HIGH ARCTIC ODYSSEY Remote Russian Archipelagos - Alberta Viaggi
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HIGH ARCTIC
ODYSSEY
Remote Russian Archipelagos
A
Contents 1 Overview 2 Itinerary 6 Arrival and Departure Details 8 Your Ship 10 Included Activities 11 Dates & Rates 12 Inclusions & Exclusions 13 Your Expedition Team 14 Extend Your Trip 15 Meals on Board 16 Possible Excursions 19 Packing Checklist
Overview
High Arctic Odyssey: Remote Russian Archipelagos
One of Earth’s last regions to be discovered, and the newest destination in Quark EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
Expeditions’ portfolio, the High Russian Arctic is a place of mystery, beauty and Experience a true expedition as we
wonder. On this stirring voyage along Russia’s ice-draped coastlines, we invite explore rarely visited Severnaya Zemlya
you to become one of the first passengers to visit this little-known region and
Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, such as
encounter sights rarely seen by even the most intrepid adventurers. polar bears, walrus and seabirds
From the breathtaking glaciers of Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land to the Explore glaciated Novaya Zemlya, where
the earliest Arctic explorers overwintered
stark, secluded islands of the icy Kara Sea, the remarkable features of this isolated
wilderness will leave you awed and inspired. An incredible 22-day journey that Visit significant sites at Franz Josef Land
and learn about the region’s fascinating
will take you to far-flung landscapes unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed,
history
High Arctic Odyssey is exclusively designed to allow you to maximize your time
Discover rarely visited islands of the icy
exploring these pristine environments, appreciate the rich and dramatic polar
Kara Sea
history of these faraway destinations, and, especially, increase your chances
of observing the region’s diverse and magnificent wildlife, such as whales, seals,
muskox, walruses and polar bears. If conditions allow, this itinerary will also
include Severnaya Zemlya, the last major territorial discovery on Earth. Come
aboard and venture to one of the most remote corners of the globe with the
most experienced expedition team in the industry.
1
Itinerary
DAY 1 | HELSINKI, FINLAND DAYS 3 AND 4 | AT SEA
Your Arctic adventure begins in Today we sail through the Barents
Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary Sea, named for the great Dutch GREENLAND
Arctic
Ocean
architecture and design scene and explorer Willem Barents, who led North
Pole °
intriguing mix of eastern and western two expeditions to Novaya Zemlya Greenland Sea
influences. If you arrive early, explore in the 1590s. Your Expedition Team Franz Josef
Severnaya
Zemlya
Svalbard Land
the many museums, galleries and will prepare you for the adventures
restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna that await. Learn about the intriguing Barents Sea
or wander the vibrant Design District history and politics of the region, its
Kara
Novaya Sea
before retiring at your included hotel. fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology
Zemlya
Murmansk
and climate, and the incredible sights
DAY 2 | EMBARKATION IN Helsinki
MURMANSK, RUSSIA you will soon explore. Expedition Staff A R CT I C
C I R CL E
After breakfast, we will transfer to the will also keep a lookout for the seabirds, RUSSIA
Scheduled route Flight route
airport and board our private charter such as kittiwakes, skuas and fulmars,
Areas where ice may be present
flight to Murmansk, Russia. Once soaring above your ship. Whale and seal
aboard, get acquainted with the ship and sightings may also be possible in this HIGH ARCTIC ODYSSEY
Remote Russian Archipelagos
crew and settle in for your voyage north. biologically rich sea. Onboard the Ocean Adventurer
Flights to/from Helsinki
2
DAYS 5 TO 7 | EXPLORING Boasting one of the most picturesque A significant site in polar exploration,
NOVAYA ZEMLYA glaciers in the entire archipelago, Novaya Zemlya also offers a number
The largest of the Eurasian Arctic Inostrantseva Bay provides breathtaking of opportunities for you to trace the
archipelagoes, the rarely visited panoramic views of pristine Arctic footsteps of famous explorers and reflect
Novaya Zemlya (“New Land”) is wilderness. If conditions allow, we may on the region’s history.
the third-largest wilderness area in explore ashore, or Zodiac cruise along
Europe. This seemingly long, thin the face of the glacier, at a safe distance, DAYS 8 TO 13 | EXPLORING
THE KARA SEA & SEVERNAYA ZEMLYA
island actually consists of two main possibly witnessing the wonders of
Say goodbye to Novaya Zemlya as we
islands, Severny (northern) and Yuzhny calving ice. Encounters with Brünnich’s
cruise farther east, exploring the Kara
guillemots (thick-billed murres) are
(southern), separated by the imposing Sea. The westernmost Asian sea off
likely, owing to a small colony in the
Matochkin Strait. These islands are Siberia, the Kara Sea is known as the
coastal cliffs.
pure, rugged Arctic beauty at its best— “ice cellar” of the Arctic, as it is often
massive extinct volcanoes, jagged ice To the east of Severny Island are the encumbered by trapped ice floes. Ice
cliffs and the most isolated mountain Oransky Islands. Wildlife abounds here, conditions will be considered by your
range in the Barents Sea. with a variety of animal and plant life to skilled captain during navigation—
be discovered, walrus have been sighted luckily sea ice happens to be a great
As we explore Novaya Zemlya, expect here on previous expeditions. Coming habitat for iconic Arctic wildlife. There
a new adventure every day. Each across a walrus haul-out is unforgettable. are several sites and small archipelagoes
expedition will be unique, depending These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic along the Siberian coast we hope
on the weather and ice, but a few create a raucous as each walrus vies for to explore, tracing the path of polar
landing sites we strive to visit include a choice spot of coastline. Encounters explorers searching for the Northeast
Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, with whales and seabirds are possible, as Passage. Weather and ice will determine
Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory Navalok well as polar bears, a genetically distinct where we explore, but some areas we
subpopulation here. hope to visit include Russky Island,
and Russkaya Gavan.
Troynoy Island and Cape Chelyuskin.
3
Both Russky Island and Troynoy Island Dependent on ice and weather DAY 14 | AT SEA
are part of the Great Arctic State Nature conditions, an exploration of Severnaya There are several activities to keep you
Reserve, the largest reserve in Eurasia. Zemlya embodies the true spirit of engaged while at sea. Attend dynamic
Russky Island is the site of a former adventure. Dominated by glaciers and presentations by your Expedition Team,
polar station, established, in part, to polar desert, the archipelago was not relax in our polar library or simply
monitor navigation along the Northern discovered until 1913 and remained spend some time on deck, admiring the
Sea Route, the Russian section of the virtually unexplored till 1930–32, the last sea and searching for wildlife.
Northeast Passage. major undiscovered territory on earth.
Amongst many possible destinations, DAYS 15 TO 18 | EXPLORING
Troynoy Island is the largest of the we hope to visit a number of glaciers, FRANZ JOSEF LAND
Izvesti Tsik Islands, about 90 miles including the Vavilov Ice Cap and This remote group of approximately
(150 km) off the coast of the Taymyr those at Marat Fjord. If conditions are 200 islands, many ice covered, forms the
Peninsula. The island is uninhabited, favorable, we may cruise the Red Army most northerly archipelago in Eurasia
except for the researchers at the weather Strait, flanked by the massive Academy and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle.
station. Home to an ivory gull colony, the of Sciences Glacier (which also runs A nature reserve, it is part of the Russian
island is also frequented by polar bears. along the eastern shore of Zhuravlev Arctic National Park. Our exploration
Bay) and the smaller Rusanov Glacier. of the region is highly determined by
At the tip of the Taymyr Peninsula is weather and ice conditions, but we hope
Cape Chelyuskin, the northernmost As one of very few people to ever
explore this remote area in depth, to explore historical sites, remote seabird
point of the Russian and Eurasian colonies and walrus rookeries such as
mainland and the site of another active you’ll want to have your camera ready
to capture these amazing sights. Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell Island and
research station. Here, at “the edge of the Tikhaya Bukta. Polar bear encounters are
earth,” we hope to explore on foot. also probable.
4
On Jackson Island, Cape Norway is DAYS 19 AND 20 | AT SEA
where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof As your Arctic expedition winds down,
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered you have a couple of days to sail through
Embracing the unexpected is part
from 1895 to 1896. The conditions were this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of of the legacy—and excitement—of
astonishingly difficult, but they survived various species are often seen. Take in expedition travel. When traveling
until the summer and continued their a presentation, reminisce about your in extremely remote regions, your
journey south. The remains of their stone journey with your shipmates, relax in Expedition Team must consider the
hut are still here today, with a memorial the lounge while swapping stories and sea, ice and weather to guide the route
marking the event. photos or enjoy the solitude of the sea. and itinerary details. This itinerary is
Expedition staff will be on hand to a tentative outline of what you may
Exploring Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), experience on this voyage; please be
answer any questions and spot wildlife.
the site of an abandoned weather station aware that no specific itinerary can be
on Hooker Island, is a step back in time. DAY 21 | DISEMBARKATION guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife
There is plenty to discover as you wander MURMANSK & FLY TO HELSINKI encounters as described are expected,
the ruins, immersed in Russian polar Returning to Russia’s most northerly but not guaranteed. Your Expedition
history. As this station is now seasonally city, you’ll have time to bid farewell to Team will use their considerable
used by the national park rangers, you your Expedition Team and crew before experience to seek out wildlife in
may even be able to send a postcard from catching our group charter flight back to known habitats, but the presence
Helsinki, where you will have one more of any particular species of bird or
the post office!
marine wildlife is not guaranteed.
night in this exquisite city.
Another possible landing site, if time
and weather permit, is Cape Tegetthoff DAY 22 | HELSINKI
on Hall Island, where we hope to visit After breakfast, spend time exploring
the remains of a historic base. The more of the Finnish capital or catch your
scenery here is spectacular, and we may homeward-bound flight.
be fortunate to view polar bears and
Atlantic walrus.
5
Arrival & Departure Details
As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and departure
details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost of your
expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your
adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 14, learn how to add on a pre- or
post-expedition stop—or both!—in Helsinki or a nearby region of your choice.
Arrival Day and Embarkation
ARRIVING IN HELSINKI
You may arrive in Helsinki at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Your included
accommodation will be at the airport hotel, so arrival transfers are not necessary.
On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure
information for the following day’s flight. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® PLEASE NOTE
will be available in the lobby of the hotel that evening to answer any questions about There is a strict luggage limit of 44 lbs
the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning. (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg)
cabin baggage on the flights between
MURMANSK AND EMBARKATION Helsinki and Murmansk. Should you
have additional luggage, it can be stored
Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Helsinki to Murmansk on Day 2 of
at the hotel in Helsinki. There is NO
the itinerary. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your welcome letter,
option to pay for additional luggage.
and you will be transferred from your hotel to check in at the airport. Upon arrival in
Murmansk, you will be transferred to the port and onto the ship.
6
Final Day and Included
Departure Accommodations IMPORTANT
DISEMBARKATION IN MURMANSK Your included accommodation begins on
REMINDER
Your ship is scheduled to arrive back at Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific Russian visas are required for
tourists from most countries. See
the pier in Murmansk before 8am local hotel(s) will be indicated on your final
your country’s Russian consulate
time, but may arrive earlier depending voyage confirmation. If you are arriving
or embassy for details.
on Murmansk tides. After breakfast, and prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are
once the ship has docked, you will have staying after the disembarkation day,
time to bid farewell to your Expedition please contact your Polar Travel Adviser
Team and shipmates before completing for hotel options.
your disembarkation. The process takes
about an hour. After disembarkation, Arrival and Departure
you will transfer to the airport for your
return charter flight to Helsinki.
Transfers
HELSINKI AIRPORT TRANSFERS
DEPARTING FROM HELSINKI Arrival and departure transfers in
Upon arrival in Helsinki, there will be a Helsinki are not included in the
group transfer to your included post- expedition. Your first night’s included
expedition hotel in downtown Helsinki. accommodation will be provided at
After breakfast the following morning, the airport hotel, so please make your
you may make your way to the airport to way to the lobby for check-in when
connect with your homeward flight, or you arrive. A departure transfer to
stay longer if you have booked additional the airport is not provided from the
accommodation. downtown hotel at the end of your
stay in Helsinki.
7
Your Ship
Quark Expeditions® boasts the largest
polar-class fleet of any polar operator,
and the ability to offer you this
incredible voyage on one of our ice
strengthened vessels.
The entire Quark Expeditions®
fleet is built for challenging polar
environments, allowing us to take you
to places ordinary cruise companies
wouldn’t dream of going.
8FUNNEL
OBSERVATION DECK
510
510
512 BRIDGE
511
FUNNEL
OCEAN ADVENTURER —Newly Renovated! BRIDGE DECK
Our popular ship Sea Adventurer has been relaunched as OBSERVATION DECK
Ocean Adventurer after a multimillion-dollar renovation. CLINIC
404 406408
402 400
A team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers 510
510
POLAR
LIBRARY
403 401 405 407409
and polar expedition specialists worked together to enhance 512
511
BRIDGE
this nimble and intimate fleet favorite. Upgrades include BRIDGE DECK
CAPTAIN’S DECK
a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus the complete
remodeling of the lounge, dining room and bar. All cabins CLINIC
304 CLIPPER 302 300
404 406408
PURSER’S
OFFICE
402 CLUB 400
received brand new bathroom facilities. Six new deluxe
POLAR
LIBRARY
DINING MAIN
ROOM 403 WC401 EL 405 407409 LOUNGE
OFFICE
cabins as well as three new suites have also been added. 311 309 307 305 303 301 CAPTAIN’S RECEPTION
DECK
Major technical enhancements include two new Rolls-Royce UPPER DECK
POLAR BOUTIQUE
engines, which yield increased speed and fuel efficiency, and 304 CLIPPER
CLUB
302 300
PURSER’S
OFFICE
a minimized carbon footprint. DINING
ROOM WC EL
MAIN
LOUNGE
228
226
224
222
220
OFFICE
218
216
214
212
208
206
210
204
202
200
RECEPTION
311 309 307 305 303 301
ZODIAC
BOARDING
UPPER DECK
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: ROOMS POLAR BOUTIQUE
GYM
205
203
201
Staff & Crew: 87
209
207
211
229
212227
210225
223
231
221
202 219
217
215
228
226
224
222
220
218
216
214
MAIN DECK
208
206
Guests: 128
204
200
ZODIAC
BOARDING
Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed ROOMS
112GYM
205
203
201
Ice Class: 1A
209
207
211
229
227
225
223
108
231
221
219
217
215
110
106
104
MAIN DECK
102
100
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. STERN BOW
108
112
110
106
104
103
101
102
100
107
105
109
111
STERN BOW
LOWER DECK
103
101
107
105
109
111
LOWER DECK
Triple Superior
Triple Superior
Lower Deck Twin Deluxe
Lower Deck Twin Deluxe
MainMain DeckPorthole
Deck Twin Twin Porthole
Suite Suite
MainMain DeckWindow
Deck Twin Owner’s SuiteOwner’s
Twin Window Suite
9Included Activities
Ready for a little adventure beyond your ZODIAC CRUISING will introduce you to the fascinating
ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar history, biology, ornithology, and
offers a variety of recreational activities expeditions, taking you to places the glaciology of the region, and much, much
to enhance your polar experience. ships can’t access, allowing you to reach more.
remote shorelines, explore shallow
inlets and search for unique wildlife. POLAR PLUNGE
Expedition staff make stepping in and This rite of passage, scheduled only once
out of them safe and comfortable. per expedition, gives you the chance
to jump safely into the bracing Arctic
HIKING waters under the watchful eye of our
Led by experienced staff, exploring on staff—and just about every single camera
foot is the best way to appreciate the on board!
polar landscapes. Our guides are able
to accommodate a range of skill levels PHOTOGRAPHY
to suit every passenger. Walking poles Documenting your voyage so you can
are provided at each landing for your take the memories home is a rewarding
convenience. As there are a limited experience. Our photography guides will
number of poles available, please bring help you hone your skills to capture the
your own if you require them on every beauty of the polar regions.
landing, as some landing sites will offer Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your
more demanding options than others. Travel Professional for more information
about your Included Activities and Adventure
PRESENTATIONS
Options, including the necessary experience,
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations
physical requirements and cost.
from our world-class onboard polar
experts—guides, scientists, naturalists,
historians and other special guests who
10Dates
High Arctic Odyssey: Remote Russian Archipelagos
OCEAN ADVENTURER
Dates Days Start / End
ARCTIC 2021
JUL 28 – AUG 18, 2021 22 Helsinki
ARCTIC 2020
JUL 22 - AUG 12, 2020 22 Helsinki
11Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions Exclusions
RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY
• Leadership throughout your voyage by our • F ormal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE:
experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • andatory Transfer Package*
M
landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • International airfare
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki
program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Passport and visa expenses
• All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • Government arrival and departure taxes not
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin mentioned above
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program • Baggage, cancellation, interruption
dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship and medical travel insurance—strongly
Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers recommended
kosher meals.)
to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person • Excess-baggage fees on international flights
• Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and
• Russian invitation letter for visa application • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac
cocoa available around the clock
provided after final payment cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar and other personal charges
*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: unless specified
• One night’s pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki • Phone and Internet charges
• Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for
• Transfers to and from the ship in Murmansk shipboard staff and crew
• Transfers between the airport and hotel in Helsinki in conjunction with charter flight • Additional overnight accommodation
• Adventure Options not listed in Included
PACKAGE PRICE: $1,995 USD Activities
12Your Expedition Team
Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied
as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their
knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar
environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic.
With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions
and an industry leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the
unexpected. Ensuring this hard earned experience is passed on, our new expedition
staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on
polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing
training for experienced staff.
13Extend
Your Trip
PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION
TRIP EXTENSIONS
You can extend your trip by booking
extra days to explore other northern
cities before or after the voyage.
Since you’re traveling such a long way,
you may want to spend extra time in
Helsinki. This dynamic city known for
melding old-world architecture with
modern metropolitan ways, has plenty
to offer culture enthusiasts and foodies
alike. Stroll Helsinki’s charming streets,
grab a pint at a microbrewery, or visit
dazzling shops, galleries and a traditional
public sauna.
FROM TOP: Helsinki; the Sibelius Monument;
Helsinki Cathedral
14Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While
meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always
be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be
accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served
plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to
prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals
during the course of your expedition.
Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer
and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available
around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines
and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard
account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow
shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
15Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote murman, which means “the edge of the
regions, your Expedition Team must earth”). The following year, as a result of
consider the sea, ice and weather the October Revolution, the name was
to guide the route and itinerary details. changed to Murmansk. The port remains
The following sites are a sample of ice-free all year, making it a significant
what you may experience on your naval base and fishing and shipbuilding
expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac hub; in fact, the largest city north of
cruise, or shore landing. the Arctic Circle is the headquarters of
both the Russian Northern Fleet and the
Finland nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet.
HELSINKI
This seaside city is known for its vibrant Novaya Zemlya
cultural and design scene, as well as its CAPE SPORY NAVALOK
extraordinary mix of architecture styles. The earliest Arctic explorers, led by
It was named the World Design Capital in Dutch navigator and cartographer
2012, which also happened to be its 200th Willem Barents, wintered here, on the
anniversary as the capital of Finland. northeast coast of Novaya Zemlya, in
1596–97, when their ship became trapped
Russia in the ice. It was the third of Barents’
expeditions to search for the Northeast
MURMANSK
Passage, but also his last. He died a week
Founded in 1916, as a supply port during
after he and his crew left the cape in
the First World War, Murmansk was
open boats in the spring. The remains of
initially named Romanov-on-Murman
their hut were found in 1871.
for the Russian royal family (“Murman”
likely derives from the Sami word
16CAPE ZHELANIYA from the harshest conditions. They expeditions, Leigh Smith, Jackson-
Located at the northernmost point of boast an abundance of wildlife, including Harmsworth (Jackson’s journal was
Severny Island, Cape Zhelaniya (which walrus, polar bears, whales and seabirds. published as A Thousand Days in the
means “Cape Desire” or “Cape Wish”) Arctic) and Ziegler-Fiala, camped here.
RUSSKAYA GAVAN
was named by Willem Barents. It marks Many buildings from the time are in
This is the site of a former polar
the boundary between the Barents Sea ruins or have fallen into the sea, but
station. Built in 1932, it closed in 1993.
and Kara Sea, as well as the boundary some remain and can be explored.
The surrounding bay is home to seabird
between Europe and Asia. A Soviet
cliffs and walrus can occasionally be CAPE NORWAY, JACKSON ISLAND
station was based here during the Second
found on nearby Bogaty Island. The Sometimes difficult to access, weather
World War, and then an experimental
bay is dominated by the cascading is always a factor at this northern part
station during the Cold War. An
Shokalsky Glacier. of the archipelago. A variety of Arctic
automated weather station has operated
flora is found here, making it particularly
here since 2005. The cape is protected as
part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Franz Josef Land interesting for botanists. This is also
the location where Fridtjof Nansen and
BELL ISLAND
INOSTRANTSEVA BAY Hjalmar Johansen stayed during the
In 1881, the Benjamin Leigh Smith
From moss and lichen to icebergs 1895–96 winter, and the remains of their
expedition built a hut here, but the crew
and glaciers, this picturesque bay is stone hut can be visited.
never had the opportunity to use it, as
often full of surprises. One of the most
their ship wrecked off the coast. The CAPE TEGETTHOF, HALL ISLAND
memorable sites in Novaya Zemlya, this
hut is well preserved and has a number The cape’s impressive tall cliffs are home
area is also known to be visited by the
of interesting inscriptions on its interior to large numbers of seabirds, while the
iconic polar bear.
walls. ruins of the Walter Wellman 1898–99
ORANSKY ISLANDS expedition are also found here. With a
CAPE FLORA, NORTHBROOK ISLAND
Located on the northwestern side of diverse landscape, the island is great for
More than half a dozen expeditions
Severny Island (Northern Island), these exploring on foot, provided that polar
passed through Cape Flora in the late
smaller islands are somewhat protected bears aren’t in the vicinity.
19th and early 20th centuries. Three
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Embracing the unexpected is part of the
legacy—and excitement—of expedition
travel. When traveling in extremely
remote regions, your Expedition Team
must allow the sea, the ice and the
weather to guide route and itinerary
details. This itinerary is a tentative
outline of what you’ll experience on
this voyage; please be aware that no
specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
By the same token, wildlife encounters
as described are expected, but not
guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will
use their considerable experience to
seek out wildlife in known habitats,
but the presence of any particular
species of bird or marine wildlife is
not a guarantee.
17RUBINI ROCK, HOOKER ISLAND
Considered by many to be home to the
Kara Sea and research station (1935–99) was the only
permanently inhabited place in the island
most impressive bird cliffs anywhere in Severnaya Zemlya group, which remains uninhabited today.
Franz Josef Land. The cliffs here host an CAPE CHELYUSKIN
TROYNOY ISLAND
abundance of seabirds, and because of This cape was first reached in 1742
An international World Wildlife Fund
deep waters, ships are able to approach by a land expedition led by Semyon
(now World Wide Fund for Nature)
the edge of the cliffs for spectacular Chelyuskin. It was initially called Cape
delegation visited Troynoy in July 1993
views. Most of Hooker Island’s shores East-Northern, but in 1842, on the 100th
at the inauguration of the Great Arctic
are dominated by glacier fronts. anniversary of the cape’s discovery, the
State Nature Reserve. The island is home
Russian Geographical Society renamed it
STOLICHKY AND to an ivory gull colony and is sometimes
in honor of the Russian polar explorer.
APPOLONOV ISLANDS visited by polar bears.
The star attractions of this pair of MARAT FJORD
small islands are walrus haul-outs. VAVILOV ICE CAP
Extending for about 15 miles (24 km), this
Hundreds of giant pinnipeds are This high-altitude glacier has been
is one of the iconic fjords of Severnaya
known to haul out on the islands as dramatically advancing in recent years.
Zemlya.
well as on ice floes in the surrounding ZHURAVLEV BAY
RED ARMY STRAIT
waters. Watching large groups of these This bay, named for Russian explorer
The largest ice cap in Severnaya Zemlya,
boisterous behemoths jockeying for Sergei Prokopyevich Zhuravlev, is located
the Academy of Sciences Glacier reaches
space is an unforgettable experience. at Komsomolets Island, the northernmost
the shore all along the northern edge of
Zodiac cruising to watch walrus from a island of Severnaya Zemlya.
the strait. The smaller Rusanov Glacier
distance is a possibility here.
stretches along the eastern part of the
TIKHAYA BUKTA (CALM BAY) southern shore.
From 1929 to 1963, a weather station was
RUSSKY ISLAND
based at this bay on the western side of
At 119 square miles (309 sq km), Russky
Hooker Island. Sections of the old station
is the largest island in the Nordenskiöld
have been refurbished as an outpost for
Archipelago. For many years, the
the national park rangers.
18Packing WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES
Weather is very variable; temperatures may hover
around the freezing mark and winds can be strong.
The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so
Checklist
that you may sometimes find it warm enough for
t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls,
fog and white-outs during an expedition and should
be ready for any conditions.
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark
voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of appropriate polar boots. Additional suggested items include:
FOR SHORE LANDINGS SUGGESTED ITEMS
Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the polar plunge!)
Mid-layer warm/fleece pant Binoculars
Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with extra batteries
Extra memory cards
Neck warmer or balaclava
Earplugs (in case of noisy cabinmates)
Warm hat that covers ears
Eye masks for sleeping
Waterproof pants
Seasickness, indigestion, headache
Waterproof gloves and glove liners
or other medicine
Sunscreen
Voltage converters and plug adapters
Sunglasses with UV protection (220V/European outlets)
Spare set of gloves Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising)
FOR ON BOARD
Comfortable casual clothing
(pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes
(NOTE: Flip flops or sandals should not be worn on board
due to safety concerns)
19TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Contact your Travel Professional
PHOTO CREDITS:
Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Michelle Sole;
Sue Flood; Abbey Weisbrot; Rogelio Espinosa; Irina Skalina; Cindy Miller Hopkins;
Hugo Perrin; Grange Productions; Focus Productions; Adobe Stock EXPEDITION BROCHURE
December 2019
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