national geographic endurance northeast passage cruise

Northeast Passage Expedition

  • Overview

    VOYAGE IS SOLD OUT!

     

    Leave the fast-paced, modern world behind.

    Thrill at remote Siberian shores and far northern archipelagos—including Franz Josef Land, New Siberian Islands and Wrangel Island—little changed since the days of Nordenskjold, Amundsen and intrepid explorers of the last century. Endurance roams free at the top of the world on the most untrammelled, adventures route in the High Arctic on this epic voyage.

    Join one of few expeditions to fully transit the Northeast Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. This incredible voyage travels on the brand new purpose-built expedition vessel Endurance which will surely be one the highlight of the vessel maiden sailing season. 

     

    Duration: 26 days
    Passengers: 126 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Oslo, Norway
    Disembarkation Point: Anchorage, Alaska
    Physical rating: Expedition
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Oslo, Norway: Arrival day

      Arrive in Oslo and check into the Clarion Hotel The Hub. In the afternoon, explore this charming city. Stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced Frogner Park. Visit the Fram Museum, dedicated to the wooden ship sailed by Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. The evening is at leisure.

    • Day 2 - Tromso, Norway; Embarkation day

      Fly on a chartered flight from Oslo to Tromsø and embark National Geographic Endurance.

    • Day 3/4 - Exploring Northern Norway

      Northern Norway is the Finnmark region where much of the landscape is above treeline and comprised of fascinating landscape, including sheer coastal cliffs indented with deep fjords. Saami culture is dominant in the area, and we visit one of the oldest and most historically significant archaeological sites at Mortensnes in Varangerfjord.

    • Day 5/24 - Exploring the Russian High Arctic, Siberian Coast and Russian Far East

      In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our day-by-day itinerary will be flexible. We’ll take full advantage of the extensive experience of our captain, crew, and staff as well as of our technological resources and ice-strengthened ship to chart a course around impenetrable ice, through one of the most remote regions on Earth, and toward once-in-a-lifetime sightings of the Arctic’s abundant wildlife.

      Franz Josef Land

      A little-explored world of pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers, Franz Josef Land is the world’s northernmost archipelago, and part of the largest Arctic marine reserve—a sanctuary for such emblematic species as the Atlantic walrus, bowhead whale, polar bear, narwhal, and rare ivory gull. The scattered islands of Franz Josef Land were not discovered until 1873 by the Tegetthoff Expedition.

      Kara Sea / Novaya Zemlya
      Depending on our captain’s route in this wild land, approach the heavily glaciated coast of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, northernmost of the islands of the Kara Sea. Dutch explorer William Barents overwintered at aptly named Ice Harbor in 1596-97.

      Laptev Sea / Severnaya Zemlya

      With 24-hour light, naturalists keep watch from the bridge, ready to announce the sighting of beluga whales or other marine mammals that frequent these shallow coastal waters. Pass Cape Chelyuskin, most northerly point of the Eurasian continent, on our way east toward the new world.

      New Siberian Islands

      Often surrounded by heavy pack ice, the 500-foot-high volcanic spires, cliffs and buttresses of these rocky outposts are a magnificent backdrop for abundant wildlife. We keep a lookout for elusive Ross’s gull, named after the polar explorer. Walrus haul out in numbers and seabirds nest on great cliffs on De Long islands, discovered by the Jeannette expedition in 1881 on their search for the North Pole.

      East Siberian Sea

      Depending on our course and weather, explore granite towers, luxuriant tundra and ancient ceremonial sites along the coast where mammoths once roamed. A hallmark of any Arctic expedition is flexibility and our options are many as we cross the top of the world. The surrounding pack ice is an ideal place to find walruses, polar bears and other wildlife of the circumpolar north.

      Wrangel Island

      A nature reserve since 1974 and World Heritage site, Wrangel Island is known for unusual biodiversity, including endemic tundra plants, snow geese, and largest seabird colonies in the region. The reserve has largest concentration of polar bears and walruses. Land mammals include musk oxen and reindeer. Expedition stops include a visit to the village and research center on the south coast.

      Chukchi Sea
      Keep a lookout for gray whales and other marine mammals in these rich waters. Sailing south from Wrangel, call at Kolyuchin Island, where cormorants, murres, puffins auklets and other Pacific seabirds nest on steep cliffs. Pass the easternmost extension of the Eurasian continent at Cape Dezhnev and continue across the International Date Line to Alaska and the end of our epic voyage.

    • Day 25 - Anchorage, Alaska: Disembarkation day

      Arrive in the remote city of Nome, Alaska, on the coast of the Bering Sea. Disembark to explore the town prior to the charter flight to Anchorage. In Anchorage transfer to flights home.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Champ Island, Franz Josef Land, Russia

    Arctic Skuas, Little Auks, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Black Guillemots nest on the island, but the most famous attractions are the stone spheres that reach up to 2 metres in diameter.

    Cruise towards the Ice Edge

    While heading west we will get a feeling for the different approaches to these frigid waters by explorers like Nansen, Nordenskiöld and Amundsen. Considering that several explorers tried to reach the ice to drift towards the North Pole, our aim is to venture as far north as possible –where few others have been- and continue searching for seals, walrus, and polar bears on the ice.

    Wrangel Island highlight: Home of the mighty Polar Bear

    The last place on earth where mammoths are said to have survived. Lying in the Arctic Ocean on the 180° meridian between the Chukchi Sea and Eastern Siberian Sea is Wrangel Island. Remote and isolated its closest neighbour is 60 km to the east is the rocky Herald Island.

    In 1976, Wrangel Island was established as a Nature Reserve by the Russian Government. The declaration as a Nature Reserve allows the protection of colonies of Snow geese, Polar bears and walrus that flourish on the Island. The Reserve is one of the most treasured sanctuaries in Russia.

    Wrangel Island is inhabited by approximately 100 Eastern Siberian Yupik and Chukchi people in a small village called Ushakovskoe. The village also serves as a base camp for up to 30 seasonal reserve staff. A strict protocol has been established for entry into the Reserve, with only official personnel and invited guests being allowed to enter, ensuring the Reserves protection and the sustainability of this precious region.

  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All meals including tea & coffee
    - Highly qualified expedition team
    - Transfers on embarkation and disembarkation day
    - All shore excursions and lectures in the itinerary

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Expenses of personal nature including; Laundry / Bar / Beverages / Internet & Wifi
    - Travel insurance (mandatory)
    - Spa treatments
    - International & internal airfares
    - Gratuities
    - Passport and Visa expenses (A RUSSIAN VISA IS REQUIRED FOR THE TRIP. THE VISA MUST BE OBTAINED BY THE CUSTOMER AND IS AT HIS OR HER EXPENSE. Please
    - Additional overnight accommodation
    - Mandatory waterproof gear not provided
  • Map
    Nep   tromso to nome
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation.

    Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore unchartered waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities.

     

    TOOLS FOR EXPLORATION:

    Expedition Landing Craft
    Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 8 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use is 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat.

    Remotely Operated Vehicle
    Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colourful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean.

    Kayaks
    National Geographic Endurance will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity.

    Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch.

    Underwater camera
    Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in Alaska, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colourful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrives in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment.

    Video microscope
    Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures.

    Hydrophone
    This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real-time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system.

    Electronic charts
    An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge.

    Open bridge
    You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. Venture’s open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers.

     

     

     

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating: 5
    Guests #: 126
    Crew #:
    Ice Class: PC5
    Speed: 16
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2020
    Length: 124m
    Width:
    Draft: 5
    Tonnage: 1250
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets: 2 Flat
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
national geographic endurance category 1 cabin

Cat 1

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair
USD$ 29,539pp
USD$ 29,539pp
national geographic endurance category 2 cabin

Cat 2

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Fore Deck with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair.
USD$ 30,416pp
USD$ 30,416pp
national geographic endurance category 3 cabin

Cat 3

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa.
USD$ 37,114pp
USD$ 37,114pp
national geographic endurance category 4 cabin

Cat 4

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa,
USD$ 41,194pp
USD$ 41,194pp
national geographic endurance category 5 cabin

Cat 5

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Bridge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa.
USD$ 45,716pp
USD$ 45,716pp
national geographic endurance single cabin

Cat SA - Single Cabin

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Main Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa.
USD$ 46,396pp
USD$ 46,396pp
national geographic endurance single cabin

Cat SB - Single Cabin

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Lounge Deck—Suite with balcony and sofa.
USD$ 51,496pp
USD$ 51,496pp
national geographic endurance category 6 cabin

Cat 6

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Bridge Deck—Junior Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed.
USD$ 52,577pp
USD$ 52,577pp
national geographic endurance category 7 cabin

Cat 7

16 Jul 2020 - 10 Aug 2020
Bridge Deck—Large Balcony Suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet.
USD$ 58,466pp
USD$ 58,466pp