Put together while working at Orbridge. Designed the document and heavily edited.

1. Program Summary
The Polar Bears of Churchill
October 2011
General information
Climate: Historical Fall temperatures in Churchill range from the upper 20° F to below 0o
F; it can
be quite windy, especially in October and November during the polar bear season. Churchill is a
subarctic climate with long very cold winters, and short, cool to mild summers. When the shallow
Hudson Bay freezes, any maritime moderation is eliminated. Prevailing northerly winds come across
the frozen bay. Bring a good windbreaker to layer over all of your cold weather garments.
Currency: The local currency is the Canadian dollar ($ CAD.) Major credit cards are widely
accepted but some shops and restaurants require a minimum purchase when using them; you may
want some local currency to pay for small incidentals. For the best available exchange rate, you will
find ATM (automatic teller machine) cards indispensable. You may want to inform your bank or credit
card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country.
Daylight: In October, the sun rises at approximately 8:00 am. The sun sets at approximately 6:00
pm. Churchill is one of the best places on the planet to view the Northern Lights. Though some
months are better, Churchill receives spectacular Northern Lights shows throughout much of the
year. If the skies are clear, remember to take a look.
Excursions: All excursions in the itinerary are included in the program price and feature hiking,
kayaking, and cruising in motorized skiffs. Activities are generally not very strenuous, as walks are
at a fairly slow pace (so that you can see and learn about as much as possible about the region).
Much of the exploration is done in the skiffs, which are easily entered/exited by the full-beam, two-
step boarding stair on the stern.
Guests will have multiple opportunities to kayak during this program. Kayaking is a wonderful way to
experience the incredible shorelines of southeastern Alaska. Both the single and double kayaks are
very stable crafts and easily paddled by those with no previous experience.
In general, morning excursions take place after breakfast and return to the ship prior to lunch;
afternoon excursions go out after lunch and return prior to dinner. However, depending upon
weather and the day's itinerary, you may have opportunities to kayak, cruise, or even take a dip into
the water at other times of the day as well.
Insects: Mosquitoes and black flies are typically not a problem in the cooler months.
Suggested reading: We have put together a suggested reading list, along with other links that
might be of interest, on our website at (coming soon!)

2. Travel insurance: We recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance. It is an economical
means of recouping at least some of your expenses if you have to cancel a trip at the last minute or
cut it short due to health or other reasons. If your alumni association does not offer insurance
through their travel program, you may speak to Viking Travel about Travel Guard insurance at
888.772.4503, or go to www.travelguard.com for detailed information about various coverage
options.
Packing
Clothing: The dress code on board is casual at all times. Jeans and fleece are the norm, even for
the farewell dinner. Because of the temperature variables, you will want to dress in layers for this
expedition. A water and windproof jacket, hat and gloves, a pullover or zip-up heavy fleece, and a
fleece or light down vest are all recommended. The ship has umbrellas, rain slickers, rain pants, and
rubber boots available for your use, so you needn't pack those. Bring a bathing suit for the hot tub
and sauna, and exercise clothing if you plan to utilize the fitness equipment or participate in morning
yoga.
Footwear: Bring lightweight hiking boots (preferably waterproof) for shore hikes, and comfortable
sneakers or closed-toe walking shoes for on board ship. Please bring boots/shoes that are already
comfortable and broken in. Rubber boots (mid-calf height) are provided for use on board or on
excursions. You do not need to bring special "deck shoes" for the ship; however, we ask that you do
not wear high heels or hard-soled shoes, as these will damage the deck and make for very unsteady
footing.
Accessories and sundries: Bring a pair and a spare of sunglasses and prescription glasses, extra
contact lenses and solution (if applicable), a daypack for hikes and shore excursions, and a wet bag
to protect cameras and non-waterproof binoculars. Please bring sufficient prescription medication to
last throughout the entire trip without needing a refill; once the ship leaves Juneau, there is no easy
access to drugstores or pharmacies. Also, we highly recommend packing at least a portion of your
prescriptions in your carry on bag, in the event that your checked baggage should get delayed.
You should also bring sunscreen, body lotion, insect repellent (insect repellent will be available on
board ship, but if you have a brand that you know works for you, please consider bringing it to avoid
a potential allergic reaction to an unfamiliar brand), toothpaste, toothbrush, razors, hair
elastics/barrettes, combs or brushes, and other personal hygiene and comfort products.
Binoculars: Although binoculars are provided on board the Safari Explorer, we recommend that
each traveler consider bringing his or her own pair. A good pair of binoculars can make a world of
difference for distant wildlife observations.
Selecting a versatile binocular is important. Stay away from the very small compact binoculars, as
they typically have a very narrow field of view, which makes it difficult to locate objects. Smaller
binoculars also do not allow for much light gathering, and have very limited use in low light
conditions. A binocular in the 7X or 8X power range is adequate, and an exit ocular at 35 or 40 is

3. good – thus, look for a pair labeled 7X35 or 8X40. Also, binoculars come in a wide price range, from
$25 to $1,500. The casual wildlife observer does not need something in the highest price range, but
do not go with the lowest price range either. A pair of binoculars in the $100 to $250 range will last
you a long time with just basic care; in this range you can also get waterproof optics, which are very
nice to have in marine environments (but certainly not essential). If your optics are not waterproof, it
is important to carry a waterproof bag to protect against rain or a splash of seawater over the side of
a skiff. Even a Ziploc-type bag can provide adequate water resistance for cameras and binoculars.
Inclement weather gear: The ship provides umbrellas, rain slickers, rain pants, and rubber boots
for use during the cruise. If you have special sizing requirements for any of these items, be sure to
bring them from home.
Luggage: Although the cabins are spacious, storage space is limited. For your comfort, please limit
luggage to two large bags per cabin.
Ship Information
Bathrooms: Each cabin has private bathroom facilities, stocked with two bathrobes, slippers, a hair
dryer and sundries such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap (sundries are replenished during the
daily housekeeping service).
Bedding: Every cabin is equipped with Tempur-Pedic
TM
beds.
Binoculars: West Marine 7×50 binoculars are available for each guest to use during the cruise.
Climate control: There is climate control throughout the ship; each guest cabin has its own
thermostat, and every bathroom has radiant heat tile floors.
Credit cards: American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are all accepted for the payment of
miscellaneous charges and gratuities.
Electricity: The ship and all cabins are fitted with standard North American electrical sockets.
Elevators: There are no elevators on the Safari Explorer. Passengers must be physically able to
go up and down stairs in order to reach their cabins, outside deck, lounge, and public areas.
First aid/medical facilities: The Safari Explorer does not have a physician on staff; crew- members
are trained in first aid, CPR, and the use of the on-board AED (automated external defibrillator). The
ship carries fully stocked first aid kits with pain relievers (aspirin and non-aspirin) and Dramamine
(see note about motion sickness drugs below under "Inclement weather").
Fishing: Fishing rods are available and licenses may be purchased for fishing in Alaska. Fishing
excursions can be arranged at an additional charge. Guests can fish from the stern at night while at
anchor, or go out in the kayaks or skiff with one of the crew (weather permitting). Any fish that you
catch can be prepared for dinner; unfortunately, there are no processing or storage facilities on
board the ship, so you won't be able to take your catch home.

4. Gratuities: The suggested gratuity to ship staff, crew, and guides is 5-10% of your program price.
Gratuities may be charged to your credit card at the end of the cruise.
Inclement weather: This program operates primarily in the inside of the Inside Passage, which is
generally sheltered from the worst effects of any inclement weather that might occur. In the event
that unfavorable weather is expected, the crew will provide plenty of notice so that you may take
whatever motion sickness remedy works best for you.
A note about motion sickness patches: it has been our experience that some people are more
sensitive to the patch than to rough seas, and can end up quite ill from the effects of scopolamine.
Please determine your sensitivity and reaction to motion sickness drugs prior to leaving home.
Laundry service: Laundry service is not available on board the ship. If you wish to hand-wash
small items, we suggest bringing a bar of Castile soap, which is an inexpensive, lightweight, and
non-liquid multipurpose cleaning agent.
Meals: Meals on the Safari Explorer are fresh and plentiful,. A light, early-riser breakfast
(pastries/rolls, hot and cold cereal selection, juices, fruit, toast/bagels) is available at around 6:30
am, followed by a full breakfast at 8:00 am. Lunch may be sit-down in the dining room, or a topside
barbecue. Appetizers are presented an hour before dinner; dinner includes a choice of seafood,
meat, or vegetarian entrees, as well as breads and desserts that are freshly baked on board every
day. Wine, beer, and premium spirits are included (although certain fine wines and exotic liquors
may incur an additional charge).
The chef will make every attempt to accommodate special dietary needs - low sodium, lactose
intolerant, gluten-free, etc., subject to local availability and sufficient advance notice (please advise
at least 60 days prior to departure of any special dietary needs, allergies, or restrictions).
All meals are open seating.
Media: Each cabin is equipped with a TV/DVD and iPod docking station. Television channels are
usually unavailable due to the remote areas visited on this program; however, the ship carries an
extensive movie collection. The crew tries to pick up newspapers whenever they are available in
port.
The ship also has an educational library highlighting information on Alaska, as well as an assortment
of fiction and non-fiction titles.
Miscellaneous/additional charges: All miscellaneous or additional charges accrued on the ship,
including gratuities, satellite phone use, exotic liquors or fine wines, and special arrangements or
excursions not included in the itinerary may be put on the cabin tab for final payment at the end of
the program (unless otherwise noted).
Phone/email: A satellite phone is available on the bridge for guest use at $5.00 per minute; the
minutes will be billed to your cabin for payment at the end of the cruise. The ship does have
communication devices to conduct ship's business and for emergency purposes, but does not have

5. email capabilities for public use. There are usually pay phones on or near the places where the ship
docks in port. The crew can also tell you where the nearest email access is in most ports of call.
Cell phones only work near the more populated ports. The crew will try to advise guests when the
ship is within cellular range.
Safe deposit boxes: Each cabin is equipped with a safe deposit box.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the ship, including the individual cabins. Guests
are welcome to smoke on the outer decks where ashtrays are provided.
Water: The water on board is treated and filtered. Reusable water bottles are provided for each
guest and may be filled from the taps or from a water station at the bar.
Wellness: All guests may elect to receive a 45-minute complimentary massage from the Wellness
Director/Licensed Massage Therapist during the cruise (sign-up begins after embarkation). In
addition to two elliptical machines and two recumbent bicycles available for guest use, early morning
yoga is offered on deck. There is a large hot tub on the top deck and a small sauna with outside
windows.

6. Final payment
Final payment for this program is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Checks should be
made payable to Orbridge LLC, and sent to the following address:
Orbridge
P.O. Box 10339
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Questions and further information
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Guest Services, toll free, at 866.639.0079, or
by email at help@orbridge.com.

7. Final payment
Final payment for this program is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Checks should be
made payable to Orbridge LLC, and sent to the following address:
Orbridge
P.O. Box 10339
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Questions and further information
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Guest Services, toll free, at 866.639.0079, or
by email at help@orbridge.com.