HIGHLIGHTS
HIGH
ARCTIC WILDERNESS
Franz
Josef Land, part of the Russian Arctic National Park, is a nature
sanctuary. Polar bears, walrus, endangered bowhead whales, and other
Arctic wildlife can be spotted anywhere, anytime in and around the
archipelago. Svalbard is a similarly protected wilderness where we find
flowering tundra and tidewater glaciers.
Steep
cliffs and scree slopes in both island groups accommodate enormous
colonies of nesting seabirds such as dovekies, guillemots, and rare
ivory gulls. 24-hour daylight allows us to exploit every opportunity
for wildlife viewing in this unique polar ecosystem.
HISTORY
OF POLAR EXPLORATION
In
Franz Josef Land we encounter a stark and enigmatic landscape steeped
in the drama and heroism of early polar exploration. At places like
Bell Island, Cape Flora, and Cape Tegetthoff we have the opportunity to
walk in the footsteps of Fridtjof Nansen, Frederick George Jackson,
Julius von Payer, and other polar explorers.
At
Tikhaya Bukhta we find the ruins of a Soviet-era research facility that
was also a major base for polar expeditions. Across the archipelago
there are monuments, memorials, crosses, and the remains of makeshift
dwellings, all testimony to incredible historical events.
SPITSBERGEN,
SVALBARD
On
this voyage we also experience stunning scenery and abundant wildlife
in Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island. This classic
Arctic destination is home to reindeer, Arctic fox, millions of
seabirds, numerous marine mammal species, and a high concentration of
polar bears.
In
this multifaceted landscape of glaciated mountains and coastal plains
we also find historical sites and the Arctic research community of Ny
Ålesund, complete with gift shop, post office, and museum.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple Classic | Main Deck Suite | Classic Suite | Superior Suite | Deluxe Suite | Premium Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple Classic | (Mid-range)
Superior Suite | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrival to Oslo
Welcome
to Oslo, which in 2019 was awarded the prestigious title
“Green Capital of Europe”. We’ve arranged
a comfortable stay for you at an Oslo Airport hotel so that
you’re conveniently close for your flight to Longyearbyen on
Day 2.
If
you’re adventurous and have the time, take the handy airport
train into central Oslo – it’s a 20-minute ride and
trains depart and arrive frequently during the day. Near Oslo Central
Station are shops, cafes, the Botanical Garden, cultural attractions
and the attractive waterfront area.
Day
2: Welcome Aboard!
Today
you have a flight to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of
Svalbard and starting point of our Arctic expedition! At the
Longyearbyen airport, you will be greeted by our staff and transferred
to the pier where we will warmly welcome you aboard the deluxe
expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get settled in your spacious suite
and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the
extraordinary adventure to come. Once underway, a full schedule of
events kicks off with informative briefings and introductions from your
expedition staff. After the first of many delicious dinners on board,
step out onto the open decks to admire the gorgeous scenery in endless
evening light as we pass through the wildlife-rich waters of Isfjorden,
one of the largest fjords in Svalbard.
Days
3-4: Across the Barents Sea
From
Isfjorden, we sail south along the beautiful western coast of
Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, before
rounding Sørkapp to enter the wild Barents Sea. During our
northeastward crossing to Franz Josef Land, we are likely to encounter
large swaths of sea ice. Such conditions were the bane of early
explorers in wooden sailing ships. But for us, with the benefit of an
ice-strengthened ship and advanced navigation systems, the ice is a
welcome opportunity for finding harp seals and polar bears. These cold,
nutrient-rich waters are also home to numerous whale species, including
humpback whales, fin whales and endangered bowhead whales. Our veteran
wildlife guides are on duty around the clock to point the way to marine
mammals and Arctic seabirds in this vast frontier of ice and water.
Sometime during the second day of sailing, we expect to see the massive
ice dome of Alexandra Land come into view through the icy
mists—our first sighting of the enigmatic Franz Josef Land
archipelago.
Days
5-12: Franz Josef Land Archipelago (The
Aug 09, 2023 Photo Cruise voyage spends one extra day in the Franz
Josef Land Archipelago)
Upon
reaching Russian waters, we head directly to the extremely remote
military base at Nagurskoye for immigration clearance into the Russian
Federation. During this process, we will be anchored in Cambridge Bay,
one of the best places in Franz Josef Land for spotting marine mammals.
For
the rest of our time in Franz Josef Land, we will be free to explore
the many islands of this dramatic High Arctic wilderness in whatever
way best suits the conditions we encounter. As with any true polar
expedition, our schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice.
At this time of year, we expect to find sea ice almost everywhere. This
will give us plenty of chances to enjoy the incredible sight of polar
bears and walrus on ice. With the advantage of 24-hour daylight, we
will make the most of every opportunity for exploration and wildlife
viewing, no matter where we may find ourselves in this vast polar
wilderness.
The
entirety of Franz Josef Land belongs to the Russian Arctic National
Park, one of the most remote and inaccessible nature sanctuaries on our
planet. Ubiquitous glaciers and ice caps create a scene of otherworldly
beauty. Polar bears and Arctic foxes are especially abundant in the
stark and primeval icescapes of this virgin wilderness. Icy channels
and fjords are home to ice-dependent seals, including harp seals,
bearded seals and a large population of walrus. Keen observers are also
likely to spot Arctic whales such as bowheads, belugas or even narwhal.
Mountainsides and sea cliffs throughout the islands host enormous
nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, little auks,
northern fulmars, ivory gulls, and many more. Arctic flora is
particularly abundant now at the peak of the blooming season.
Since
its discovery in 1873, Franz Josef Land has been a stage for incredible
events in the history of polar exploration. The heroic struggles of
Fridtjof Nansen and other famous explorers feel unexpectedly poignant
at well-preserved historical sites such as Cape Norway and Cape Flora.
Memorials, monuments, crosses and the remains of dwellings are
testimony to incredible events that are further illuminated by our
polar historians.
Additional
highlights on our itinerary include Tikhaya Bukhta, a Russian Arctic
National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings.
Here you can talk to station personnel and buy unique souvenirs at the
gift shop. We also hope to explore some fascinating geological
features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island and the
amazing basaltic columns at the Rubini Rock seabird colony. Collectors
of geographical extremes may also take note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf
Island is the northernmost point of land in Eurasia and the Eastern
Hemisphere.
This
exciting Arctic cruise is your chance to explore one of the
world’s most intriguing polar environments. Each trip to
Franz Josef Land is a one-of-a-kind adventure. Your custom voyage map
will reflect an expedition as unique and memorable as this incomparable
destination, full of unscripted wildlife encounters and unforgettable
discoveries.
Days
13-14: Back to Svalbard
After
our amazing time in Franz Josef Land, we head back across the icy
Barents Sea toward Svalbard. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be
enjoyed from panoramic open decks and from the windows or balcony of
your suite. Presentations by our expert staff and range of onboard
recreation facilities also ensure that these sea days are not idly
spent.
As
we head back toward Longyearbyen, we round the southern tip of
Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. As time
and conditions permit, we may have the opportunity to visit the
magnificent South Spitsbergen National Park, a pristine polar
wilderness abounding with Arctic animals. The centerpiece of this park
is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord system where countless mighty
glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets. This is a
prime location to spot polar bears and other marine wildlife from the
ship.
We
also have a chance to explore North Isforden National Park. This
outstanding protected area is characterized by lush and beautiful
landscapes, striking geological features and excellent wildlife-viewing
opportunities. Along these virgin coastlines, it is possible to observe
endemic Svalbard reindeer and playful Arctic fox romping in flowering
tundra meadows. The area also hosts huge flocks of migratory seabirds,
including Brünnich’s guillemots, little auks and
Atlantic puffins.
Day
15: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-voyage hotel
night
- Airfare
Oslo Longyearbyen Oslo (applicable to all departures starting from
Longyearbyen, except for the cruise 06 Jul 2023 that only inlcudes
flight Longyearbyen Oslo, and the cruise 22 Aug 2023 that only includes
flight Oslo
Longyearbyen)
- Group
transfer to the ship on day of embarkation
- Group
transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation
- Shipboard
accommodation
- All
scheduled landings/excursions
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our Expedition Leader & Expedition Team
- Wi-Fi
on boardAll meals on board throughout the voyage
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily
- Branded
Poseidon Expeditions parka
- Rubber
boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails
- All
port fees
- Pre-departure
materials
- Digital
Voyage Log
Price
doesn't include:
- Transfers
from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program
- Visa
and passport fees (if applicable)
- Luggage
and trip cancellation insurance
- Soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and
celebrations
- Personal
expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges
- Mandatory
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per
person
- Kayaking
- Staff
gratuities
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Kayaking:
USD 655
- Photography:
Free option
