An area of Russia still off-limits to most visitors is made accessible on the Kristina Regina with a former ambassador to the Soviet Union providing lectures (Jan. 23, 2001)

An area of Russia still off-limits to most visitors is made accessible on the Kristina Regina with a former ambassador to the Soviet Union providing lectures
If you thought true exploration was a thing of the past, think again. For the fourth year, EuroCruises is making available the White Sea Expedition Cruise departing June 26 on the very comfortable Kristina Regina to Russia's White Sea - including the Solovetski Islands - a place that was once home to the kind of gulag written about by Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

Not only will passengers be witnesses to a place of dark history; they will also be informed about it by a source who knows where the secrets are buried.
Jack Matlock, a former ambassador to the Soviet Union, will be on board again - entertaining passengers with an inside story illustrated by memorable anecdotes about the way that the empire operated and how its leaders made policy.

Bjarne Mikkelsen, president of EuroCruises, says, "This is a unique opportunity because this is the only cruise ship during the year to visit the Solovetski Islands. In the previous three years of this sailing, the permit has been signed by the Number 1 or number 2 official in Russia because they are very wary of tourists, particularly since we sail within 200 miles of the ill-fated Kursk."

"But I must stress," adds Mikkelsen, "that this is still very much a holiday. The Kristina Regina is a warm and well-appointed Finnish-operated vessel; there are a variety of fascinating ports of call and there is a very high caliber of cuisine and entertainment."

The Solovetski Islands have a history that dates well back before the Communist era. In the 1420's, three monks founded a monastery here. They imposed a lifestyle that flourished into the beginning of the 20th century.
From 1923-39, one of the islands functioned as a political prison. Later the island was taken over by the National Academy of the Soviet Army. The monastery was reopened in 1971 and today the whole fortress area belongs to the Orthodox Church of Russia.
Passengers on this cruise visit the monastery as well as museums showing what life was like during the gulag period.
Since July of 1996, Matlock has been professor at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University.
During his 35 years in the Foreign Service (he retired in 1991), Matlock served as ambassador to the Soviet Union, special assistant to the president for National Security Affairs, and ambassador to Czechoslovakia.

Random House published his book on the Soviet collapse, "Autopsy on an Empire" in 1995. He has also served as a consultant to the American Broadcasting Company.

In addition to the Solovetski Islands, highlights of the expedition include:
Kirkenes (Norway): A frontier town east of the North Cape.
Murmansk (Russia): This is the largest Russian seaport in the Arctic Ocean; the Arctic nature of the peninsula is unique.
Archangel (Russia): Founded more than 400 years ago, this is a place of rich historical and cultural heritage.
Honningsvaag (Norway): On the North Cape, this is regarded as the northernmost point of Europe.
Tromsoe (Norway): Linked to the mainland by a bridge 3,398 feet long, this city is home to the Northern Lights Observatory, and the Tromsoe Museum with northern Lapp artifacts.
Svolvaer (Norway): In the Lofoten islands famed for jagged peaks, powdered with perpetual snow, rising from the cobalt waters, this is a thriving fishing port and serves as the cultural center of these fascinating islands.
Bronnoysund (Norway): This is a unique coastal town that has been a hub since the days of the Vikings.

The Kristina Regina features an old-world nautical atmosphere and all the positive attributes of a family-run operation. Food, prepared by Finnish chefs, is fresh and emphasizes Scandinavian specialties; there are also Italian and American menus on theme nights. She will undergo a million-dollar renovation in March of 2001; it includes a refurbishment of all cabins featuring a new health and fitness center with sauna and equipment for a complete cardiovascular workout.
Among the ships amenities are saunas, sundecks, several bars, and a mahogany-lined library.
Prices start at $3,869 per person, double occupancy, including airfare from New York.

(Source: EuroCruises Inc. )