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Islands of the Russian Far East

Dates: 
2007
Clipper Odyssey
June 2
August 9*
* Denotes Reverse Itinerary

Price starting from: $8,080

The Ship

Clipper Odyssey


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. 

An outdoor swimming pool, 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.

View Deck Plans 

Embark on a unique voyage of discovery, sailing with fewer than 130 fellow passengers from Russia’s Kuril Islands to the Kamchatka Peninsula aboard the comfortable Clipper Odyssey. Encounter fascinating geology and rich cultural traditions as you explore the Kurils, a chain of mountainous islands formed by the summits of an underwater mountain ridge that stretches for almost 750 miles from Japan’s Hokkaido Island in the southwest to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the northeast. Among the least-visited and most-pristine environments on Earth, some display stark, lava landscapes that foster streams and pools heated by geothermal activity, while others boast lush forests, moss-covered boulders, and black-sand beaches. Continue on to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, enjoying the long hours of daylight that linger at this time of year. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Zhupanova River and its surrounding landscape during a Zodiac excursion and, weather permitting, enjoy an optional helicopter excursion to the breathtaking Valley of the Geysers.

A distinguished group of experts accompanies you on this exceptional voyage, enhancing your enjoyment of the unique places you visit with their knowledge and experience.

Inquire now on an Asian Cruise...

Itinerary:

Day 1 — Depart the U.S.A. / Cross the International Date Line


Day 2 — Tokyo, Japan
Upon arrival, transfer to the Tokyo Imperial Hotel for an evening at leisure in this cosmopolitan Asian metropolis.

Day 3 — Tokyo / Hakodate, Japan (Embark)
Enjoy a Tokyo city tour, with lunch, before flying to Hakodate, where you’ll embark the Clipper Odyssey and set sail for the incomparable islands of the Russian Far East.


Day 4 — Kushiro, Japan
Enjoy a morning cruise to Kushiro, a beautiful fishing port in the southeastern region of Japan’s Hokkaido province. Called the “town of mist,” Kushiro faces the Pacific Ocean and is a culturally diverse city with numerousattractions. Visit Kushiro Marsh to capture the wide-ranging essence of this primeval land.


Day 5-9 — Expedition Cruising Among Russia’s Kuril Islands
Over the next few days, explore the beautiful Kuril Islands, a volcanic chain extending from Japan to Kamchatka. Flexibility is key, as landings depend on local weather conditions. No stops are guaranteed, but the following are possibilities.

  • KUNASHIR
    Though officially part of Russia, ownership of this idyllic island has been a matter of dispute with Japan since World War II. More than 200 bears inhabit Kunashir, as well as white-tailed sea-eagles and fish owls.
  • Iturup/Urup/Chirpoy
    This group of inspiring islands was formerly inhabited by the Ainu people. Kurilisk, an isolated Russian fishing village, provides an interesting attraction on Iturup — largest of the Kurils. While Urup Island is home to large populations of rare birds and Northern fur seals, as well as long-abandoned Russian fur-trading cabins. Chirpoy, which means “small bird” in Ainu, is another wildlife lover’s paradise, featuring a large colony of Steller’s sea lions.
  • Yankicha/Matya
    Yankicha Island features high mountain peaks surrounding a beautiful caldera and is the world’s breeding center for whiskered auklets. Matya Island provides a striking vignette of Russia’s military infrastructure in the form of abandoned buildings, tanks, and watchtowers.
  • Skaly Lovushky/Onekotan
    The small, scenic archipelago, known as Skaly Lovushky, is a “must-see” for sea lion lovers. Along Onekotan’s black-sand beach, flanked by high cliffs of volcanic tuffs capped by massive horizontal lava flows, search for World War II reminders.
  • Paramushir/Atlasova
    Second-largest of the Kuril Islands, mountainous Paramushir is one of the few inhabited islands in the range, with more than 2,500 residents in Severo-Kurilsk; ships damaged by a large tsunami in 1952 remain on the beach near the village. The island is also known to have a good population of brown bears. Tiny Atlasova arose from the gigantic Alaid volcano — one of the region’s most active.


Day 10 — Cruising to Kamchatka / Vestnik Bay, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
This morning, take to the sea, cruising to Kamchatka. Marvel at the remarkable variety of wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, whales, tufted puffins, slaty-backed gulls, and spectacled guillemots. Pristine Vestnik Bay is part of the Yuzhno-Kamchatsky reserve, providing an undisturbed natural environment for discovery.


Day 11 — Expedition Cruising on the Zhupanova River, Kamchatka Peninsula
Take a Zodiac cruise along the crystal clear and meandering Zhupanova River, an awe-inspiring, all-encompassing perspective of natural beauty surrounded by snowcapped mountains and stunning wildlife. Keep watch for Steller’s sea eagles.


Day 12 — Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka Peninsula
A morning cruise brings you to Petropavlovsk, the administrative, industrial, and cultural center of Kamchatka and also one of the world’s largest cities that cannot be reached by road. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty and heritage of this unique city, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. An optional helicopter tour to the Valley of the Geysers — featuring hundreds of active geysers and hot springs — offers indelible lifelong memories.


Day 13 — Petropavlovsk (Disembark) / Cross the International Date Line / Anchorage, Alaska
Disembark the Clipper Odyssey and board a chartered flight for Anchorage, crossing the international date line and gaining a day. Upon arrival, transfer to the Anchorage Hilton Hotel for overnight.


Day 14 — Anchorage / Return to Home City

What's Included:

  • One pre- or postcruise night at a deluxe hotel in Tokyo, and one pre- or postcruise night at a deluxe hotel in Anchorage, including all taxes and service charges

  • Air transportation between Tokyo and Hakodate, and between Petropavlovsk and Anchorage

  • 10 nights aboard the Clipper Odyssey in fully air-conditioned, outside staterooms with lower beds, individual temperature controls, and private bathroom facilities

  • All meals during the cruise, prepared to order and served at single leisurely seatings

  • Optional helicopter excursion (at additional cost) to the Valley of the Geysers from Petropavlovsk; all other sightseeing and shore excursions are included throughout the voyage

  • All port charges and onboard gratuities

  • All airport/hotel/ship transfers for Clipper~Air passengers traveling on scheduled dates of departure and return

  • Distinguished onboard experts enhance your understanding and enjoyment

  • Captain’s welcome aboard and farewell receptions and dinners

  • Physician on board throughout the voyage

What's Not Included:

  • Airfare is not included.

Call Toll Free: (888) 815-5428 or Inquire Today!

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.

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