APEX EXPEDITIONS - Russian Arctic with Wrangel Island - August 10-23, 2019
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Russian
Cape to Arctic
Cape with
Wrangel Island
February 29 – March 23, 2016
August 10 – 23, 2019
This image and cover © Gary Krosin
Expedition O ver view
Historians call it Beringia, the legendary land bridge that once joined
Alaska to Siberia. The bridge gave way some 11,000 years ago, but the
islands and peninsulas that remain in the Bering and Chukchi Seas still
possess a Pleistocene character, down to the Woolly Mammoth remains
that continue to crop up on Wrangel Island. Step back in time on this
Bering Strait adventure with Apex. Return to a world where wildlife
reigns. See Gray Whale pods and Pacific Walrus haul-outs off the
Chukchi Peninsula; Emperor Geese and puffins on Kolyuchin Island;
© Gary Krosin
and Polar Bears thriving on Wrangel Island. Visit the ancient Yupik
ceremonial site known as “Whale Bone Alley” on Yttygran Island, and
Photos: (Cover) Musk Oxen,
meet some of the native people who call this strange and unforgiving
Polar Bear, Walrus
land home.
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
© Kevin Clement
Itinerar y
Saturday, August 10: Arrive Anchorage
Arrive in Anchorage today and transfer to the Hotel Captain Cook downtown, with
soaring views over Cook Inlet to the west and the dramatic Chugach Mountains to
the east. Get to know your Apex expedition leaders and fellow travelers at a
welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel Captain Cook.
Sunday, August 11: Anchorage / Nome / Embark Orion
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Nome, perched on the
southwest edge of the Seward Peninsula and overlooking the Bering Sea. Transfer
to the pier and embark National Geographic Orion, expertly engineered to navigate
© Giovanna Fasanelli
rugged coasts beyond the reach of ordinary vessels. Leave your luggage in your
cabin, then head up on deck to enjoy the views as you sail into the Bering Sea.
Tuesday, August 13: Provideniya, Russian Federation
Cross the International Dateline and lose a day as you head into Russian waters.
Spend time on deck watching for seabirds such as Short-tailed Shearwaters,
Northern Fulmars, Laysan Albatross and Fork-tailed Storm Petrels. Attend a lecture
on the flora and fauna of the Russian Arctic, before arriving in the former Soviet
military port of Provideniya, at the southern limit of the Arctic ice pack. This is a
technical visit, to conduct clearance into Russia, but you will also have time to visit
the city’s regional museum, which boasts some incredible artifacts and clothing
collected from local villages. Enjoy a traditional Yupik dance performance before
© Gary Krosin
heading back to the Orion and north toward the Bering Strait.
Wednesday, August 14: Cape Dezhnev / Uelen Village
Located at the meeting point of the Bering and Chukchi Seas, Cape Dezhnev, Photos: Walrus, Laysan Albatross,
named for the Cossack explorer who first rounded the Chukchi Peninsula to Cape Dezhnev
claim these shores for Russia in 1648, is the easternmost point on the Eurasian
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
continent. Conditions permitting, head ashore in Zodiacs, looking for Gray and
Humpback Whales en route, and murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, cormorants, both
Horned and Tufted Puffins, White-fronted Geese and Whooper Swans along the
cliffs and coastline. With luck, you may even spot evidence of Brown Bear activity
in the area. Enjoy a hike to the Dezhnev Lighthouse and take in the sweeping
panorama from its base, looking out over the Diomede Islands and on to Alaska if
it’s clear. This afternoon, head to the nearby village of Uelen, called “Land’s End” by
the local Yupik, known for its exquisite Walrus ivory carving.
© Gary Krosin
Thursday, August 15: Kolyuchin Inlet / Kolyuchin Island
On the northern Chukotka coast sits Kolyuchin Inlet, an enormous estuary teeming
with waterfowl and migratory waders. Conditions permitting, spend the morning
hiking here, searching the strange, desolate landscape for evidence of mammals
such as Arctic Fox, Brown Bear or the rare Wolverine, as well as Lemmings. The
dunes and tidal areas are home to handsome Emperor Geese and Pacific Loons,
while Gray and Humpback (and possibly even Bowhead) Whales are often seen
carousing in the surrounding waters. Next, head to nearby Kolyuchin Island, where
puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and gulls nest in great numbers, and Pacific Walrus
haul out on nearby rocks. The island also has remnants of an abandoned Chukchi
settlement and Russian Polar research station.
© Gary Krosin
Friday, August 16: At Sea / Wrangel Island
Spend time on deck, looking for sea birds and cetaceans. Attend lectures by the
expedition team as you prepare for your time spent on Wrangel Island. Weather
and ocean conditions permitting, arrive in the early evening to pick-up park rangers
who will accompany you on each excursion ashore.
Saturday, August 17 – Monday, August 19: Wrangel Island
Wrangel Island, located high above the Chukchi Peninsula, is about the same size
as Yellowstone and possesses an array of fauna that is equally as impressive. The
island escaped glaciation during the last ice age, and now has the highest
biodiversity in the High Arctic, with the world’s largest population of Pacific Walrus,
the highest density of ancestral Polar Bear dens, prime feeding habitat for Gray
© Gary Krosin
Whales and nesting habitat for 100 migratory bird species, including Snow Geese,
Snowy Owl, skuas, Arctic Tern, Ross’s, Sabine and Ivory gulls, and Snow Bunting. It
was also the last refuge of Woolly Mammoths—they continued to live here for some
6,000 years after they died out on the mainland—and their bones and tusks are
occasionally seen jutting out from gravelly riverbeds. Spend three full days exploring
this UNESCO World Heritage site by ship, Zodiac and on foot, with the guidance of
local rangers. With luck, you will see Polar Bears, Musk Oxen, reindeer, Arctic Fox,
and many walrus and whales.
Tuesday, August 20: At Sea
Spend the day at sea as you head back toward Cape Dezhnev. Watch for water birds
and Humpbacks, Grays and Orcas on deck, attend lectures on the area’s flora and
fauna, and the history of exploration in the Russian Arctic.
© Gary Krosin
Wednesday, August 21: Lorino Village
Take in some Chukchi culture today at Lorino, the largest indigenous village in
Chukotka, with about 1,000 continuous residents. Learn about their marine Photos: Horned Puffin, Kolyuchin
subsistence, hunting, and reindeer herding—the village maintains a herd of about Island, Polar Bear, Gray Whale
4,000 reindeer that circulates among tundra feeding grounds. Witness a traditional
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
dance performance, and peruse handicrafts, such as intricately carved knives and
fur-trimmed garments.
Thursday, August 22: Yttygran Island / Provideniya
This morning, land at Yttygran Island, home to the strange and stunning ancient
Yupik site known as Whale Bone Alley. Discovered in 1976, Whale Bone Alley is
thought to be 600 years old, and consists of over a quarter-mile stretch of immense
jawbones and ribs of Bowhead Whales, arranged in stunning ceremonial arch
© Gary Krosin
formations. Later, continue to Provideniya to conduct your clearance formalities
before heading east toward Nome.
Friday, August 23: At Sea
Spend one last day at sea, trading photos and stories of the journey with your
fellow travelers. Always keep binoculars close at hand, as whales and sea birds are
sure to pass by. Celebrate your remarkable voyage this evening at the Captain’s
farewell dinner.
Friday, August 23: Nome / Homeward
After crossing the International Date Line, and gaining a day, arrive back in the U.S.
in Nome, on August 23rd. Enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking and
© Gary Krosin
transferring to the airport for your flights homeward.
Photos: Tufted Puffins, Yttygran
Island, Whale Bone Alley
© Gary Krosin
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
Expedition Map
A – A nchorage E – Koly uchin Inlet
B – Nome F – Wrangel Island
C – Provideniya G – Lorino V illage
D – Cape Dezhnev / Uelen V illage H – Yt t ygran Island
B y A ir B y Ship
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
Your Expedition Leaders
Kevin Clement
Not many people can say they have lived inside Alaska’s 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. As a
Certification Instructor for the Wilderness Education Association he led month-long
outdoor leadership courses under the auspices of the University of Alaska. 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.
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.
Jonathan Rossouw
Jonathan Rossouw is one of the world’s most experienced expedition leaders, having
guided wildlife trips in over 150 countries on all seven continents. He combines a
legendary energy and enthusiasm with a broad knowledge of all aspects of natural
history, gained from three decades spent in the pursuit of the world’s mammals, birds,
reptiles and coral reef fishes. Indeed, having seen over 1,000 species of mammals,
8,500 species of birds and 2,000 coral reef fishes, he will likely experience more species
of vertebrate animals than anyone in history! A medical doctor by training, Jonathan
was born and raised on South Africa’s east coast. He started a birding travel company in
South Africa before joining Peter Harrison and Shirley Metz, to assist in expanding their
global portfolio of natural history destinations. An accomplished photographer,
Jonathan’s images have appeared in many books and magazines, and he has
co-authored birding site guides to Uganda, Southern Africa and Madagascar.
Giovanna Fasanelli
A life-long love affair with the sea propelled Giovanna into the world of marine biology,
conservation, underwater photography and natural history documentaries. Whilst
completing her marine biology degree at Australia’s James Cook University, Giovanna
worked at an underwater film company during which time she gained experience tagging
Tiger Sharks and Green Turtles in the Coral Sea and assisting with film production. This
opportunity spawned a decade-long career in television, presenting the latest
developments in aquaculture and fisheries science. Though Giovanna’s training is
principally in the marine realm her passion for wilderness and animals has driven her
to explore habitats around the world from Snow Leopards in the Himalayas to Komodo
Dragons in Indonesia and Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. Fast approaching 100 countries
visited, Giovanna has extensive experience as a guide and naturalist all over the world. A
talented photographer and skilled writer, Giovanna’s work is regularly featured in several
magazines.
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. 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. Over the years she’s also worked as
a journalist, copywriter, and jack-of-all trades for a public radio station. Ingrid recently
earned her masters in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. She currently
hails from the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
Russian Arc tic with Wrangel Island 2019
onboard National Georgraphic Orion
Designed and purpose built in 2003 specifically for expedition travel, National Geographic Orion was created from the
outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency. Engineered for maximum comfort and safety,
she is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened
hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore.
14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration in remote destinations.
Cabin Categories Per Person Rates Vessel Specifications
Category 1 $17,100
Length........................................ 338 feet
Category 2 $18,310 Width......................................... 46.8 feet
Category 3 $20,300 Speed........................................ 14 knots
Category 4 $24,350 Tonnage..........................................3,984
Category 5 $27,720 Guests................................................ 102
Category 6 $32,120 Crew..................................................... 75
Refurbished....................................2014
Solo – Category 1 $25,500 Passenger Decks...................................5
Solo – Category 3 $30,300 Registry.................................... Bahamas
All Cabins Feature:
Ocean views, private ensuite bathroom, climate controls, internet access for your own devices, and a flat-screen TV with
DVD/CD player. Each cabin also includes a hair dryer, robes, refrigerator, and safe.
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
Expedition Details
Russian Arctic with Wrangel Island
August 10 – 23, 2019
14 Days Trip Length
Anchorage Start
Nome End
Included
The Apex price includes, as noted in the itinerary, one overnight in Anchorage; a welcome reception
and dinner in Anchorage, with local beer and wine included; the group flight from Anchorage to Nome;
airport transfers; all gratuities, and a Russian Letter of Invitation. In addition, the voyage rate includes all
accommodations, activities and excursions, as noted in the itinerary; all meals and beverages onboard the vessel
(except certain premium brands of alcohol), services of four Apex Expeditions leaders, as well as the full onboard
lecture team and expedition staff; local guides; entrance fees; and taxes.
Not Included
Not included in the price of your Apex expedition is airfare to Anchorage or from Nome; select premium wines and
liquors; travel insurance (Trip Cancellation and Interruption, as well as Emergency Medical and Evacuation insurance,
are highly recommended); airport departure taxes; passport and/or visa fees; excess luggage charges; items of a
personal nature (phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); onboard spa and salon services; and independent travel
arrangements pre- or 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 www.apex-expeditions.com/about/terms-conditions
One-of-a-kind adventures to the world’s
Tufted and Horned Puffins © Gary Krosin
most fascinating places. Join us.
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272
Deck Plan - National Geographic Orion
OBSRVATION LOUNGE
& LIBRARY
419 418
323 322
417 416 BRIDGE
321 320
415 414 515
319 318
316 411 412 511
LEXSPA TREATMENT
ELEVATOR
ELEVATOR
FITNESS CETNER
ELEVATOR
ELEVATOR
GOLBAL GALLERY
317
509
512
ROOM
SAUNA
315 314
RECEPTION
507 510
311 312 409 410
309 310 407 408 505 508
307 308
405 406 503 506
305 306
303 304 403 404 501 504
Boarding
Zodiac
301 302 401 402
Mud 502
Room
SUNDECK
Doctor’s
WHIRLPOOL
Office
HOT TUB
RESTAURANT
LOUNGE
MARINA PLATFORM
OUTDOOR CAFÉ
EXPEDITION DECK MAIN DECK UPPER DECK BRIDGE DECK OBSERVATION DECK
Doctor’s Office Restaurant Reception The Bridge Observation Lounge
Marina Platform Lounge Library
Outdoor Café Fitness Center/Spa
Whirlpool Hot Tub
Category 1 Category 3 Category 4
Category 2 Category 5
Solo - Category 1 Category 6
Solo - Category 3
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272Suite Details - National Geographic Orion
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two
single beds or two beds converted to a queen-size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a
flat-screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are
generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Solo – Category 1
Cat 1 Solo #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a
queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate
controls, reading lamps, and a flat-screen TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized
and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable
beds: two single beds or two beds converted to a queen-size bed. An armchair, reading
lamps, a flat-screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms
are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a
large window, a sofa—except slightly smaller #401 & #402, which have an armchair or
two—writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat-screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are
configurable as two single beds or one queen-size bed (except #s 418 & 419 which each
have one queen-sized bed). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a
glass door.
Solo – Category 3
Cat 3 Solo Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two twin beds and two large
windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat-screen TV, and climate
controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall
with a glass door.
Suite layouts and deck plans are for illustration purposes only.
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272Suite Details - National Geographic Orion
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping
and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive
window. Beds are two single beds or two beds converted to a queen-size bed. Ample
storage, reading lamps, a flat-screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass
door.
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open
living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are
two single beds or two beds converted to a queen-size bed. A sitting area with arm
chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat-screen TV,
and climate controls complete the decor. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and
include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant
suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows.
Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502,
which uniquely offers a ‘soaking tub with a view’, in addition to a shower stall and
vanity. Beds are two single beds which can be converted to one queen-size bed. All
cabins have reading lamps, a flat-screen TV, and climate controls. Marble bathrooms
are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Suite layouts and deck plans are for illustration purposes only.
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272Reser vation Form
Russian Arctic with Wrangel Island
August 10 – 23, 2019
Person 1: (Primary Contact)
Passport Name:
Preferred Name:
Date of Birth:
Email 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:
Email 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.
E-mail: info@apex-expeditions.com or Mail: 4130 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
W W W. A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 800.861.6425 / 206.669.9272You can also read
