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Russian Far East Voyages

Wrangel Island: Across the Top of the World 20 July 2020

This unique expedition crosses the Arctic Circle and includes the isolated and pristine Wrangel and Herald Islands and a significant section of the wild North Eastern Siberian coastline. It is a journey only made possible in recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. The very small distance between Russia and the USA along this border area was known as the Ice Curtain, behind which then and now lies one of the last great undiscovered wilderness areas in the world.

The voyage journeys through the narrow Bering Strait, which separates Russia from the United States of America, and then travels west along the Chukotka coastline before crossing the De Long Strait to Wrangel Island. There we will spend four to five days under the guidance of local rangers on the nature reserve. Untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, this island is a treasure trove of Arctic biodiversity and is perhaps best known for the multitude of Polar Bears that breed here. We hope to catch many glimpses of this beautiful animal. The island also boasts the world's largest population of Pacific Walrus and lies near major feeding grounds for the Gray Whales that migrate thousands of kilometres north from their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico. Reindeer, Musk Ox and Snow Geese can normally be seen further inland. A visit to massive bird cliffs on nearby Herald Island is also planned. The ‘mammoth steppe' vegetation complex, a rich and diverse relic from the Pleistocene epoch nurtures over 400 plant species and never fails to astound visitors with its sublime beauty. The number and type of endemic plant species, the diversity within plant communities, the presence of relatively recent mammoth tusks and skulls, a range of terrain types and geological formations in the small geographical space are all visible evidence of Wrangel's rich natural history and its unique evolutionary status within the Arctic.

The human history of Wrangel Island is fascinating in its own right. Highlights include a 3,400 year old Paleo-Eskimo camp in Krassin Bay, controversy over discovery and ownership of the island, the amazing story of the survivors of the Karluk, Ada Blackjack the heroine of the island, the Soviet occupation and militarisation and, more recently, the establishment of this world class nature reserve. A host of similarly enthralling stories hail from several optional landings along the northern coasts of Chukotka. Our expert expedition team will take you on guided walks, Zodiac cruises and provide lectures to help you better understand and appreciate this unique High Arctic landscape.

Exclusive Overland Experience - explore the interior of Wrangel Island by six-wheel Tundra vehicle, exclusive to Heritage Expeditions. The High Arctic environment that few people experience is now accessible on this 3 day- 2 night extension. You will travel by special tundra buggy, camp in field huts and enjoy wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities that professionals dream about. Read more here.

Departures

Wrangel Island: Across the Top of the World 20 July 2020
Voyage #: KK2007

20 July, 2020 to 03 August, 2020

Superior Plus Triple $11000.00 USD pp Available

Superior Plus $15000.00 USD pp Available

Mini Suite $18500.00 USD pp Available

Heritage Suite $22500.00 USD pp Available

Additional charges:

Local Payment $500.00 USD pp

This trip includes:

Pre/Post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation, meals and all expedition shore excursions.

This trip does not include:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

Private charter flight Nome to Anadyr to Nome $2,000 pp
Overland Traverse $1,450pp

Voyage #2007
Nome to Nome
#2007 19th to 2nd August 2020
Anadyr to Anadyr
#2007 20th July to 3rd August 2020

Wrangel Island: Across the Top of the World 20 July 2020 itinerary:

Day 0: Nome

For those departing Nome, Alaska your adventure begins with a flight across the Bering Sea and International Date Line to the remote port of Anadyr.

Day 1: Anadyr

All expedition members will arrive in Anadyr; depending on your time of arrival you may have the opportunity to explore Anadyr, before getting to know your fellow voyagers and expedition team on board the Kapitan Khlebnikov. We will depart when everybody is on board.

Day 2: Anadyrskiy Bay and at Sea

As we sail across Anadyrskiy Bay towards the Bering Strait there will be introductory lectures and a series of compulsory briefings and drills. Relax or enjoy some birding and cetacean watching with our naturalists and settle into ship life.

Day 3: Lavrentiya and Cape Dezhnev

We arrive in Lavrentiya Bay this morning to visit the Chukchi region’s administrative centre of Lavrentiya. We will explore the township and visit the local museum which displays an interesting insight into Yupik and Chukchi cultures. There may be an opportunity to view Chukchi song and dance and to interact with the locals. Sea conditions permitting, we will land at Cape Dezhnev this afternoon. The north-eastern most point of the Eurasian continent, it is sometimes possible to see the coast of America from this remote and lonely outpost. It is also an historic landmark named after the Siberian Cossack, Semyon Dezhnev, who in 1648 became the first European to sail from the Arctic to the Pacific.

Day 4: Kolyuchin Island

Kolyuchin Island was once an important Russian Polar Research Station and one of a number dotted across the Arctic. Near the derelict buildings are some of the most spectacular bird cliffs in the Arctic where puffins, guillemots and gulls can be observed and photographed up close. We continue our journey north across the Chukchi Sea, there may be sea ice to negotiate our way through as we get closer to Wrangel Island; this could offer our first opportunities to see Polar Bears, seals and walrus on ice.

Days 5 to 9: Wrangel and Herald Islands

Ice and weather conditions permitting, we will spend the next few days on Wrangel Island and we will also attempt to include a visit to nearby Herald Island. There are many landings that we can make to search out wildlife, wild flowers and Arctic landscapes. Polar Bears will be high on our list of animals to see and with a little patience we should be rewarded with a number of encounters. Musk Oxen and reindeer were introduced to the island in 1975 and 1948 though reindeer numbers are low. We also have a chance to visit Dragi Harbour where the survivors of the Karluk which was crushed by ice in 1914 scrambled ashore and lived until they were rescued. Wrangel Island is a Russian Federal Nature Reserve of international significance and importance particularly as it is a major Polar Bear denning area. Also each summer thousands of birds migrate here to breed, including Snow Geese, Snowy Owls, skuas, Arctic Terns, Ross’s, Sabine and Ivory Gulls.

Day 10: At Sea, Bering Strait and North Siberian Coast

As we sail through the Bering Strait we will pass the Diomede Islands, sometimes called Tomorrow Island and Yesterday Isle because they straddle the International Date Line. Here Russia and America are separated by only 2.3 nautical miles of ocean. We will remain in Russian territory as we cruise south past the islands. We continue along the North Siberian Coast, bounded by narrow sand ridges with numerous lagoons and inlets, this area offers plenty of places to land and explore this extensive coastline. We will be on the lookout for whales, walrus and other wildlife. We will see Chukchi villages whose residents survive in an unforgiving climate, hunting seals and whales just as their ancestors did.

Day 11: At Sea and Unnamed Bay

This afternoon we plan to visit Unnamed Bay, surrounded by hills we will explore the bay’s tundra terrain as the protected peninsula provides a great opportunity to stretch our legs after the transit south. Walks skirt up to a summit that has stunning views out over the bay, sheltered lagoon and braided river beneath, the landscape is breath-taking with big sweeping valleys and lunar-like hill tops devoid of vegetation. Sculptured geological formations stand high above the water. Brown bears may be present fishing in the river or loping across the valley. Later in the season the transition between summer and autumn colours here becomes evident; the first of the Lingon and Bearberries ripen and a yellowish cast begins to show on the vegetation. Cotton-grass with its distinctive white seed-heads that resemble tufts of cotton spreads across the hills, and are carried on prevailing winds. Sandhill Cranes may also be seen around the bay.

Days 12 to 13: Penkigngey Bay, Gil;mimyl, Arakamchechen Islands, Yttygran and Nuneangan

Pengingay Bay is a long and deeply incised fiord. Walkers can explore the hillside behind the beach climbing to the 400-metre summit of Mt Gatgangey, or enjoy the peaceful surrounds sitting by the lake or birdwatching. Pika and Ground Squirrel may be spotted. The tundra here has a stunning diversity of plants. A number of interesting migrants may be nesting here including Arctic Warbler and Grey-cheeked Thrush. The bay is often visited by Humpback Whales. We will also visit Gil’mimyl where local Chukchi hospitality is shared, or we can enjoy birdwatching or the hot springs. At nearby Arakamchechen Island there is a prominent walrus haul out and Gray Whales can frequently by seen around the island. Yttygran Island is home to the monumental ancient aboriginal site known as Whale Bone Alley. Whalebones stretch along the beach for nearly half a kilometre. Gray Whales are frequently seen around the island, we will also cruise by Nuneangan and Arakamchechen Islands where seabirds nest and walrus can be found.

Day 14: Preobrazheniya Bay

Today we will be in the vicinity of Preobrazheniya Bay where there are some outstanding ‘Bird Cliffs’ which we plan to Zodiac cruise, the rock faces, ridgelines and soaring granite spires are home to an abundance of bird life. Species that can be seen include Common and Thick-billed Murres, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Least and Crested Auklets, Vega Gulls and Arctic Tern. Both Horned and Tufted Puffins are normally in vast numbers stretched along cliffside grasses. This evening relax as we sail across Anadyrskiy Bay towards Anadyr.

Day 15: Anadyr

After breakfast it will be time to say our farewells. There will be a complimentary transfer to the airport or to a central downtown hotel.

Click photos to enlarge Click a thumbnail to view a larger version

Kapitan Khlebnikov

Our Ship: Kapitan Khlebnikov

The latest addition to Heritage Expeditions' fleet, legendary Russian icebreaker and former research vessel Kapitan Khlebnikov holds the passenger ship record for the most crossings of the Northwest Passage and has famously circumnavigated Antarctica - twice.

Built in 1981 by Finland's Wärtsilä Company and one of four Kapitan Sorokin-class icebreakers, Kapitan Khlebnikov wraps comfortable surrounds in a formidable, ice-reinforced vessel powered by 24,000 horsepower diesel-electric engines and is capable of breaking ice as thick as two metres.

Recently refurbished, Kapitan Khlebnikov comfortably accommodates up to 110 guests in well-appointed and spacious cabins and suites all featuring large windows that can be opened and en suite facilities. Common areas include large open decks, two dining rooms, a digitally equipped theatre-style lecture room, heated indoor pool, sauna, gymnasium, fully-stocked library, bar, lounge and four-person elevator.

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. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists, botanists, historians and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by an enthusiastic and experienced Russian Captain and crew.

Technical Description

Expedition Staff & Crew: 70
Guests: up to 110
Length: 122.5m
Beam: 26.5m
Draft: 8.5m
Gross Tonnage: 12,288gt
Engine: 24,000 horsepower
Ice Class: LL3
Cruising speed: 12/14 knots
Zodiacs: 10

Cabin Details

Heritage Suites: Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.

Mini Suites: Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. A large window offers great views.

Superior Plus cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. A large window offers great views.

Superior Plus Triple: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. A large window offers great views.

1530: Across the Top of the World 3 Aug 2015

Captain: Alexander D’yachenko
Expedition leader: Rodney Russ
Cruise Director: Meghan Kelly
Heritage Guides: Elena Bulatova, Samuel Blanc, Alex Fergus, Katya Ovsyanikova
Chefs: Ralf Barthel and Connor Arcus
Medical Adviser: Cam Odlin
French Tour Leader: Agnès Brenière

Monday 3 August, 2015
Anadyr

After the flights from Nome and Moscow had landed at Anadyr airport we were transferred to the other side of the town to board a barge which took us to the Spirit of Enderby. The welcome briefing included staff introductions and information about life on board as we sailed across Anadyr Bay to begin our journey.

Photo: A.Fergus

Tuesday 4 August, 2015
Preobrazheniya Bay

We woke up as we crossed the Gulf of Anadyr this morning after a good rest. During the morning we attended briefings in the Lecture Room including a general introduction to our itinerary, safety on board the Spirit of Enderby and the use of the Zodiacs. Just after lunch we dropped our five Zodiacs to take a cruise along the western side of Preobrazheniya Bay. Despite the swell we were able to get good views of numerous birds such as Kittiwakes, four species of guillemots and two species of auklets. Then we headed east again to calm waters where we found Harlequin ducks, Sandhill Cranes and Common Eiders. Next we made our first landing for the voyage and spent an hour ashore making the most of the opportunity to stretch the legs and see Arctic Ground Squirrels and Passerines. Once everyone was back aboard, the ship headed south-east and then north as we slept the night away.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Wednesday 5 August, 2015
Whale Bone Alley, Yttygran Island and Bukhta Gilmimil

This morning Rodney woke us up a little before schedule advising us to look outside and enjoy the fantastic morning light! Indeed it was a beautiful early morning with sun, blue sky and great colours on the tundra. After the daily briefing we landed on Yttygran Island, site of the well known ‘Whale Bone Alley’. At this place it is indeed possible to see numerous bones, including jaws and skulls, from different species of whales, but mainly Bowhead Whales. Yttygran Island was used for many years as a place of ritual but more recently by marine mammal hunters to work on the whales and walruses they hunted at sea. While ashore we also saw great numbers of plants and flowers, Arctic Ground Squirrel and Northern Pikka. After this landing we headed east in our five Zodiacs to look for whales. We found half a dozen Gray Whales near Nuneangan Island and also had a look at the impressive bird cliffs where thousand of Kittiwakes, Black, Pigeon, Common and Brünnich Guillemots were breeding. On the way back to the ship we encountered some more whales and birds. Just after lunch we landed at Bukhta Gilmimil. Some of us walked along the riverbed searching for birds, while others took a botanical stroll or wandered through the tundra. Most of us ended up in the hot springs before we headed back to the landing site and the ship.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Thursday 6 August 2015
Lavrentia village, Cape Dezhnev

Another great day in Chukotka! Our first activity was a visit to Lavrentia village with its fascinating museum where we learnt more about the history and culture of the local people and their forebears. Our guide spoke about indigenous people, marine mammal hunters, reindeer herders, the history of the village and of course about wildlife. A few minutes walk down the street we had the opportunity to try local food such as whale meat, tea, jam made with local berries, fish, bread and other excellent products. The morning ended with traditional dances and songs performed by locals. Before they allowed us to leave we were invited to join in the dancing which was great fun.

Katya gave a presentation about the history of the region from the XVII century to today as we headed north and then it was time for a briefing for our landing at Cape Dezhnev, the most eastern point of the Eurasian continent. This place was named by Tsar Nicolas II in 1898 on behalf of Semen Dezhnev who was the first European to sail to the Bering Strait in September 1648. Cape Dezhnev is usually a difficult landing because it is located in the middle of the Bering Strait and therefore very exposed to the swell and the wind. Today we were really lucky and had great weather so the landing was very easy. Once ashore we visited the monument dedicated to Semen Dezhnev and the remains of Naukan, the Eskimo village which was situated here until 1950. We were back aboard just before dinner as a few Humpback Whales were spotted in the beautiful twilight which descended on the Bering Strait.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Friday 7 August 2015
Kolyuchin Island

Last night we crossed the Arctic Polar Circle on the way to Kolyuchin Island. During the morning at sea Alex gave us an introduction to the botany of the Arctic and Katya spoke about Polar Bears in a changing world. During lunch, the expedition crew went scouting the buildings of the old research station on the northern tip of Kolyuchin Island to make sure there were no Polar Bears in the vicinity before our afternoon landing. None were about, so after lunch we dropped our five Zodiacs and approached a group of walrus on the other side of the island. We slowly approached the haul-out, and some of them came close to investigate us. It was fantastic to see them so close! Soon after the walrus show we landed on the northern tip of the island where we spent few hours exploring the area around the old research station. The highlight of this area was without doubt the high bird cliffs. Thousand of Kittiwakes, Brünnich’s and Common Guillemots, Pelagic Cormorants and both species of Puffins (Horned and Tufted) were breeding there. Most of us were seated on the edge of the cliff taking photographs and just enjoying watching the lively activity! Out to sea we could make out two or three Humpback Whales feeding.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Saturday 8 August 2015
At Sea, Wrangel Island

As predicted by the weather forecast the wind increased last night and we woke in the morning to a 3 to 5 metre swell and 25 knots of wind. The resulting movement of the ship put paid to any attempt at lectures or briefings so we hunkered down in our cabins or spent a quiet day reading or editing photos. The heavy swell slowed the vessel, so we arrived in the evening off Doubtful Bay on Wrangel Island.

Sunday 9 August 2015
Wrangel Island

This morning we attended briefings about bear safety and Wrangel Island in general before we made our first landing at Doubtful Bay and met with the ranger team. On this first landing we explored the tundra, discovering a Mammoth tusk and observed our first Snowy Owls and other Turnstones, Snow Buntings, Snow Geese and even an Arctic Fox! After this momentous first time on the island we went back aboard the ship for dinner and some of us went out again on an evening excursion. A cautious approach was necessary to eventually get close to a group of seven Musk Oxen. After spending a few minutes watching them we headed back to the ship watched by another Snowy Owl.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Monday 10 August 2015
Wrangel Island

We dropped anchor on the west side of Herald Island, 60 km east of Wrangel Island just after breakfast. Herald Island is known for its busy bird cliffs, a high density of Polar Bear dens and the place were a group of people from the Canadian Arctic Expedition lived after they left their camp on the sea ice in February 1914. We explored the western coast of Herald in our Zodiacs and observed five Polar Bears on the coastline and at least five more in the distance. We wanted to land on the only gravel beach of the island, but a group of walruses and a female Polar Bear and her cub were already resting there. In order to not disturb them we watched from a distance before heading back to the ship.

Samuel began the afternoon with a lecture about the Karluk expedition of 1913/1914. This lecture was scheduled at the perfect moment as we were heading to Dragi Bay, where a camp from the expedition was setup. After this presentation we went on a Zodiac excursion of Dragi Bay to investigate the impressive bird cliffs, before continuing along the coast where a few more Polar Bears were spotted. After a cautious approach we succeeded in getting close to one that was resting on the upper part of the beach. We also made a short landing near the new Karluk memorial erected on the coast. Another Polar Bear was spotted on the coast plateau as we cruised by in the Zodiacs. It stood watching us for a few minutes and we made the most of the opportunity to get some great photos. On the way back to the ship we met a few Bearded Seals.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Tuesday 11 August 2015
Wrangel Island

During the night we sailed around the northern coast of Wrangel Island and woke up in the morning in beautiful weather just off Dream Head. We planned to drop a group of hikers just after breakfast, but a large number of bears were spotted on the coastline, so we decided to turn back and pick up the rest of the party for a Zodiac cruise. We had a fantastic morning with bears coming very close to our Zodiacs, beautiful backgrounds and light, blue sky and sun! After few hours enjoying the outing it was time to return to the ship.

In the afternoon the captain moved the vessel further west to our next anchorage while we enjoyed hot chocolate on deck. We started a Zodiac cruise at Komsomol where we followed another bear. Once he headed inland across the tundra we landed next to an old trapper’s hut and a nice lake with Long-tailed Ducks and Brent Geese. After this great day on the north-west coast of the island we all returned to the vessel with thousands of pictures on our memory cards, but more importantly in our memories as well! Today was also the changeover between the two Overland teams, with the first group having spent two nights on the island returning back aboard while the second set off in great anticipation. We will see them again the day after tomorrow.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Wednesday 12 August 2015
Wrangel Island

The weather was different this morning when Meghan broadcast her wake-up call. It was raining and foggy, but we still set off after breakfast for a landing near Pitchiy Bazard. We walked along the river until we reached a Musk Ox that allowed us to approach and observe from a short distance. We left him after a few minutes and the group split in two. One group climbed to the summit on the opposite side of the river, while the second group went off in another direction with less elevation. We all came back to the landing site in dense fog a little wet, but pleased with our time walking on the tundra.

After lunch, the rangers gave us a presentation about their life and work on the island. It was very interesting to hear about their time in this special place. The weather had not improved by the afternoon when a small group went on a Zodiac cruise along the cliffs of Pitchiy Bazard. This bird cliff is another fabulous breeding spot for birds such as Brünnich’s Guillemot and Kittiwakes.

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Photo: A.Fergus

Thursday 13 August, 2015
Wrangel Island

We landed again at Doubtful Bay for a two hour walk this morning before breakfast. Fortunately the weather had improved and we enjoyed a fabulous morning in incredible light! The tundra and landscapes were amazing, with fantastic colours under a bright blue sky. We observed groups of Snow Geese, visited an old Arctic Fox den and took a lot of pictures during this incredible morning landing. Everybody came back aboard for breakfast and the staff dropped the rangers back on the island, returning with the second group of Overlanders. It was sad to leave such a beautiful landscape behind us but it was time to say farewell to Wrangel Island and head south towards the main coast of Chukotka. Time to rest, attend lectures and watch movies as we while away the hours at sea again.

Photo: A.Fergus

Friday 14 August, 2015
Kolyuchin Inlet, Belyaka Spit

The Spirit of Enderby entered Kolyuchin Inlet around breakfast time this morning. We spent the morning exploring Belyaka Spit on the north-eastern side of the entrance. This fantastic habitat is composed of a few small lakes, wet tundra and sand dunes. Even though it was raining we had great time there looking for wildlife and birds especially. We saw Yellow-billed and Pacific Loons, Emperor Geese, Sandhill Cranes and a good number of shorebirds and Lapland Buntings. We were at sea for the rest of the day, sailing towards Bering Strait once again. Katya gave a lecture about the Pinnipeds of the North Pacific but Samuel’s lecture was delayed so we could enjoy a large number of Humpback Whales feeding around the ship. Some of them came so close to the ship that we could even hear them blowing. It was an amazing experience to watch so many whales accompanied by thousand of birds!

Photo: A.Fergus

Saturday 15 August 2015
At Sea

We spent our last morning of activities in the middle of the Bering Strait. Just after breakfast we dropped our five Zodiacs in the water and went off to explore the north coast of Ratmanova or Big Diomede Island. Here we were less than 4 kilometres away from the border between the United States of America and Russia. Conditions were fabulous for our cruise, blue sky, flat sea and no wind. Along the cliffs we saw eight species of Alcids: Brünnich, Common and Pigeon Guillemot, Tufted and Horned Puffins and Crested, Least and Parakeet Auklets. We also saw Pelagic Cormorants, Kittiwakes and a few Snow Buntings. What a great morning for the last excursion of our journey. However, just when everybody thought our Chukotka experiences were over, Mother Nature gave us another present. In the middle of the afternoon, just when Katya was speaking about cetaceans, Rodney announced on the PA system that a huge flock of Short-tailed Shearwaters had been spotted. The captain slowed the ship to approach them and we determined that there were literally thousands and thousands of them flying or just resting on the water. Right in the middle of this group of birds we could see some Fin and Humpback Whales feeding. It was just an incredible moment for all of us including the expedition staff to see this concentration of birds all gathered in one place. We could hear the beat of their wings as they took to the air while the whales were blowing right next to the ship! The emotion in Rodney’s voice over on the PA indicated that this was a moment rarely experienced.

Photo: A.Fergus

Sunday 16 August, 2015
Anadyr

The Spirit of Enderby sailed on towards Anadyr in excellent conditions, ending our wonderful expedition. This last day at sea was the occasion for last lectures and movies, to settle our on-board accounts and pack ready for disembarkation tomorrow morning.

Distance Travelled: 2017 nm
Number of Bird Species: 61
Number of Mammal Species: 17

Please contact us for further Trip Reports

Click here to send us your comments

" Dear Rodney and staff and crew,
We now have our feet on the ground after being literally and metaphorically on top of the world on the Wrangel Island trip. Thank you so much for all that you put into it, both on the ship and behind the scenes. It is obvious to us that you live and breathe a love of the natural environment and that, like the Enderby family, the Russ family has found a way to nurture this spirit in others and awaken the world to the need to cherish and preserve its treasures.
Thank you to the guides, Katya, Samuel, Agnès, Elena and Alex, and to Meghan who greeted us each morning, to Conor, Ralf, Eleni and Katya in the kitchen, to the cabin staff and finally to Cam, whose services we were fortunate enough not to need but whose company we enjoyed.
The polar bear encounters were something you would wait a lifetime to have. There is no doubt that up close their habits are fascinating, and we were so grateful for the sensitive method of approaching these beautiful creatures when advisable and giving them a wide berth (for their sakes) when not. We also appreciated the contact with the Chukchi people and their hospitality and entertainment. Then there were the snowy owls, snow geese, the myriad of shearwaters feeding in a sea full of whales, not to mention the walrus, seals and the tundra itself.
Thank you to the captain and crew for their seamanship and for keeping us safe when embarking and disembarking from the zodiacs.
It's impossible to mention everything, but - what a trip!!
Warm regards,
Paul and Jacquie Pryor "

- Paul and Jacquie Pryor