Passage to Kamchatka & Beyond
An expedition cruise through the Pacific Ring of Fire aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
- 28 May 2022
The remote reaches of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and the distant and isolated Kuril Islands have fired the imagination of explorers and traders for centuries. Our past travellers have enthused about the spectacular scenery, the incredible array of wildlife and the native cultures known to only a few privileged visitors. Join this remarkable voyage of unparalleled exploration along the Pacific Ring of Fire for which our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have made some cabins available for our passengers aboard their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration.
From Otaru, Japan to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, we will cruise through a pristine environment that calls to nature lovers, history buffs, photographers and the intrepid explorer within. Among the Kurils, a necklace-like chain of volcanic islands, we find vast forests and wildflower-dappled tundra, backdropped by soaring steam-breathing volcanoes. Basalt stacks rise from the sea, tailormade resting and nesting spots for an unimaginable number of seabirds. Upon reaching the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia’s remote easternmost province and home to the brown bear, we are greeted with a dramatic landscape of fire and ice. Geysers, hot springs and active volcanoes set amidst towering mountains and fast flowing rivers make this area magnificently unique. Marvel at spouting whales, frolicking seals and huge populations of nesting and migratory seabirds.
An expedition such as this can only be undertaken by a special vessel with the self-sufficient qualities of the Hanseatic Inspiration. Using the fleet of Zodiacs we can explore inlets, bird sanctuaries and land in otherwise inaccessible places and, although we set sail with a set itinerary, it is often the unscheduled events that become the highlight. This is your opportunity to see a seldom visited corner of the world and to witness the timeless processes of nature taking place without the hindrance or help of man. Sailing in June, we will take full advantage of the mid-summer sun, travelling on nature’s terms, enjoying dramatic scenery and encountering the region’s ancient cultures and fascinating people whose lives are rarely touched by outsiders.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition in the Russian Far East. Although we have outlined an itinerary below, this is only a preliminary plan and the exact route will depend on weather conditions, wildlife encountered and authorization from Russian Authorities.
Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Tokyo.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant city at your own pace or to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 3 Tokyo to Otaru.
After breakfast in the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Sapporo. On arrival, transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration which is moored in Otaru, and meet your expedition team. This evening we set sail and our expedition begins.
Day 4 Rishiri.
At Rishiri Island the skyline is dominated by the dormant volcano of Mount Rishiri which climbs to 1721 metres high. Here we will anchor off shore and use the Zodiacs to land near the Kutsugata Cape Park where we can discover the beautiful scenery and alpine wildflowers which should be coming into bloom.
Days 5 & 6 Sakhalin, Russia.
Sailing on the Sea of Okhotsk, we arrive into Russia at the port of Korsakov on the island of Sakhalin. This island gained literary notoriety when Anton Chekhov wrote about the former penal colony in his travelogue. After clearing immigration formalities we will have a chance to explore before continuing to the island of Tyuleny off of the east coast. Tyuleniy means “seal” in Russian, and during the summer months the island is home to literally tens of thousands of northern fur seals and Steller sea lions. Our visit is well timed to see not only the seals and sea lions, but also tens of thousands of common guillemots and blacklegged kittiwakes that have made their nests in the cliffs above.
Days 7 & 8 Kuril Islands.
We begin our venture into the Pacific Ring of Fire within the Russian Far East visiting the Kuril Islands which extend for 1200 kilometres from northern Japan to the Kamchatka Peninsula. The mountain peaks shimmer through the mist and the sea thunders against the steep cliffs. In this unspoilt territory, we will be conducting numerous Zodiac rides and landings, to fully experience the vast natural wonders up close. The wildlife sightings are a special part of this tour, with Brad Chirpoy being home to sea lion colonies, and the Lovushka Islands giving the opportunity to see seabirds and marine mammals.
Days 9 to 13 Kamchatka & Bering Island.
The next few days will be truly expeditionary in nature with the Captain and Expedition Leader planning the route depending on weather conditions and wildlife sightings. We will be able to fully experience this wondrous landscape late into the evening due to the long days. In Russkaya Bay, we hope to spot some sea otters whilst hiking with the onboard experts. Our renowned scientists on board will enlighten you with lectures on the different eras of Russian history and the indigenous peoples as well as the Cossack conquerors. Upon visiting Petropavlovsk, the scientific and cultural centre of Kamchatka, you will see the effects that these people had on the area. To really appreciate the sulphur springs from above, we have the option to take a helicopter ride to the Valley of the Geysers. Another option is to take a flight to Nalychevo Nature Park, where you can really immerse yourself in the wilderness. And for the adventurous types, there is a challenging optional hike that you can take up the Avacha volcano, with some truly stunning views. For our Zodiac ventures in the Zhupanova River we will keep an eye out for the seals, Steller sea eagles and bears on the hunt. This time of year is when the Pacific salmon return to the rivers to spawn, making it an ideal time to see the bears at their best. We also spend time visiting Bering Island, where we learn of the origin of its name. Vitus Bering ran aground here in 1741 on the way home from his second Kamchatka expedition.
Day 14 At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we cruise towards the Kuril Islands. Join one of the lectures or relax and enjoy the facilities on board.
Days 15 & 16 Kuril Islands.
We return to the Kuril Islands and we will take the Zodiacs out to get closer to the Ptichiy Islands, home to seals and spotted seals as well as meeting the residents of one of the villages. The experts will also explain the volcanological history of the area, specifically Atlasova and its black lava beach. Here we will learn about the Alaid, one of the highest volcanoes in the Kuril Islands at over 2000 metres. Yankicha Island is impressive, accessible only by Zodiac and only during high tide, it is actually a sinking volcanic caldera. Inside the magnificent lagoon with its fumaroles and hot springs, we can still see traces of the tremendous forces that created the island long ago. The number of auklets which breed here is truly incredible.
Day 17 At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we sail to Korsakov. Join one of the lectures or relax and enjoy the facilities on board.
Day 18 Korsakov, Sakhalin.
Today we return to Korsakov to complete immigration formalities before we continue our journey to Otaru.
Day 19 Otaru to Tokyo, Japan.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Sapporo airport for our scheduled flight to Tokyo. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay and the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 20 Tokyo to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
Dates and Prices
28 May to 16 June 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £12995 | £12695 |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £13595 | £13295 |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £14095 | £13795 |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £14795 | £14495 |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £14795 | £14495 |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £15295 | £14995 |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £15895 | £15595 |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £16495 | £16195 |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | £17995 | £17695 |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | £22995 | £22695 |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £17295 | £16995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHA280522
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Tokyo • 16 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes • Landing fees • Use of parka jacket, rubber boots, binoculars and walking poles during the cruise.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Russian visa, optional excursions (details and costs for which will be sent to passengers three months before departure).
Important Russian Visa Information: A visa is required for Russia and we will provide all supporting documentation needed although the process to apply for the visa cannot be started until three months before departure and in some instances can take up to six weeks. To obtain a Russian visa it will be necessary for passengers to attend application centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh. This information is correct at the time of printing and should the information change, we will be in touch with booked passengers with updated guidelines. |
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
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