Across the Bering Sea: From Katmai to Kamchatka
Covering more than 3,800 nautical miles, and nearly circumnavigating the Bering Sea, this wide-ranging Arctic voyage explores one of the most rugged and wildlife-rich regions of the planet. Spot coastal brown bears from Katmai National Park to the Kamchatka Peninsula, search for Steller’s sea eagles along the scenically stunning Zhupanova River and be awed by the abundance and variety of marine mammals and seabirds from the Aleutians to the Commander Islands.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
• Observe an array of marine mammals: Pacific walrus, northern fur seals, gray, humpback, and sperm whales, sea otters and Steller sea lions
• Marvel at cliffs crowded with millions of seabirds—from horned and tufted puffins to murres and rare whiskered auklets
• Explore the wild and pristine Zhupanova River, the legendary flagship waterway of Kamchatka, as you search for Steller’s sea eagles and their nests
• Watch brown bears digging for clams or fishing for salmon in Katmai National Park
• Visit a Koryak village in northern Kamchatka, and Vitus Bering’s gravesite in the Commander Islands
Tour Dates
Day 1 — Anchorage/Seward/Embark
Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to Seward, Alaska to embark National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.
Days 2 & 3 — Katmai National Park
Spend two days exploring the shorelines and waters of coastal Katmai National Park & Preserve, observing and photographing its abundant brown bear population. Explore Geographic or Hidden Harbors and Kukak Bay by ship, Zodiac, or, conditions permitting, kayak.
Days 4 & 5 — At Sea/Unalaska
Watch from deck as Orion transits Baby Pass en route to the Baby Islands, just to the east of Unalaska. Dynamic tides here offer exciting potential to spot sea otters and fur seals, as well as rare seabirds. Arrive at Dutch Harbor, site of a fierce WWII battle and now one of the world’s most important fishing ports.
Days 6 to 10 — Exploring the Aleutian Islands
These rugged and remote volcanic islands, which separate the North Pacific from the Bering Sea, support vast colonies of seabirds, and marine mammals such as northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, and a variety of whales. WWII history buffs will recognize names like Attu and Kiska, islands we’ll explore during these days.
Day 11 — Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russian Federation
After crossing the international date line, sail into the protected waters of Avacha Bay, and dock at Petropavlovsk- Kamchatskiy, the gateway to Kamchatka. Be on deck for the approach, as Koryaksky, Avachinsky, and Kozelsky volcanoes provide a stunning backdrop to this port city.
Day 12 — Zhupanova River
This 100-mile long immaculate waterway in Kamchatka is teeming with enormous rainbow trout, salmon and char. Explore the lower river by Zodiac, in search of one of the world’s largest raptors, plus numerous wading birds, other waterfowl, and spotted seals hauled out on sandbars.
Days 13 & 14 — Commander Islands
Watch for whales, large rafts of sea otters, and countless nesting seabirds who inhabit the rich waters surrounding the Commander Islands. On land, visit the gravesite of Danish explorer Vitus Bering. Weather permitting, take Zodiacs to the fur seal rookery at Cape Severo-Zapadnyi.
Days 15 to 19 — Exploring the Koryak and Chukotka Coasts
There’s much to explore as we make our way up the seldom-visited east coasts of Kamchatka and Chukotka, in far eastern Siberia. Hike from one bay to the next, surrounded by volcanic mountains and tundra plants. Photograph brown bears, walruses feeding, and three species of seals in rookeries onshore. Learn about Koryak reindeer-herding culture in either Tymlat or Ossora village.
Day 20 — Provideniya
At the western limit of the rich transboundary area known as Beringia, Provideniya is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic”. It’s also the administrative center where we will conduct our outbound clearance from Russia. Visit the excellent museum, and witness a traditional Yupik dance performance.
Day 21 — At Sea, Crossing the Bering Strait
Spend the final day at sea, crossing one of the most iconic bodies of water on the planet. Linger on deck with binoculars in hand—the chances are high to spot whales and rare seabirds.
Day 22 — Nome/Disembark/Anchorage/Home
Arrive in Nome this morning, transfer to the airport for flights to Anchorage and onward.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
| Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2019 |
Cat 1 Oval Window |
Cat 2 Main Deck |
Cat 3 Suite |
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite |
Cat 5 Balcony Suite |
Cat 6 Owners Suite |
Cat 1 Solo |
Cat 3 Solo |
Charter Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Charter air: Anchorage/Nome/Anchorage | $16,330Full | $17,620Full | $19,630Full | $23,750Full | $26,990Full | $31,550Full | $24,470Full | $29,440Full | $610 |
|
Charter air: Anchorage/Nome/Anchorage | $16,330Full | $17,620Full | $19,630Full | $23,750Full | $26,990Full | $31,550Full | $24,470Full | $29,440Full | $610 |
|
Photography Charter air: Anchorage/Nome/Anchorage | $16,330Full | $17,620Full | $19,630Full | $23,750Full | $26,990Full | $31,550Full | $24,470Full | $29,440Full | $610 |
Free Bar Tab and Crew Gratuities are included in the listed rates.
Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated solo. All trips may incur a fuel surcharge.
Kayaking is available as an additional activity available to all passengers and arranged onboard free of charge.
| Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2020 |
Cat 1 Oval Window |
Cat 2 Main Deck |
Cat 3 Suite |
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite |
Cat 5 Balcony Suite |
Cat 6 Owners Suite |
Cat 1 Solo |
Cat 3 Solo |
Charter Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Photography Charter air: Nome/Anchorage | $27,140Limited | $29,090Limited | $31,360Limited | $39,310Limited | $45,360Limited | $52,490Limited | $40,720Limited | $47,030Limited | $310 |
|
Photography | $17,040Limited | $18,310Limited | $20,400Limited | $24,650Limited | $28,190Limited | $32,810Limited | $25,560Limited | $30,600Limited | |
|
Photography Charter air: Nome/Anchorage | $27,140Limited | $29,090Limited | $31,360Limited | $39,310Limited | $45,360Limited | $52,490Limited | $40,720Limited | $47,030Limited | $310 |
|
Photography Charter air: Anchorage/Nome/Anchorage | $17,200Limited | $18,490Limited | $20,600Limited | $24,890Limited | $28,460Limited | $33,130Limited | $25,800Limited | $30,890Limited | $610 |
|
Photography Charter air: Anchorage/Nome/Anchorage | $17,200Limited | $18,490Limited | $20,600Limited | $24,890Limited | $28,460Limited | $33,130Limited | $25,800Limited | $30,890Limited | $610 |
|
Photography Charter air: Anchorage/Nome/Anchorage | $17,200Limited | $18,490Limited | $20,600Limited | $24,890Limited | $28,460Limited | $33,130Limited | $25,800Limited | $30,890Limited | $610 |
Charter air rates subject to change.
Free Bar Tab and Crew Gratuities are included in the listed rates.
Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated solo. All trips may incur a fuel surcharge.
Kayaking is available as an additional activity available to all passengers and arranged onboard free of charge.
| Category 1 Stateroom These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. 175 Sq.ft. |
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| Category 2 Stateroom These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. 180 Sq.ft. |
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| Category 3 Suite Suite with Window #401-412, 414-41- These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall. 218 Sq.ft. (24 m2) |
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| Category 4 Deluxe Suite Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall. 230 Sq.ft. |
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| Category 5 Balcony Suite Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower. 230 Sq.ft. |
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| Category 6 Owner's Suite Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. 345 Sq.ft. |
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| Category 1 Solo Stateroom These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. |
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| Category 3 Solo Stateroom Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower. |
