THE HIGH ARCTIC

Sail into spectacular fjords surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers illuminated by the 24-hour sun; thrill at the experience of your powerful icebreaker, the Kapitan Khlebnikov (108 passengers), tackling the pressure ridges, hummocks and ice floes of this northern world; land by expertly-piloted helicopter in areas inaccessible by Zodiac; discover historic sites of polar exploration, and call at lands rarely visited before. Encounter teeming summer wildlife at close quarters, ruled over by the lords of the Arctic, Polar Bears. This is the realm of the almost mythical Narwhal, Beluga and Bowhead Whales. The true home of a trio of beautiful gulls, Ross’s, Sabine’s and Ivory plus millions of other breeding northern hemisphere seabirds. You will be following in the footsteps of great explorers like Amundsen, Franklin, Bering, Ross and others. The fabled Northwest Passage voyage is again amongst next summer’s unique itineraries  in addition to a very interesting sounding new expedition, Northeast Greenland. Witness cloud formations and weather conditions that don’t occur elsewhere on the planet, icebows and sun-halos for example, mirages too. The high Arctic has it’s own very special magic, with plenty of opportunity for photographers and artists to try and catch or just lean against the railing, as your amazing vessel takes you to some very special places, allowing you to just soak in the scenery, icescapes, wildlife and the skies around you.

2007

THE NORTH POLE

The nuclear-powered Yamal (100 passengers) is used to keep Russia’s frozen Northern Sea Route open for shipping in the winter. months This incredible ship can generate 75,000 horsepower and stay at sea for up to 4 years, travelling through pack ice at up to 12 knots. For this expedition the vessel will plough due north through the high Arctic pack ice to the Pole itself, 90 degrees north. Stand on the ice at the top of the world and, for the very brave, join the North Pole Swimming Club!  The return journey is planned to include Franz Joseph Land, for scenery and wildlife such as Polar Bears, seals and seabirds. A totally unique voyage.  See page 67 for the South Pole.

Sea Itinerary

Day 1 Embark Yamal at Murmansk and sail.

Day 2 At sea, Barents Sea.

Days 3-6 At sea, pack ice heading north

Day 7 The North Pole

Days 8-10 At sea, pack ice heading south

Days 10-11 Franz Josef Land

Day 12 At sea, Barents Sea, disembark Murmansk.

2007

Dates: 26^th June - 9th July, 9^th – 22^nd July and 22nd July  - 3^rd August 2007  (Helsinki)

Twin share from £10,999 per person.

NB Early booking discounts may apply to some voyages, please contact us for your up to date quote and availability. For single cabin prices please contact us.

All our Arctic icebreaker voyages include a pre-cruise hotel stay for one night with breakfast, group charter flights (from and to cities indicated) with transfers to/from vessel, comprehensive pre-trip information, all meals aboard ship (glass of wine with dinner nightly), services of expedition team, Zodiac and helicopter excursions and landings, voyage certificate, boot loan service, complimentary parka coat and post-trip CD with photos and video.

Prices exclude: International flights to and from indicated gateway cities, gratuities (suggested US$10 pp per day aboard vessel), airport transfers, fuel surcharges, travel insurance and other drinks and items of a personal nature.

Previous Quark Expeditions passengers qualify for a 5% discount on these or other future voyages booked with WildWings.

Both ships have a bar and lounge, library, gift shop, lecture auditorium, pool, exercise room and sauna. All cabins are outside with window and private facilities (the stunning views will be free) and food onboard happens to be superb. World-class expedition teams, including naturalists and professional photographers, will accompany you on your voyage. Photographic opportunities will be superb. Single supplement is approx 1.7 times the twin share rate, but bookings can happily be made on a share basis. All prices are subject to exchange rates.

More detailed information and a full colour brochure for these voyages is available from us.