VICTORY EXPEDITIONS

Pearls of the Arctic

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Dates for 2006: 05.08 ñ 20.08 (16 days)

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The Pearls of the Russian Arctic

Icebreaker Expedition aboard the

i/b KAPITAN DRANITSYN

The islands of the Russian Arctic are ones of the places on the Earth that we can call ìterra incognitaî. Russian Arctic is little explored, out-of-the-way place, and at moment is almost unknown to the tourists. During the expedition aboard powerful arctic icebreakers we will have the unique opportunity ones in the firsts to acquaint with beauties of the islands, most of which were inaccessible for visits. We shall meet local people the Nenets living on the Arctic islands. We shall see their sacrificial places on mysterious Vaigach Island. Some researches call Vaigach ëthe Easter Island of the Arctic'.

Previously we were doing our icebreaker expeditions to more or less single destinations: the North Pole and Franz Josef Land. Nevertheless, while visiting those destinations our tourists were able to experience the variety of the Arctic: for example, each island of Franz Josef Land performs its own character. Now we have decided to give participants of our expeditions a chance to get a deeper insight into the variety of the ArcticÖ

The ìPearls of the Russian Arcticî covers several destinations, which are part of the Northeast PassageÖ

The ìPearls of the Russian Arcticî is our new program aboard the i/b ìKapitan Dranitsynî: in 2006 we are up to opening the Arctic lands, which have been closed for visitors for decades. We shall be exploring Novaya Zemlya, Severnaya Zemlya, Islands of Vise, Belyi, Vilkitsky, Izvestiy CIK, besides Vaigach Island (Vaigach is the only sacral island in the World that has been used by the Arctic peoples as the place to worship their gods. And there still is a lot of mystery about this islandÖ). Severnaya Zemlya was the last blank spot in the Arctic Ocean ñ it was discovered only at the beginning of the XX century. And since that time many explorers of the Northeast Passage have been viewing it as a gateway to their expeditions.

 

Day-by-day Itinerary

The tourists should keep in mind that this is a unique expedition to a remote and very little explored part of the globe. Our sample itineraries should therefore be read as a guide only, depending heavily on weather and ice conditions, as well as on other circumstances. Our aspiration is to visit historic sites and to learn the wildlife of these astonishing islands.


 
 Navigation in Arctic regions depends heavily on weather and ice conditions. Our routes are structured so that they should allow the passengers to spend as much time as possible on the shore getting to know live nature and historical places of this severe region. Using our special boats, we shall land in the places where other ships dare not approach.
 
The islands of the Russian Arctic are ones of the places on the Earth that we can call "terra incognita". Russian Arctic is little explored, out-of-the-way place, and at moment is almost unknown to the tourists. During the expedition aboard powerful arctic icebreakers we will have the unique opportunity ones in the firsts to acquaint with beauties of the islands, most of which were inaccessible for visits.
Day-by-day Itinerary
Tourists should keep in mind that this is a unique expedition to a remote and very little explored part of the globe. Our sample itineraries should therefore be read as a guide only, depending heavily on weather and ice conditions, as well as on other circumstances. Our aspiration is to visit historic sites and to learn the wildlife of these astonishing islands.
Day 1 A charter flight departs from Helsinki to Murmansk. After a bus transfer we embark the icebreaker "Kapitan Dranitsyn". Today we get acquainted with our vessel. We need to learn about the inner arrangements of the vessel to make it easier to find our way around. Expedition Staff members, helicopter pilots and crew officers will be introduced to us in the Lecture Hall. Instructions on how to use helicopters, Zodiac type boats and rescue facilities are mandatory. Lifeboat Drill is also to follow.
Day 2 At sea. Course to Novaya Zemlya.
Day 3 Our icebreaker will sail along the western coast of the Island Severny of Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. If not prevented by bad weather, the glacier-coated mountainsides of this island will reveal their beauty to us. Having reached Novaya Zemlya we will land at Inostrantsev`s Bay by helicopters. This bay juts out vastly into the dry land, setting against the giant outlet glacier with deep cracks. In the company of our lectors we walk around the coastline to observe some wonderful species of the Arctic flora.
Day 4

At Sea. We are on our way to Vise Island. The area of this island is only some 50 sq. kilometers, and it is named after the great Russian oceanologist, professor Vise. Professor Vise calculated the location of this island having studied the drift-way of the schooner St. - Anna in 1912-13. This island has been practically discovered on August 13, 1930, which is exactly 75 years ago.
Day 5 We shall land onto Vise Island by helicopters. Our purpose is to visit the real working polar station here. This polar station is one of few working ones left, and it also can be counted the most northern one in the western part of the Russian Arctic, since the polar station on Rudolf Island has been closed.
Day 6 At sea. Sailing toward Severnaya Zemlya. Severnaya Zemlya is the vast Arctic Archipelago, and the Russian Hydrographic Expedition to the Arctic Ocean has discovered it at the beginning of the last century. The area of this archipelago is about 32 000 sq. meters, it consists of 5 large islands. We intend to take a closer look at this wonderful Arctic land. It is visited very rarely: the last passenger icebreaker has been visiting the archipelago in 1998.
Day 7 We plan to approach the group of islands, belonging to the small Sedov Archipelago, and to land onto the Golomyanny Island by helicopters. Here we shall visit the polar station, which may be called the most remarkable polar station in the Arctic. Two united families of polar explorers live and work here permanently for more than 16 years already. We shall meet them to learn about their life in the Arctic, and will listen to their amazing stories. Polar bears are frequent visitors to the station: sometimes they visit it several times a day.
Day 8 Our itinerary takes us to the Northeast toward the eastern coast of Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago. Our icebreaker will cross the Red Army strait. This strait is a very narrow one, and it is hard for navigation. On our way, we are very likely to see icebergs of various shapes, to enjoy glaciers. Polar bears are very possible here.
Day 9 The Red Army strait will lead us out and into the Laptev Sea. We sail along the coast of October Revolution Island, which is the largest one of Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago. We plan our next landing to take place onto the Cape Baranova at Bolshevik Island, where the modern polar station Prima is located. It has been used for scientific purposes only for a few years. Starting from the beginning of 1990th it has been used for tourism purposes (after certain refurbishment): it was part of the arrangements for ski tours to the North Pole. At the present moment it is at preservation.
Day 10

Having landed at Prima we shall be sailing toward the South-South-West to enter Shokalski Strait. In spite of the fact, that this strait is wider, that the Red Army strait, the Captain and the Crew will also perform the art of navigation here: there are a lot of icebergs in the strait, which split from numerous glaciers of the close-by islands. Weather permitting; we shall try to land onto the appropriate tabletop iceberg.
Day 11 The Kara Sea. Sailing toward the Island Belyi. On the way we might visit the Island of Izvestiy CIK and Vilkitsky Island. There are also polar stations on these islands. The work of the one on Belyi Island has been started again in 2002, after long break.
Day 12 Landing onto Belyi Island. There is a working polar station on the island. Way of life of polar explorers it strictly defined by certain principles and rules, common for the Arctic region. Nevertheless, way of life of each polar explorers community boasts certain peculiarities. Inhabitants of each of the polar stations we visit will be glad to tell us their own unique stories.
Day 13 At the Kara Sea. Sailing toward Vaigach Island.
Day 14 Landing onto Vaigach Island. During the 1930th Stalin KGB expedition has been working here. We shall observe the remains of the barracks by this expedition, which was after copper and zinc ores. Here we shall also meet local people the Nentsy.
Day 15 Having sailed around Vaigatch Island from the east, our icebreaker will enter the Barents Sea via the strait Yugorsky Shar. Since the ancient times this strait has been used to sail from the Barents Sea into the Kara Sea and vice versa. In 1594 the vessels of Barents Expedition sailed across this strait. Russians and pomors have been using it to get to creeks of Siberian rivers starting from 16 century.
Day 16 In the morning we arrive at Murmansk. We disembark and transfer to the local airport for the flight to Helsinki.
 
 
Prices for 2006
Triple Cabin $11 200
Twin Cabin $13 100
Suite $15 350
Corner Suite $16 700
  Rates per person in US Dollars, based on double occupancy. The rate of single occupancy is 1.7 times the shared rate.
Expedition rates include:

* Transfers between the airport, ship and airport;
* Baggage transfer between the airport and the ship;
* Voyage aboard the vessel "Kapitan Dranitsyn" as indicated in the itinerary;
* All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by "Zodiacs" and helicopters (as included in planned group excursions);
* Program of lectures by noted naturalists and the service of an experienced guide;
* Four meals a day.

Not included:

* Airfares;
* Passport and visa expenses (if required);
* Government arrival and departure taxes (if required);
* Meals ashore and supplement for single hotel accommodation (if required);
* Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended);
* Excess baggage charges; telecommunication services; laundry, bar and beverage charges;
* Standard tips at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personal aboard (at your discretion).
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Pearls of the Russian Arctic we have the following lecturers:

Lecturers abroad the Cruise
25.07 ñ 09.08.2005

Expedition Leader: Viktor Boyarsky

Cruise Director: Maxim Chernyshev

Biologist: Sepp Friedhuber

Geologist: Franz Gingele

Naturalist: Dieter Joern

Lecturer: Helfried Weyer

09.08 ñ 24.08.2005

Expedition Leader: Andreas Umbreit

Cruise Director: Maxim Chernyshev

Biologist: Nikolai Mugue

Geologist: Franz Gingele

Naturalist: Dieter Joern

Naturalist/Historian: Richard Sale


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Lectures aboard the icebreaker do not take after High School classes: all the information is given to an audience in informal and friendly matter. The lectures are always very informative and wonderful slides are shown to our passengers in order that guests may feel more profoundly the atmosphere of the Arctic region. Guests on board can expect an efficient response from lecturers, no matter how complicated
the question might be. Quite often in the bar area, in a friendly atmosphere guests and our lecturers meet and exchange opinions on various matters. The lecturers are keen to respond any question the best way they can. Moreover, while ashore our efficient lecturers assist the passengers and like to respond to numerous queries asked with regard of flora and fauna of the area as well as history. Being a part of Expedition team lecturers quite often give a hand on helicopter deck and while guests go to rubber boat excursion. Beyond any doubt, everyone, having cruised with us, takes home not only good impressions but new attainments also...

 

List of Lectures

Lectures aboard the icebreaker do not take after High School classes: all the information is given to an audience in informal and friendly matter. Beyond any doubt, everyone, having cruised with us, takes home not only good impressions but new attainments alsoÖ

1. History of Geographical Discovery, referring to old maps.

2. Franz Josef Land. History of discovery. Nature and geology of Franz Josef Land.

3. Novaya Zemlya. Discovery and research history. Radio-active wastes around Novaya Zemlya.

4. Oceanography in the Arctic. Development researches of the Arctic Ocean. Warm current inflow. Movement of Sea water in the Arctic basin.

5. Glaciation and Ice age in European Arctic. Glacier landscapes illustrating glacier retreat. Retreting history since 15000 years ago in Barents Sea. How to study temperature conditions in the Ice age, and temperature variations.

6. Arctic Flora. History of Life on the Earth, in changing composition of the Atomosphere. Oxygen and Ozone. Various flower plants on Franz Josef Land.

7. Arctic Fauna. Distribution of birds and mammals. Whaling history. Human impacts.

8. Arctic ecosystem and Pollutions. Some examples of Human impact on the Ecosystem of Barents Sea; Sea birds and Capelin, bisexial polar bear. Radioactive wastes.

9. Geophysics of the Earth. Earth's magnetic field and Aurora Borealis vs. Solar activity. Reversal of the Earth's magnetic polarity, magnetic zebras and opening of ocean.

10. Geological development of the Arctic. Wandering of North Pole. Magnetic zebras on the floors of North Atrantic and Arctic Ocean. Opening of the European half of the Arctic Ocean and Lomonosov Ridge. Geological history of Barents Sea and its margins.

11. Modern ski adventures on the North Pole.

12. Welcome to the State Museum of Arctic and Antarctic (the lecturer is Viktor Boyarsky, ñ Director of this museum).

Each lecturer will be delievered with more than 15 pictures and tables.

The islands of the Russian Arctic are ones of the places on the Earth that we can call ìterra incognitaî. Russian Arctic is little explored, out-of-the-way place, and at moment is almost unknown to the tourists. During the expedition aboard powerful arctic icebreakers we will have the unique opportunity ones in the firsts to acquaint with beauties of the islands, most of which were inaccessible for visits.

Expedition rates include:

* Transfers between the airport, ship and airport;
* Baggage transfer between the airport and the ship;
* Voyage aboard the vessel "Kapitan Dranitsyn" as indicated in the itinerary;
* All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by "Zodiacs" and helicopters (as included in planned group excursions);
* Program of lectures by noted naturalists and the service of an experienced guide;
* Four meals a day;
* Pre-departure materials;
* All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

Please, note: net charter flight (Helsinki ñ Murmansk ñ Helsinki) ticket cost is Approx. USD 380.00 per person

 

Also we have the:

North Pole aboard icebreaker "Yamal"

More photos of the trips

North Pole 2006. Some of our partners have already startedÝtaking bookings to the North Pole for 2006. Thus, we would like to provide for preliminary information on the dates and rates for the North Pole 2006. WeÝhope toÝhave the exact rates for you in the middle of Summer (or earlier).

Dates:
31.07 - 14.08.2006
12.08 - 26.08.2006
24.08 - 07.09.2006 (optional)

Rates:
Standard Cabin - USD 16 900-00
Mini Suite - USD 19 900-00
Suite - USD 21 900-00

Early Bird Discount:
USD 1 000-00 till November 30, 2006

At the moment we are taking booking for the cruise 31.07 - 14.08.2006.

    Please contact me for questions about the Pearls of the Russian Arctic or North Pole, or to make reservations for these trips.

Looking forward to your inquiry.
 
Sincerely Yours,

Capt. Ben Garrett 

mailto:CaptainBen@victory-cruises.com


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