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Jewels of the Russian Arctic
Jewels of the Russian Arctic

Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya

New
Jewels of the Russian Arctic
Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. Active tours. You don’t have to be a sportsman, but you need to be strong enough to ride a snowmobile or go hiking in the mountains.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Group size
to 132 person
Duration
14 days

Accommodation during the trip

13 nights

Languages

EN
guide
We update the dates and tour price.
Leave your email and we’ll notify you when get this info.

Polar bears, whales, walruses and thousands of seabird colonies. We invite to join out cruise following the footsteps of early northern explorers to two of the most remote archipelagos on the planet: from the ancient mountains of Novaya Zemlya to the wildlife sanctuary of Franz Josef Land. It starts in Murmansk and goes through the most picturesque corners of the Russian Arctic national Park. 

New
Jewels of the Russian Arctic
Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. Active tours. You don’t have to be a sportsman, but you need to be strong enough to ride a snowmobile or go hiking in the mountains.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Group size
to 132 person
Duration
14 days

Accommodation during the trip

13 nights

Languages

EN
guide
We update the dates and tour price.
Leave your email and we’ll notify you when get this info.

Experiences you'll have

Journey to Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land

During this cruise you will reach two archipelagos at once: the well-known Franz Josef Land, as well as the hard-to-reach Novaya Zemlya. Due to the location of military bases, it is impossible to get here without obtaining special permits, but on this trip we took care of all organizational issues.

Early-bird promotion: now the prices for the cruise in 2023 is cheaper, than in 2022. Check details in "Accommodation" block

Traveling along this route you will see:

  • historical sites associated with the great Arctic explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen
  • the harsh Arctic landscape: flowering tundra, the huge icebergs and the whole island covered with ice
  • polar bears walking slowly on ice floes
  • a huge walruses rookeries
  • whales emerging from the ocean depths
  • and noisy seabirds colonies


See also a similar route — a cruise with an additional visit to the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago.

 

Vitaly Gorshkov is the author of the photo chosen for the preview, photo by Sergey Dolya are used in the gallery.

Itinerary

The journey begins in Murmansk, where you should travel to on your own. We are ready to help with the purchase of air tickets, if necessary, leave a comment in the application.

 

Here is the general plan of the expedition, the route may change depending on the weather and ice conditions.

Day 1 Start of the expedition in Murmansk

After arriving in Murmansk, in the afternoon you will board an expedition ship and go to the Barents sea.

Days 2-3 At Sea

As you sail through the Barents Sea, your expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the region, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.

 

Staff will keep a lookout for seabirds, such as kittiwakes, skuas and fulmars soaring above your ship. Whale and seal sightings may also be possible in this biologically diverse sea.  

Days 4-6 Exploring Novaya Zemlya

The largest of the Eurasian arctic archipelagoes, the rarely visited Novaya Zemlya (“New Land”) is the third-largest wilderness area in Europe. This seemingly long, narrow island actually consists of two main islands, Severny (northern) and Yuzhny (southern), separated by the imposing Matochkin Strait.

 

As we explore Novaya Zemlya, expect a new adventure every day. Each expedition will be unique, depending on the weather and ice, but a few landing sites we strive to visit include Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory Navalok and Russkaya Gavan.

 

Boasting one of the most picturesque glaciers in the entire archipelago, Inostrantseva Bay provides breathtaking panoramic views of pristine arctic wilderness. If conditions allow, we may explore ashore, or Zodiac cruise along the face of the glacier, at a safe distance, possibly witnessing the wonders of calving ice. Encounters with Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres) are likely, owing to a small colony in the coastal cliffs.

 

To the northwest side of Severny Island are the Oransky Islands. Wildlife abounds here, with a variety of animal and plant life to be discovered, Walrus have been sighted here on many previous expeditions. Coming across a walrus haul-out is unforgettable. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic create a raucous as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline. Encounters with whales and seabirds are possible, as well as polar bears, a genetically distinct subpopulation here.

 

A significant site in polar exploration, Novaya Zemlya also offers a number of opportunities for you to trace the footsteps of famous explorers and reflect on the region’s history.

Day 7 Heading North

Bid farewell to Novaya Zemlya as we cruise farther north to Franz Josef Land. There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Attend presentations by your expedition team, relax in our polar library or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the sea.

Days 8-11 Exploring Franz Josef Land

Franz Josef land is the most remote and Northern of the archipelagos of Eurasia, located beyond the Arctic circle. It consists of 191 Islands, most of which are covered with ice. The archipelago is a nature reserve and part of the Russian Arctic National Park.

 

Weather and ice conditions will shape our exploration, but we do hope to explore historical sites, remote seabird colonies and walrus haul-out at some notable destinations, such as Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell Island and Tikhaya Bukta. Polar bear encounters are also possible.

 

On Jackson Island, Cape Norway is where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered from 1895 to 1896. The conditions were astonishingly difficult, but they survived until the summer and continued their journey south. The remains of their small hut are still here today, along with a memorial marking the event.

 

Exploring Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), the site of an abandoned weather station on Hooker Island, will feel like stepping back in time. There is plenty to discover as you wander the ruins, immersed in Russian polar history, and you may even be able to send a postcard from the post office!

 

If the weather is good, you will  explore the Stolichky and Appolonov Island by Zodiac boats to watch at close range the walruses that have founded  huge rookeries here.

Days 12-13 At Barents sea

As your arctic expedition winds down you have a couple of days to sail through this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of various species are often seen. Take in a presentation, reminisce about your incredible journey with your shipmates, relax in the lounge while swapping stories and photos or enjoy the solitude of the sea. Expedition staff will be on hand to answer any remaining questions and spot wildlife.

Day 14 Arrival to Murmansk

In the morning you will have breakfast, say goodbye to the ship's crew and disembark. Then there will be a group transfer to the airport.

New
Jewels of the Russian Arctic
Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. Active tours. You don’t have to be a sportsman, but you need to be strong enough to ride a snowmobile or go hiking in the mountains.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Group size
to 132 person
Duration
14 days

Accommodation during the trip

13 nights

Languages

EN
guide
We update the dates and tour price.
Leave your email and we’ll notify you when get this info.

Accommodation during the trip

You will travel with "Ocean Adventure" ship – an ice class 1A expedition vessel. In 2017 it was completely re-equipped with the expectation of comfortable accommodation for 132 people. During the reconstruction the ship was equipped with two new Rolls Royce engines and new pitching stabilizers. All cabins have updated the interior and bathrooms. In 2017 the Ocean Adventurer won the Travel Weekly Magellan Award in the small cruise ship category.

 

There are a bar and lounge onboard, a library with a large collection of thematic literature, a gift shop, a small fitness center and a beauty salon. All cabins are air-conditioned and have a bathroom with toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobes.

 

The cost of the cruise depends on the selected cabin type:

  • accommodation in a Triple cabin — 11 495 USD
  • accommodation in a Lower Deck Twin cabin — 13 495 USD
  • accommodation in a Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin — 14 995 USD
  • accommodation in a Main Deck Twin Window — 16 495 USD
  • accommodation in a Superior cabin — 17 995 USD
  • accommodation in a Deluxe cabin  — 17 995  USD
  • accommodation in a Suite cabin — 22 995  USD
  • accommodation in an Owner's Suite cabin — 24 495  USD

 

Prices for cruise 2023:

  • accommodation in a Triple cabin — 11 495 10 795 USD
  • accommodation in a Lower Deck Twin cabin — 13 495 11 089 USD
  • accommodation in a Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin — 14 995 12 236 USD
  • accommodation in a Main Deck Twin Window — 16 495 13 384 USD
  • accommodation in a Superior cabin — 17 995 13 676 USD
  • accommodation in a Deluxe cabin  — 17 995 13 676  USD
  • accommodation in a Suite cabin — 22 995 17 636  USD
  • accommodation in an Owner's Suite cabin — 24 495 18 716  USD

 

The price is per person. Payment is made in rubles at the exchange rate of the Central Bank +3%.

 

Types of cabins:

 

Triple cabin (13 sq. m.): located on the main deck, the cabin has two lower and one upper berths, a porthole and a bathroom.

 

Lower Deck Twin cabin (11-12 sq. m.): two lower berths, private facilities and a porthole with exterior views.

 

Main Deck Twin Porthole cabin (11-12 sq. m.): two lower berths, private facilities, and a porthole with exterior views

 

Main Deck Twin Window cabin(13 sq. m.): located on the main deck. It has two lower beds, a window with exterior viewsand a bathroom.

 

Superior cabin (12.5 square meters): located on the upper deck. It has two beds, a window, and a bathroom.

 

Deluxe cabin (15 sq. m.): located on the upper or captain's deck. The cabin has two beds, a sitting area (two armchairs and a table), a window, a desk, a TV, and a bathroom.

 

Suite cabin (20 sq. m.): located on the captain's deck. The cabin has a double bed, a living room (sofa and armchairs), a window, a desk, a TV, and a bathroom.

 

Owner's Suite cabin (22 sq. m.): located on the uppermost deck. The cabin has a large double bed, a living room (sofa, armchairs, TV), panoramic windows, and a bathroom.

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Common questions

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Who will be my guide +

An expedition leader and a team of scientists — experts in the polar region will be with you on the ship and during trips on zodiac boats. They will talk about the flora and fauna of Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land, hold lectures and presentations onboard.

Meals +

The price of the cruise includes full board: breakfast and lunch buffet and a La carte dinner (including beer and home-made wine). You will also have 24-hour access to hot drinks throughout the cruise: tea, coffee and cocoa. Premium alcoholic beverages are paid additionally.

Booking

New

Jewels of the Russian Arctic

Difficulty
Difficulty levels
Easy. Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Normal. Active tours. You don’t have to be a sportsman, but you need to be strong enough to ride a snowmobile or go hiking in the mountains.
Advanced. Get ready for a challenge — long trekking with a heavy backpack on the shoulders, rafting along mountain rivers.
Hard. Professional training and perfect physical fitness are required. The level involves climbing to the tops of the mountains (above 3000 meters), freeriding and North Pole diving.
Group size
to 132 person
Duration
14 days

Accommodation during the trip

13 nights

Languages

EN
guide
from 10 751 EUR
What's included in the price:
  • shipboard accommodation in the cabin of the selected category

  • full board, including hot drinks throughout the day

  • expedition landings on Zodiac boats and excursions according to the program

  • group transfer from the airport to the port and back

  • expedition leader's and the team services 

  • onboard lectures, information materials, photobook of the expedition

  • medical insurance with coverage of emergency evacuation from remote places (in the amount of $500 000)

  • branded expedition jacket, rubber boots for disembarkation during the cruise

  • port dues

Extra charge:
  • airfare to Murmansk 

  • standard health insurance

  • personal expenses (laundry, Internet, communication)

  • tips for the crew (optional)

In the price:
Included Extra charge
  • shipboard accommodation in the cabin of the selected category

  • full board, including hot drinks throughout the day

  • expedition landings on Zodiac boats and excursions according to the program

  • group transfer from the airport to the port and back

  • expedition leader's and the team services 

  • onboard lectures, information materials, photobook of the expedition

  • medical insurance with coverage of emergency evacuation from remote places (in the amount of $500 000)

  • branded expedition jacket, rubber boots for disembarkation during the cruise

  • port dues

  • airfare to Murmansk 

  • standard health insurance

  • personal expenses (laundry, Internet, communication)

  • tips for the crew (optional)

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Discounts for
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