White Sea Odyssey

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

A journey to a once forbidden land aboard the MS Island Sky

For decades the White Sea was a forbidden area and today, because of its geographic isolation, it remains a region of great mystery. We will have four days in the region where we will concentrate on Archangelsk and the Solovetsky Islands. It was on the Solovetsky Islands that Stalin built one of his infamous Gulags, the ‘Red Army’ established a vital submarine base and an important ship building industry was founded. However, the most fascinating aspect of these islands is the 16th century Solovetsky Monastery. This vast medieval fortress with its fascinating and turbulent history is remarkably well preserved.

Our journey to the far north will begin in Edinburgh’s port of Leith and take us to the Northern Isles and then along the vast stretch of Norway’s Atlantic coast. This is a voyage of magnificent seascapes and landscapes, of fjords and islands, and towns and villages which hug the shoreline against a backdrop of towering mountains. From the top of Norway and the North Cape we will enter the Barents Sea, visiting Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle in the world. Here we will visit the cemetery of the officers and soldiers of the Allied Forces who bravely manned the convoys during WWII. We leave the MS Island Sky in the port of Archangelsk from where we return to the UK by air with opportunities to stopover in St Petersburg or Moscow.

You will be joined onboard by an experienced expedition team which as one aim, to make your voyage as enjoyable, relaxing and informative as possible.

White Sea Odyssey itinerary:

Day 1 - EDINBURGH (LEITH).

Embark the MS Island Sky in the afternoon and sail. A transfer will be provided from Edinburgh rail station and airport at a fixed time.

Day 2 - SHETLAND ISLANDS.

After a morning at sea we reach Shetland and dock in Lerwick. Drive out to the fascinating site of Jarlshof, where we shall see the remains of 3000 years of settlement from the Stone Age, through the Bronze and Iron Ages to the Viking times.

Day 3 - BERGEN, NORWAY.

Morning at sea. Spend the afternoon in this lovely fjord capital. A guided excursion will include the old quarter with its quaint Hanseatic houses and the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Greig.

Day 4 - NORDFJORDEN.

Here we will find the very essence of the fjord country, with many side fjords, waterfalls and lakes. We will drop anchor at the village of Olden and travel up the beautiful Olden Valley. Where the road ends we can continue on foot to the great cascade of water which rushes from beneath the Briksdal Glacier.

Day 5 - CENTRAL NORWAY.

The coast of Central Norway has thousands of islands and miles of narrow, deep fjords. We will explore this picturesque area in some depth, visiting the areas less well known and calling into small communities in isolated spots not frequented by the larger ships.

Day 6 - LOVUNDEN & TRAENA ISLANDS.

Continuing off the beaten track, we will visit two small islands on the Arctic Circle. Fairytale-like mountains rise dramatically out of the sea, making these islands a very special place. We will visit the small fishing communities and the bird island of Lovunden.

Day 7 - LOFOTEN ISLANDS.

The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the edge of the sea with jagged granite mountain peaks forming a dramatic backdrop. Our day will be spent cruising amongst the islands and calling into the pretty village of Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening we will venture into one of Norway’s most stunning fjords, Trollfjord.

Day 8 - TROMSO.

In Tromso, the largest town north of the Arctic Circle, we will visit the excellent Arctic Museum, the dramatically designed cathedral and see some of the well-preserved wooden houses. Afternoon free. Perhaps take the cable-car up Mt. Storsteinen for a splendid view of the area.

Day 9 - THE NORTH CAPE.

We will spend today taking a close look at the magnificent landscape of the area known as Finmark. This wilderness area is home to many thousands of Sami people and we will learn of their lives and culture which is inseparably tied to reindeer herding. There will be the opportunity to explore the wildlife and scenery on foot and by Zodiac. The deeply carved fjords and unspoiled islands of this little-known area are just perfect for expedition cruising. Leave Norway this evening, sailing out into the Barents Sea.

Day 10 - MURMANSK, RUSSIA.

Founded in 1916, today the city of Murmansk has a population of approximately half a million. On a morning excursion to Murmansk Museum you will be able to learn of the region’s history including the indigenous Sami people and the first hardy Russian settlers. In the afternoon our tour will include the monuments erected to commemorate the struggle against Hitler, the Allied Forces War Graves (Archangel Memorial), St Nicholas Orthodox Church and the Fine Arts Museum.

Day 11 - CRUISING THE WHITE SEA.

Relax onboard and take the opportunity to attend a lecture.

Days 12 & 13 - SOLOVETSKY ISLANDS.

Sitting in the middle of the White Sea is the Solovestsky archipelago, a mythical, ethereal and timeless place. We will spend two days exploring this UNESCO site of outstanding natural beauty. It is on this isolated archipelago that we will find the Solovetsky Monastery. Within its extensive defensive walls are two 16th century cathedrals housing some stunning icons and there are many other buildings including watchtowers and gates, icon-painting workshop, residential chambers and a number of workrooms which allowed this impressive monastery to exist in almost complete isolation. We will visit the botanical gardens developed by the monks in the 19th century and because of its micro-climate they are able grow all manner of vegetables and fruit. The monastery was used by Stalin as a particularly harsh gulag, but in the past couple of years a great effort has been made to restore the complex to some of its former glory. Making the most of the almost perpetual daylight, we will call into some of the smaller islands enjoying the birdlife and using our Zodiacs, go in search of the Beluga whales. There is a colony of some 2000 in the White Sea and mid-summer is an excellent time to view them.

Day 14 - ARCHANGELSK.

In the 18th century this city was the centre of Russian ship building. Today it is a timber-logging and fishing area. On our guided walk through its streets we will learn of its intriguing history and the areas occupation by ‘White Russians’ immediately after the 1918 Revolution. During World War II, Archangelsk was a major port for both receiving from the allies and as a base for the North Sea Fleet. Amazingly, the surrounding waters are blocked by ice for up to 190 days a year, but through the use of ice-breakers, remain open for most of the year. Our tour will also include the old quarter with its wooden houses, the Museum of Fine Arts, Trotsky Prospect and the Orthodox Church.

Day 15 - ARCHANGELSK TO LONDON.

Disembark this morning and return to London by scheduled flight via Moscow. Alternatively, join one of our post-cruise extensions to either Moscow or St Petersburg.

Island Sky

With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.

Your Space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.

Your Dining
Another benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.