Clipper Odyssey— Photo: Courtesy Zegrahm Expeditions

The northern Pacific Ocean ranks among the planet's most dynamic regions, where distant island outposts pepper a vast sea, and immense snow-capped volcanoes define landscapes of unimaginable beauty. As one of the most biologically productive places in the world, the cold, life-giving waters of the Bering Sea host incredible wildlife spectacles. Seabirds nest by the tens of thousands and whales, sea lions, and brown bears flourish.

VENT has reserved space on two natural history cruises that explore the North Pacific from Alaska to Japan. Operated by Zegrahm Expeditions, the Northern Ring of Fire program offers possibilities for intimate discovery of a marvelous yet lightly-visited corner of the world.

Voyage I, Aleutians & the Bering Sea, explores some of the most remote places on earth—the Pribilof and Aleutian islands, followed by the Kamchatka Peninsula—showcasing a wild and pristine Alaska few travelers get to witness. Making our way west from Alaska, time at sea and strategic stops at different islands will provide an incredible opportunity to see some very difficult-to-find and tantalizing birds. The possibilities are numerous, but we have chances for Laysan and Short-tailed albatrosses, Mottled Petrel, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Steller's Sea-Eagle, Red-legged Kittiwake, and Whiskered Auklet. These waters are prime for seeing marine mammals as well. Sperm whales, Steller's sea lions, and sea otters are all found here. The history of World War II unfolds as we explore Attu, Kiska, and Adak in the Aleutian Islands. Aboard Zodiacs we will investigate hidden coves, protected bays, and uninhabited beaches as we gain closer proximity to the wildlife.

Voyage II, Kuril Islands & Kamchatka, is a cruise from Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula along the Kuril Island chain to Hokkaido, Japan. Marvelous scenery and an impressive array of wildlife—whales, seals, sea otters, and thousands of seabirds—occur along the deserted coves and anchorages of this far-flung region. A diversity of Asian shorebirds and songbirds awaits us at each of our stops. Birds seen on previous voyages include wagtails, buntings, flycatchers, finches, pipits, and warblers—all in beautiful breeding dress. Specialty birds such as White-tailed Eagle, Japanese Cormorant, Black-tailed Gull, and Spectacled Guillemot are possible. On board, staff lectures on the history of World War II and Arctic explorers present vivid images of other facets of the region.

For both voyages, all accommodations and meals aboard the well-appointed Clipper Odyssey; shore excursions and Zodiac rides on both voyages; generally good weather though fog, wind, and rain possible; moderate temperatures; sea conditions vary from good to moderate.