Bering Sea Expedition: Jun 22—Jul 07, 2009

Register NowTour Details

Tour Leaders

Bob Sundstrom

Bob Sundstrom has led VENT tours since 1989 to destinations including Hawaii, Mexico, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Iceland, Pap...

To Be Announced

More Information

Clipper Odyssey — Photo: INTRAV

An outstanding wildlife and scenery spectacular as we cruise the coast of Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East before visiting several of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands and disembarking in Nome, Alaska. Highlights from previous voyages have included Steller's Sea-Eagle, Short-tailed Albatross, Mottled Petrel, and Whiskered Auklets in U.S. waters, with grizzly bears and active volcanoes in Kamchatka.

The Kamchatka Peninsula, the Aleutian Islands, the Bering Sea, and the Pribilof Islands are places most people only dream of visiting. Now, with the advent of expedition cruise ships and the expertise of VENT, you can witness one of the wildest, most spectacular places on earth from the comfort of a beautifully appointed ship. This region will amaze you in its rugged beauty and diversity of wildlife. From the remote Bering Sea outposts of Alaska to the stunning snow-capped volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula, we will see wildlife and scenery unsurpassed elsewhere. Certainly this is one of the world's greatest seabird spectacles, and at some sites there will be hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, of birds. All but five of the world's alcids (members of the auk family) are at least possible on this cruise, and albatrosses, shearwaters, storm-petrels, and fulmars can occur in great numbers as well. A wide variety of marine mammals are possible, with likely sightings of whales (possibly including the rare sperm), porpoises, fur seals, sea lions, and sea otters. In addition, August is well into the southbound fall migration of birds leaving the northern climes and there is some chance of locating rare Asian strays to these remote outposts. In Kamchatka we should see the majestic Steller's Sea-Eagle—the immensity of this raptor almost defies belief—and a number of other Asiatic species, perhaps including the delightful Siberian Rubythroat and lovely Eurasian Bullfinch.

The Clipper Odyssey was built in 1989 in Tsu, Japan, by Japanese craftsmen to the design of a master Dutch yacht designer, Studio Acht, and is eminently suited for year-round itineraries in the Pacific. These range from as far south as New Zealand and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, to as far north as Japan, the Kuril Islands, and the Russian Far East, including the Kamchatka Peninsula. The Clipper Odyssey measures 340 feet long, 51 feet wide, and has a draft of 14 feet. Staterooms are all outside and average a generous 186 square feet in size, and are furnished with either twin or queen-size beds and a sitting area with a sofa. Each cabin features a spacious bathroom with tub baths and shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, in-room music system, ample wardrobe space, three-sided mirrors, personal safe, minibar/refrigerator, and television.

A fleet of Zodiac landing craft can be launched in minutes to take passengers ashore in places where no infrastructure exists. The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art satellite navigation and communication equipment including telephone, fax, and e-mail. A dedicated jogging track and two sun decks offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Inside, the spacious public areas of the ship include two lounges, a small library, and a single seating dining room. The Captain and his officers maintain an open bridge to give passengers an opportunity to observe and ask questions. An experienced cruise staff, physician, and onboard lecturers accompany all voyages to enhance the passengers' enjoyment of the places visited.

A VENT leader will accompany this departure with a minimum of 8 registrations.

We are aboard the Clipper Odyssey with both excellent accommodations and food; an accommodating expedition staff who will ensure we make the most of all wildlife viewing opportunities including many Zodiac cruises; some optional more strenuous walks, otherwise easy to moderate terrain; climate is typically cool to cold, often misty.

• Tours
|
• Cruises
|
• Galleries
|
• News
|
• About VENT
|
• Leaders & Staff
|
• Help