Jetsettersblog

The World, a private residential cruise ship, recently sailed to the Russian Arctic region.

The 28-day “Bering Sea Expedition” provided residents and guests with the opportunity to explore remote communities and cultures and observe wildlife in a natural environment during the brief Arctic summer.

Successfully landing in Lorino Village, The World is the first ship of its size to ever visit this community in the Chukotka region.

The vessel traversed the Bering Strait a few days later. Due to cabotage laws, the ship could not cross back into U.S. waters, requiring the captain to keep the 43,524-ton vessel on the Russian side, even at the Strait’s narrowest point — a two-mile-wide passage separating Little Diomede and Big Diomede Islands.

“Hundreds of thousands of birds swooped past us as we came up the channel,” said resident Alison Holland.

“We were only a few cable lengths from the Russian shore as we were not cleared to re-enter U.S. waters and thus had to hug the Russian side.”

Divided not only by an international border but the International Dateline, The World is the first foreign-flagged ship to sail between the Islands on the Russian side since World War II.

As the vessel approached Wrangell Island, passengers spotted 104 polar bears. Following Wrangell Island,

The World sailed 70 miles to the ice cap’s edge, which extends to the North Pole. Once anchored, the captain lowered the retractable marina so residents and guests could partake in a “polar plunge,” and 35 souls plunged into 33.3° F waters and quickly jumped out.

When sailing aboard The World, all meals, select alcoholic beverages, gratuities and port charges are included.

Guests who rent a residence on the ship can customize their itineraries. The ship also offers a regular selection of expeditions as well as “Stay Six Nights and Get the Seventh Free” program through Dec. 22, 2010. Each additional week spent on the ship will result in one more complimentary night, and there is no limit on the length of stay or number of complimentary nights.

In November, the ship will visit Papua New Guinea during a 23-night voyage priced from $18,500 per person. Two Antarctica expeditions will end the year. The 10-night cruise departing Dec. 23, 2010, is priced from $19,500 per person. The 18-night voyage, Jan. 3- 21, 2011, is priced from $35,100 per person.

For more information, call 800-970-6601 or visit www.aboardtheworld.com