HIGHLIGHTS
- Unique
Arctic wildlife – polar bears, walrus, reindeer
- Polar
desert exploration
- Continuous
daylight
- Tundra
hiking
- Zodiac
cruising
- Snowshoeing
on selected expeditions
- Optional
kayak adventure
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
Rates are listed per person in USD
ITINERARY
Day
1: Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen
Your
Spitsbergen adventure begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen,
the island's largest settlement. As you embark, you'll get great views
of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside
village.
Day
2 - 10: Exploring Spitsbergen
Your
expedition will explore western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning
fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense
glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
We'll cruise around this magical island located above the Arctic
Circle, and your Expedition Team will be constantly searching for
wildlife.
Each
expedition presents new opportunities so we have no fixed itinerary,
however we do hope to visit some of our favorite destinations,
including 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsoya, Alkhornet and
the Hinlopen Straight. The destinations visited on your voyage will be
selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history
and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed,
with Phippsoya being one of their preferred hunting areas since the
towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide many free bird egg meals for
both them and the Arctic fox. Torellneset and Phippsoya are great
places for walrus photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a
moment you won't forget either. These giant pinnipeds of the Arctic
create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of
coastline.
If
you're itching to get a little closer to the action, you can book the
kayaking option and take an excursion to some of the more isolated
pockets of Spitsbergen. Smeerenburg is a great place for snowshoeing
(optional and complimentary outings on selected voyages), where you can
visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site remembers the
whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while
working in extreme Arctic conditions. There is no shortage of natural
beauty in Spitsbergen. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in
summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day
you'll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an
abandoned site from centuries ago.
Day
11: Disembarkation Day in Longyearbyen
The
time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the
frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we'll transfer you
to the airport for your flight home.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Shipboard
accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All
breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board throughout your voyage
- All
shore landings per the daily program
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader
- A
daily program of lectures by noted naturalists
- All
Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program
- Formal
and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special Guests as
scheduled
- Photographic
Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage
- A
pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings
- An
expeditions parka to keep
- Coffee,
tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Hair
dryer and bathrobe in every cabin
- Comprehensive
pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic
Reader
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All
luggage handling aboard ship
- Arrival
transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day
prior to embarkation
- On
embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the
ship
- On
disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local
designated drop-off location
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 695 (2019 season)
- Hiking:
Free
