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Kamchatka, a Hidden ParadiseExpedition Cruising June 30/July 9, July 18, 2007 (ten days, nine nights) Highlights: There is only one road in Kamchatka going into the interior. This means untouched nature is only accessible either by helicopter or by ship. Even more so, the Commander Islands, sometimes shrouded in fog for days, are not accessible at all, other then by expedition vessel. Yet, this inaccessibility also creates opportunities to observe and explore areas that so far have had limited visitation. The Commander Islands are famous for its seal rookeries and incredible birdlife. One of the islands is even called "Puffin Island'. Kronotsky State Biosphere Preserve is the other high point of the trip. This beautiful protected area is one of the strictest preserves in the Kamchatka region and first established for the preservation of the sable. Towering volcanoes surround geological wonders that are one of a kind. Our stops though are on the shorelines of this preserve, allowing us to look for the Kamchatka brown bear and observing its rich birdlife. Logistical details: You will fly in either from Moscow, Vladivostok or Khabarovsk to the point of entry for Kamchatka, Yelizovo. There you will both begin and end your trip. World Wise Ecotourism Network offers both pre and post trips in the Kamchatka region. Some sample trips are listed in our schedule The cruise will be operated by Poseidon Expeditions, an experienced Russian cruise operator. Assistance in Kamchatka will be offered by ExploreKamchatka. Introduction Kamchatka is generously endowed with national treasures and is an alluring and exotic place even for Russians. The unique combination of fantastic landscapes and rare wildlife makes this far away region of Russia a "Promised Land" for exploration. Some of the highlights of Kamchatka include a multitude of spectacular dormant and active volcanoes, rich and unique wild, marine and birdlife, astounding even the most jaded travelers. A large brown bear population that equals or towers over the amount of bears in Alaska. Six protected areas that offer one of kind treasures: some of them well known such as the Kronotsky State Biosphere Preserve located in the northeast of the Peninsula with its Valley of Geysers and Uzon Caldera. And, of course the famous Commander Islands where Captain Bering died and George Steller started his writing about the rich flora and fauna of Kamchatka. Since Kamchatka has only one road going into the interior, and then only to the middle of the peninsula, the only way to visit the most scenic and off the beaten path places, is by ship. Similarly, a visit to the Commander Islands, because the weather in summer can be extremely foggy, might take months and that is staying there waiting for your helicopter to pick you up. So again, only in this manner is it possible to circumnavigate these spectacular islands. Our Russian vessel has an ice hardened hull and is build for expedition travel. Of course, this is not a luxury vessel, but a vessel that is perfectly suited for Far Eastern waters. The management, staff, crew and naturalists are all Russian and they know these islands well. They have had long term experience in expedition cruising in northern Russia. Please, note! Passengers should keep in mind that this is a unique expedition to a remote and little explored part of the globe. Our sample itineraries should therefore be read as a guide only, depending heavily on weather conditions, as well as on other circumstances. The landing sites, listed in this itinerary, might be changed, should insurmountable obstacles (such as unsuitable weather conditions, governmental and administrative orders) occur... Nevertheless, our Expedition Team will do their best to accomplish as many landings as possible, taking good care of your exploration time. Cruise Dureation: 10 days, 9 nights
Itinerary Day 1, Saturday Day 2, Sunday Day 3-5: Monday through Wednesday Your two days on these islands will be full of discoveries and surprises. Most likely, you will have never seen so many breeding grounds of sea mammals: there are four large rookeries on the islands counting thousands of Fur Seals, Eared Seals, Steller Sea Lions, Sea Otters and Spotted Larga Seals. Also hardly ever might you have seen mushrooms growing higher than trees: an incredible number of mushrooms late in summer rise above dwarf birches and willows. Both of the islands belong to the Kommandorsky Nature Preserve. In 2002 the preserve was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The surrounding waters provide habitats for several whale species (Sperm Whale, Killer Whale and Humpback Whale are among them), including one of the rarest whale species - Stejneger's Beaked Whale. Huge numbers of sea birds have found their home on the Commander Islands such as: Red-faced Cormorants, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Northern Fulmars, Tufted and Horned Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots and more. You will visit several different bays, each of them exhibiting their own uniqueness. There is a beautiful waterfall in Gladkovskaya Bay, spectacular rocks in Bobrovaya Bay, and numerous nesting places of Thin-billed and Thick-billed Murres on ladder-like rocks in Dikaya Bay.
Day 6, Thursday We plan to anchor at Kamenistaya Bay to make it possible for you to observe nearby rivers with rich birdlife. Abundance of fish in local rivers attracts Kamchatka Bears. We will try to cruise around the mouths of these rivers on our zodiacs in order to make it possible for you to take spectacular photos. Day 7, Friday The Kronotsky River is undoubtedly worth your attention. It flows out of the well-known Kronotsky Lake, in the middle of the preserve. In the evening we plan to call at Shipunsky Peninsula. Day 8, Saturday Day 9, Sunday Starichkov Island also offers you an excellent chance to observe bird colonies. This island is favored by the residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Day 10, Monday We anchor at the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Having disembarked, you may wish to take some optional excursions in the city and its suburbs or take your flight home - it will depend on your own after-trip schedule. Prices per person in 2007:
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Named after the renowned Russian poetess - Marina Tsvetaeva - the ship was build in the famous Polish ship-yard Gdynia in 1989 as an ice-strengthened passenger vessel. Her two sister ships were named "Boris Pasternak" and "Anna Akhmatova" after two contemporary poets of Marina Tsvetaeva. From the very beginning "Marina Tsvetaeva" was meant to transport passengers across the Arctic seas during the summer season. Completely refurbished in early 2005, she is now able to comfortably accommodate up to 115 passengers for expedition cruising to remote areas of our planet. A fleet of zodiacs accommodates landings in wilderness areas. The passenger cabins are spacious and cozy. And the public areas (including the bridge, library, lecture room and bar) are great places to read a book or to communicate with fellow passengers. A sauna and open-air swimming pool with heated water offer additional recreational possibilities. Cabin Description Twin non-Private: Two lower berths, a desk, chair, wardrobes and a washbasin. Showers and toilets are located on the same deck outside the cabin. Triple accommodation is possible on request.
Twin Private: Two lower berths, a desk, chair, wardrobes and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Triple accommodation is possible on request.
Mini Suite: Two lower berths (bed and divan-bed), a desk, wardrobes, refrigerator, chair, TV and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Suite: Two rooms, three lower berths (2 beds and 1 divan-bed), a desk, wardrobes, refrigerator, 2 arm-chairs, chair, TV and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Superior: Two rooms, two lower berths (bed and divan-bed), a desk, wardrobes, refrigerator, chair, TV and a private bathroom with bath, shower, toilet and washbasin.
Corner Suite: Two rooms, three lower berths (2 beds and 1divan-bed), a desk, wardrobes, refrigerator, 2 arm-chairs, chair, and TV. Two windows in the bedroom face frontward and others face the inside of the ship with a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Owner's Suite: Twice the size of any other cabin. The cabin features a large lounge with desk and settee. A separate bedroom has a double and a single bed. Three windows observe the lounge and three windows face the outside. Features a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash-basin. Ample storage. TV, video player, refrigerator, bar counter, 2 sofas, 2 armchairs, chair, with country-style interior.
Terms and conditions / Far East Reservations and payment. A deposit of 20% of the cabin rate is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 60 days prior to departure. All prices and payments are in EURO and no other currencies can be accepted. Cancellation and Refunds. All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 60 days prior to departure are fully refunded less an administrative fee of USD 650 per person. Please note that within the 60 days limit all deposits and tariffs are forfeited. For these and other reasons mentioned below, WWEN strongly encourages you to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Prices quoted are based on group participation, and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate, including any helicopter flying time (if applicable and which at the discretion of the captain and expedition leader may or may not be utilized) It is understood that refunds cannot be made to the passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever. PAV reserves the right to cancel any departure due to insufficient reservations up to eight weeks before the date of departure (Passenger may be offered alternative cruise dates.) PAV also reserves the right to cancel any departure up until the date of that departure due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond the control of PAV that prevent the operation of the tour. PAV or its agents are not responsible for costs or penalties related to air transport or other services that are cancelled. PAV is not liable for failure to provide the services or accommodations offered to the extent that such services or accommodations cannot be provided due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond its control. Itinerary. The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the expedition leader or of PAV. This is an expedition to a remote and scarcely populated part of the world, and we expressly reserve the right to change the itinerary, the date or place of departure due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our control without consulting the participants. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the interests of all passengers aboard and with regard to the safety of the vessel. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes. Nothing in this brochure is meant to signify the use of any specific design or model of helicopter or of inflatable boat. If a passenger misses any scheduled sailing of the vessel from any port or place, including any stopover, PAV shall not be liable for any costs, expenses or damages incurred by the passenger as a result of his/her action and no refund of fare shall be granted. Passengers, who participate in tours, agree that any photographs, that include their person, may be used by PAV and its associates for promotional purposes. Passengers may not charge for their appearance in any photographs. Responsibility. The payment of a deposit of any part or full payment for a reservation on this tour shall constitute consent to all the provisions contained herein. PAV acts as a general sales agent on behalf of the shipping company and as a sales agent on behalf of transport companies, hotels, and others supplying services included in the program. However, PAV its subsidiaries and/or its associated agents, shall not be held responsible for property loss or damage and /or any damages resulting from illness, personal injury or death which may be sustained by reason of, or while engaged on, any tour whether due to the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any aircraft, helicopter, automobile, bicycle, boat, vehicle, hotel, state carrier or any other conveyance used in carrying out these tours. We can assume no liability due to any cause whatsoever whether caused by failure or delay or other irregularity, acts or omissions occurring during a tour under which the means of transportation or other service provided thereby is offered or supplied by owners, operators or public carriers for whom the operator of the vessel acts only as agents. PAV reserves the right (at its discretion) to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change any reservation, feature and/ or means of conveyance without notice and for any reason whatsoever and without allowance or refund. We reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case payments will be refunded without further obligation on our part. PAV shall not be responsible for any injury to person (whether or not resulting in death) or damage to property arising out of any act of war, insurrection, revolt or other civil uprising or military action in the countries of origin, destination or passage. The passenger is fully liable for damage (to self, other passengers, ship, staff or other) caused by improper behavior. WWEN strongly recommends individual passengers obtain appropriate insurance coverage. Passengers are not permitted to bring or have onboard any pets or animals, firearms, flammable or hazardous items, controlled or prohibited substances or drugs, contraband or items prohibited by any country or port to be visited. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely. In case of medical problem arising during the voyage, either on board or on shore, which results in costs for evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation, the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the passenger. WWEN strongly advises that passengers ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance. If not covered by travel insurance the responsibility still remains with the passenger and the operator of the vessel declines any responsibility whatsoever. Onboard medical personnel (doctor) are independent contractors and work directly for the passenger. The published rate is based on the prices, exchange rates, duties and taxes as known to PAV at the time of publication of materials and at the time of travel confirmation. The operator of the vessel reserves the right to raise the published rate (on the grounds of among other things, unforeseeable increases of e.g. exchange rates, duties, taxes, port fees and fuel prices) if considered necessary by the operator of the vessel. The operator of the vessel will inform passengers, tour operators or agents at least 60 days prior to departure. In the case of a price increase of more than 5% of the total price of the trip, passengers, tour operators or agents are entitled to cancel the trip without incurring any costs. By forwarding of deposit the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/her or other passengers. PAV reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of a tour at any time.
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