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The Northern Sea Route

DEPARTING FROM:MurmanskFINAL DESTINATION:Anadyr

DURATION:27 Days/ 26 NightsREGION:ArcticSHIP:Spirit of Enderby & Shokalskiy

The allure of the mysterious Northeast Passage has captivated adventurers for centuries. Its Russian-controlled waters are steeped in history and mystery, while abundant wildlife is found along its remote shores. Only a handful of passenger vessels have ever completed a transit of this waterway, but recent changes in the summer sea ice conditions mean that it is now possible for a brief time each summer. Join us as we trace the route of legendary Polar explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiold, navigate narrow fiords, search for unique wildlife, glimpse into the past and experience the warmth of Arctic hospitality in local villages.

The vast shallow waters north of Russia, protected by the expansive sea ice that covers the region for most of the year, are a refuge for many Arctic species; Polar Bears roam throughout but there are especially large concentrations on the reserves of Wrangel Island and Franz Josef Land. During our voyage we travel through the ranges of the Pacific, Laptev and Atlantic Walrus and there is the opportunity to encounter these iconic tooth walkers in large haulouts. 

The triumvirate of Arctic gulls – Ivory, Sabine’s and the elusive Ross’s Gulls all breed on the shores of the Northeast Passage and there are good opportunities to see all three. While Bowhead, Beluga and Narwhal Whales all call these waters home and our naturalists will be keeping close watch.

Venture ashore on some of the least known and seldom visited shores on the planet, Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago was the last major group of islands on earth to be discovered, the New Siberian Islands offer a wealth of opportunities for discovery. Sailing the mythical waters of Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara & Barents Sea this is truly a geographic odyssey.

Our classic expedition ship was built for navigating passages like this and we invite you to join us on an historic journey to discover High Arctic landscapes that few people have witnessed, enjoy wildlife and wilderness experiences that until now have been the preserve of a few High Arctic explorers and researchers.

Ship Details

Spirit of Enderby & Shokalskiy

Spirit of Enderby & Shokalskiy

Operated by: Heritage Expeditions

Sister ships The Spirit of Enderby and Shokalskiy are fully ice-strengthened expedition vessels, built in 1984 for Russian polar and oceanographic research. 

They accommodate just 50 passengers and were refurbished in 2013 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space.

It is important to note that both ships were not built as tourist ships, and therefore the onboard facilities are rudimentary. There is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is very good and is prepared by New Zealand and Australian chefs. What is lacking in the way of onboard luxuries is more than made up for by the ships' tough construction, which includes an 1A ice-rating.

The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. These expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ships are crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Captain and crew.

Key Facts

Crew
30
Officers
Russian
Guests
50
Tonnage
1750
Length
234 Feet / 71.60 Metres
Width
42 Feet
Speed
10 Knots
Passenger Decks
3
Built
1984
Registry
Russia
Room Grades
Options

The following additional options may be added to your cruise.

Optional Charter Flight Anadyr to Nome

For those travellers wishing to return to Nome you have thew option to join a specially organised charter flight on Day 27 from Anadyr to Nome. Additional price is per person on US Dollars.

FROM USD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • USD
  • GBP
  • EUR
$1,500 Per Person (Indicative pricing in NZD. Sold in USD)
request booking
Optional Charter Flight Anadyr to Nome
Inclusions

Your cruise price includes:

  • Pre/Post cruise transfers
  • All on board ship accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
  • Expedition shore excursions


Your cruise price does not include:

  • All items of a personal nature
  • Laundry 
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • International/domestic flights, visas
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory for this voyage - SAVE 20% on nib Insurance when purchased with your expedition)
  • Private charter flight Anadyr to Nome - USD $1,500 per person