The Northwest Passage and Kamchatka, Once in a Lifetime Voyages

In August 2010, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering their Northwest Passage itinerary with MS HANSEATIC, departing Kangerlussaq, Greenland on August 16, 2010 for a 24-day voyage along Greenland and near the Arctic Circle, and ending in Nome, Alaska on September 9th. It is the most famous sea route in the world, and has been both a myth and challenge for centuries.

The legendary passage for the HANSEATIC starts in Greenland and crosses Disko Bay. Guests will be thrilled to encounter caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, bald eagles, and whales, while taking full advantage of the many Zodiac landings to explore the impressive glacial coasts along the route.

Planned highlights (weather permitting): a visit to a former whaling base in Herschel Island; a landing in Cambridge Bay on Victoria Island, including a visit to the wreck of the "Maud," in which Roald Amundsen conquered the Northwest Passage; zodiac landings in Peel Sound, the Franklin Strait and Larsen Sound; and a stop in Barrow, Alaska, the most northern city in the world. Shore excursions at an additional charge.

The itinerary starts at $21,000 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin. Charter flights from Hanover/Germany to Kangerlussuaq/Greenland and from Nome/Alaska to Vancouver/Canada are included in the cruise price.

The remote reaches of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, and the distant and isolated Kuril Islands have mesmerized explorers and traders for centuries. This exploration takes guests along the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', cruising to Japan’s northern islands, through the Kuril Islands and along the Kamchatka coast. The wildlife is some of the richest in the world and the scenery of snow-capped volcanoes, dense forest, tundra and meadow is spectacular. Geysers, hot springs and active volcanoes set amidst towering mountains and fast flowing rivers make this area unique.

This itinerary will be fully bilingual, departing Nome, on September 9, 2010 for a 19-day expedition voyage to the Chukchi Peninsula, Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, the Japanese islands of Hokkaido and Sakhalin, and ending in Yokohama, Japan on, September 29th.

Highlights of this cruise include the following shore excursions (weather permitting): a helicopter flight over the Kamchatka Volcanoes, a visit to the remote fishing village of Meynipilgino, a drive up to the Avacha Volcano in Kamchatka, and a walk around Atlasova, an uninhibited island with the biggest active volcano of the Kuril Islands. Shore excursions at an additional charge.

The itinerary starts at $12,240 per person, based on double occupancy for an outside cabin. This price included a complimentary charter flight for guests from Vancouver/Canada to Nome/Alaska.

For more information on the itineraries above, please fill out our Travel Request form.

The HANSEATIC was created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 guests. Outer cabins measure 237 sq. ft. and suites measure a very comfortable 474 sq. ft. Each cabin features a complimentary TV information network with private e-mail, movies on demand and radio and cruise information. Internet is available in the business center and also in each cabin, at an additional charge. The ship also has a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness center. A shallow draft and high manoeuvrability allow the ship to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach. Its versatile Zodiacs allow passengers to navigate closely to natural habitats and make shore landings in complete safety. Onboard experts include a team of experienced scientists, expedition leaders and specialists who guide landings and offer guests the rare opportunity to observe plant and animal life up close. The ship also has warm parkas and rubber boots for all passengers on loan.