage
Weather
Gear Checklist
- Insulated parka—Quark Expeditions provides each trip member with their own expedition parka (included in trip price)
- A pair of rubber expedition boots
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase (2 maximum)
- Daypack or fanny pack to carry your camera, water bottle, extra clothing during shore landings
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Heavyweight fleece top or wool sweater
- Midweight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Casual shirts/pants for use aboard ship
- Underwear
- Hiking socks (for use during shore landings under boots)
- Casual socks
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable, side-zip pants are highly recommended
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Heavier, ski-type gloves
- Waterproof, over-the-calf, rubber boots with non-slip soles (if you prefer your own)
- Comfortable shoes (also for use aboard ship; non-slip soles are best!)
- One-quart water bottle (to stay hydrated during shore landings)
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Electrical adapter plug
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit/toiletries
- Personal first-aid kit
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Small binoculars
- Favorite energy snacks
- Sewing kit
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
Things to Consider
- Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. When the wind is constant, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Adequate wind/raingear is vital!
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- The dress code on board the ship is strictly casual, in the expedition spirit. There is no need to dress formally for meals.
- A few large zip-lock bags are useful to keep camera equipment and film dry while riding in the Zodiac and during wet shore landings.
- Bring more film than you think you will need. Certain film types will be difficult to purchase or unavailable once the trip begins. It is not unusual for participants to shoot a roll per day (even more if you are an enthusiastic photographer!).
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staffs at our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) are happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.