HIGHLIGHTS
- Fascinating
historic locations of early industry and exploration
- Sublime
Arctic scenery and endless photographic opportunities
- Exciting
ice navigation along the polar pack ice edge searching for wildlife
- Unique
onboard Photography Symposium
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | QUAD | TRIPLE PORTHOLE | TWIN PORTHOLE | TWIN WINDOW | TWIN DELUXE | SUPERIOR |
|---|
| Jun 20, 2024 | Jul 04, 2024 | 8,000 | 10,000 | 11,200 | 12,100 | 12,800 | 13,700 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
QUAD | (Mid-range)
TWIN WINDOW | (High-end)
SUPERIOR |
|---|
| Jun 20, 2024 | Jul 04, 2024 | 8,000 | 12,100 | 13,700 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
We
embark the expedition cruise vessel, Akademik Sergey Vavilov in
Longyearbyen and sail out of Adventfjorden and into Isfjorden during
the early evening. On board, we meet for an introductory briefing and
then adjourn to our dining room for our first meal aboard.
Day
2: Krossfjorden
A
fjord cutting deep into the mountains of Spitsbergen, Krossfjorden
offers us an abundance of wildlife and scenery for our first morning on
the ship. Whether it be cruising by ship or zodiac in front of the 15
kilometer wide face of Liliehookbreen (glacier), tramping across the
tundra in search of a World War II German weather station, or searching
for Atlantic puffins on the cliffs near 15th July Glacier, this is a
worthy welcome to the Arctic.
Day
3: Fuglesangen and Smeerenburg
As
we approach the shore of Fuglesangenoya by zodiac, it becomes apparent
there are thousands of nesting birds on the island. Home to a large
dovekie colony, the formation of the island allows for excellent
viewing without impacting upon the perimeter of the colony. Just a few
miles from Fuglesangen is the former whaling station of Smeerenburg,
literally translated as Blubber Town. As we hike the shoreline of this
former whaling station, we learn about the importance of whaling in the
discovery and exploration of the Svalbard archipelago. A harsh industry
in an equally harsh environment and as a testament to this whaling site
all that is left is the blubber ovens.
Day
4: Liefdefjorden and Monacobreen
No
trip along the north coast of Spitsbergen would be complete without a
visit to Monacobreen (Monaco Glacier). A wide glacier face at the head
of the fjord makes for spectacular kayaking and zodiac cruising. The
coastal plain near the mouth of Liefdefjorden offers superb hiking and
is often a great place to spot polar bears.
Days
5-6: Into the Ice
We
would behard-pressedd to call it expedition cruising if we didn't work
our way into the ice edge. The senior officers on our capable vessel,
the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, are experienced ice navigators who will
examine the ice edge and, where conditions allow, move the ship into
the ice in search of wildlife. A day or even two days spent in the ice
requires all hands on deck. Warm jackets, binoculars and spotting
scopes are standard and all eyes are engaged in looking for wildlife.
And what are we expecting to see? Perhaps a herd of harp seals
splashing through the leads between ice flows, a solitary bearded seal
soaking up the sun, walrus and, of course, the mighty polar bear.
Day
7: Hinlopenstretet
Dividing
the eastern side of the Svalbard archipelago from the western side,
Hinlopen Strait is full of wildlife. The water that flushes through
this strait each day is rich in phyto and zooplankton, nourishing the
Brünnich's guillemot colony at Aklefjellet, on the western
shore of Hinlopen Strait. More than 120,000 pairs of guillemots nest on
these cliffs each summer. The water moving through Hinlopen Strait each
day also brings the sea ice and our access into the area is dictated by
the ice conditions of the day. Exploring the sea ice generally brings
us into much closer contact with polar bears and our captain will work
with our expedition team to maximize the viewing potential.
Day
8: Raudfjorden
Tucked
into the northwestern tip of Spitsbergen, Ruadfjord offers an excellent
place to hike, zodiac cruise and kayak. Our excursion will be in search
of reindeer ashore and ringed and bearded seals adrift. For those
interested in the tundra vegetation, especially the wildflowers, select
spots along the shoreline of this fjord make for excellent hiking and
interpretation.
Day
9: Alkhornet and Tryghamna
Alkhornet,
or "The Horn", is an incredible horn-shaped mountain close to the
entrance of Isfjorden (Ice Fjord). Home to a massive colony of
Brünnich's guillemots and black legged kittiwakes, and host to
reindeer and Arctic fox, this is an incredible summary of our Arctic
visit. A lush tundra slope below the bird cliffs is rich in Arctic
flora and, to top it all off, this site has a rich history that will
unfold as we hike around the headland.
Day
10: Longyearbyen
As
our last morning aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, we enjoy a hearty
breakfast and prepare to disembark shortly thereafter.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Comprehensive
pre-voyage information package including details to help you prepare
for your trip in Svalbard
- Transfers
from the airport to your hotel upon arrival.
- Transfers
to the ship on embarkation day and from the ship to the airport or
local hotel on disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation in your selected cabin category with daily housekeeping.
Cabins feature outside views with windows or portholes that open on
each deck
- High
quality, eco-friendly, Canadian-made natural amenities in every cabin
- All
breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage with
daily afternoon tea
- 24-hour
tea, coffee, hot chocolate in bar lounge plus in-cabin tea, coffee, hot
chocolate replenished daily
- Experienced
Expedition Leader and professional expedition team of marine
biologists, naturalists, historians, adventure guides and photographers
- Daily
off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat breaking into small groups for shore
landings
- Guided
hikes and walks on shore of various durations for guests of all
abilities
- Visits
to wildlife colonies, historic sites, places of outstanding natural
beauty and community visits
- Educational
presentations and talks by polar experts in their field (ie. marine
biologists, naturalists, historians etc). Onboard or on shore
- Resident
photography guide available to assist all guests
- Access
to computers in the multimedia lab for image downloads, file back up
and management
- An
emergency trained Physician onboard every voyage
- Dedicated
hospitality team including Hotel Manager, four chefs, professional bar
staff and Adventure Concierge staff
- Onboard
sauna, plunge pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center including personal
trainer and massage options (charge applies for massage and spa
treatments)
- Access
to well-stocked library full of polar reference books
- End
of voyage video, photos and take home USB
- Port
fees and all permits to access visited areas
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 695
- Hiking:
Included
- Photography:
Included
