Experience the Arctic region of Russia and Norway on this 16-day Russian cruise! Explore the ports of St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, and several islands along the way. View the cliffs and wildlife of this remote region from the comfort of the Island Sky.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in St. Petersburg and transfer to the Hotel Astoria. Spend the day at your leisure by relaxing or exploring this vibrant city.. Gather at the hotel in the evening for a welcome dinner and overnight.
Day 2: St. Petersburg / Arkhangelsk / Embark Island Sky
After breakfast, board a flight to Arkhangelsk, Russia’s first seaport. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of traditional Russian foods at a local restaurant. Visit the lively farmers market where a local guide will highlight the culinary heritage of the Russian north. Drive past the city’s architectural landmarks on your way to the Island Sky and overnight.
Day 3: Arkhangelsk / Mudiug Island
Arrive in Arkhangelsk, the first city in Russia to establish trade relations with foreign merchants. Visit the highlights of Arkhangelsk and enjoy lunch on board the ship as the Island Sky cruises down the Dvina River to Mudiug Island. Go ashore to learn about the North Russia Intervention during the early 20th century and visit the former prison camp.
Day 4: Solovki Island
Spend a full day exploring Solovki Island, the main island of the Solovetskiy chain. Visit the magnificent Kremlin, which features eight towers and thick rock walls which surround the St. Nicholas Church. Also visit the Assumption Cathedral, Transfiguration Cathedral, and the museum of the infamous Gulag camp, which was established during the 1920s. Visit inland hermitages and churches, the botanical garden, and weather permitting, board small boats for a cruise along the stone-lined canals.
Day 5: Anzerskiy Island
Sail for the second largest island of the Solovetskiy chain, Anzerskiy. The island is endowed with lovely, unspoiled forests and crystal-clear lakes. Anzerskiy is also the site of an active skete (monastic community), where you can learn about the history of the monastery.
Day 6: Zayatskiy Island / Kuzova Island
Go ashore on Zayatskiy Island to visit prehistoric labyrinths and burial mounds. On Kuzova Island, observe numerous seid, which were stonesstacked in various configurations by the ancient Sami people.
Day 7: Karelia Region
Make several stops to visit the rustic villages of the Karelia region along the rugged western coast of the White Sea. Stroll along pebble beaches and peaceful fishing hamlets of simple wooden houses. Explore the coast by zodiac and witness countless seals and seabirds, including eiders and guillemots.
Day 8: Kola Peninsula
Step ashore the remote Pomor villages of the Kola Peninsula. The Pomors (people of the coast) traveled from the Russian mainland in the east and settled permanently here in the 13th – 14th centuries.
Day 9-10: Expedition Stops / Kanin Peninsula
Wind, sea conditions, and tides determine your course during these two days of expedition cruising. Hope to explore the region by zodiac and visit the subsistence fishing villages which have never before been visited by foreign passenger ships.
Day 11: Sem Islands
Cruise along the northern coast of the remote Kola Peninsula, a wilderness of vast tundra, mountains, spectacular waterfalls, and some of the oldest forests in Europe.
Day 12: Murmansk
Arrive in Murmansk, the world’s largest city north of the Arctic Circle. Take a city tour to view the major cargo port and its impressive fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers; the Orthodox Church, Savior-on-Waters; a lighthouse with panoramic views of the city; and the Murmansk Museum. Witness the city’s many monuments which commemorate its short but intense history.
Day 13: Kirkenes, Norway
After breakfast, go ashore in Kirkenes. Drive southward into the Pasvik Valley and go for nature walks to observe the valley’s unique birds and plants. Return to the ship for lunch before visiting the scenic settlement of Grense Jakobselv, just across from the Russian border.
Day 14: North Cape
North Cape, commonly referred to as the northernmost point of the European continent, sits on a 1,000-foot-high plateau that rises dramatically from the Barents Sea. Attend historical exhibits and a film about the region are highlights of the impressive edge-of-the-world visitor center. In the afternoon, stay on deck as the ship cruises along the coast of Norway, keeping watch for puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, cormorants, Arctic skuas, and majestic white-tailed eagles.
Day 15: Tromso / Oslo
In the morning, disembark in Tromso, known as the 'Gateway to the Arctic,' and take a tour of this charming university city. Enjoy the incredible views from Mount Storsteinen, visit the unique Arctic Cathedral, and explore the Polar Museum. After lunch, board your flight to Oslo and transfer to the hotel for your final overnight.
Day 16: Oslo
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your connecting flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Standard Suite
Magellan Deck, Suites #255-262. Averaging 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and portholes with exterior views.
Select a Date
Superior Suite
Columbus Deck, Suites #329-348. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large window with exterior views.
Select a Date
Premium Suite
Marco Polo Deck, Suites #416-428. Averaging 226 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large window with exterior views.
Select a Date
Corner Suite
Marco Polo Deck, Suites #414-415. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and large windows with exterior views.
Select a Date
Deluxe Balcony
Erikson Deck, Suites #505-512. Averaging 225 sq. ft. (21 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a private balcony.
Select a Date
Owner's Balcony
Explorer Deck, Suites #601-604. Averaging 237 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) and equipped with two single beds which can be configured as a double bed upon request. Separate sitting area, spacious closets, private facilities with walk in shower, television, vanity with stool, small refrigerator, and a large private balcony.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Cabins may be available for single occupancy at 1.6 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
