Norwegian Fjords and Polar Bears of Spitsbergen PDF

  • DateMay 30 2019 - June 13 2019
  • Duration15 days
  • Voyage CodeXVBLNX
  • FROM $ 4,945.00
  • Ship NameMS Expedition


Tabs


Departs From
Bergen

Day 1

The journey begins

Location: Bergen

Activity: Arrival Day

Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.

Activity: Bergen City Tour

Visit the famous city of Bergen, the gateway to Norway's fjords. Explore the historical seaport and visit the museum of Edvard Grieg.

Summary

Enjoy a city tour of Bergen, including a stop at the museum of Edvard Grieg and a visit to the historical seaport district which dates from the Hanseatic League. Opt to visit to the local fish market.

Meals included: Dinner

Explore

Location: Bergen to Flam

Transport: G Expedition

Bergen to Flåm

Activity: Flåmsbana Railway

Flam to None: 1h

The Flam Line is a 20km (12.4 mi) route between Myrdal and Flåm. The line is used most often as a tourist train as it passes through gorgeous landscapes. It also boasts an incredibly steep gradient, with an elevation different of 863m (2,831 ft).

Summary

Hop on the Flåm Railway, travelling through valleys and mountain passes to reach the scenic fjord of the Flåm district.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 2

Day 3

Explore

Location: Flam to Olden

Transport: G Expedition

Flam to Olden

Activity: Glacier Walk

Stretch out your legs on a walk from the Birksdal area to a nearby glacier. There’s also a trolly­like car for those who are unable to walk the full distance to the glacier.

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Summary

Cross the famous North Sea ­ through one of the largest offshore oil fields in the world. Depending on time and weather, stop in Olden for a short bus ride to the Birksdal area and a walk to a glacier.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Explore

Location: Scoresby Sund/Denmark Strait

Transport: G Expedition

Olden to Geiranger

Activity: Geirangerfjord Visit

The fjord is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord is 15 km (9.3 mi) long, surrounded by spectacular mountains, lush green trees, waterfalls, and several farms. Have a camera ready for some spectacular photo opportunities.

Summary

Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful, and most visited, fjords. Enjoy soaking in the views at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4

Day 5

Explore

Location: Geiranger to Torghatten

Transport: G Expedition

Geiranger to Trondheim

Activity: Trondheim Visit

Trondheim is a modern city surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and is home to the remarkable Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king of Norway in the 11th century, Nidaos Cathedral is the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway.

Transport: G Expedition

Trondheim to Torghatten

Summary

Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between taking an afternoon hike to the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoy a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Explore

Location: Torghatten to Svartisen

Activity: Zodiac Excursion

Enjoy a zodiac excursion to Torghatten and the Treana archipelago. The Captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine the best Zodiac shore landing options. Our goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark. We will also try to move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 islands. Expedition leaders will provide information on the local areas, and the ships photography experts will be on hand to offer advice on how to capture the perfect shot.

Transport: G Expedition

Torghatten to Vega

Activity: Vega Island Visit

Vega is a small island in Norway's Nordland, filled with tiny, picturesque fishing villages. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site with a history of eider down harvesting.

Transport: G Expedition

Vega to Svartisen

Summary

The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. The captain will negotiate with local Norwegian pilots to determine our best Zodiac landing options. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway's mythical trolls. In the afternoon, head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO site. Wander the fishing villages and appreciate the slow pace of life.

Description

The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking views. The goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6

Day 7

Explore

Location: Svartisen to Lofoten

Activity: Svartisen Land Excursion

Visit Svartisen and enjoy a scenic walk to a glacier. There's also a more demanding walk all the way around a lake below the glacier. From the lake there's a great view of the glacier, perfect for photos.

Activity: Vikingen Visit

Visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Article Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.

Activity: Sanna Island Visit

Visit Sanna Island and explore on foot. Stretch your legs and search for interesting wildlife.

Transport: G Expedition

Svartisen to Lofoten

Summary

Visit Svartisen and Vikingen, for beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle. After, continue to Sanna, a remote island that offers great walking opportunities and a chance to see some sea eagles.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Explore

Location: Lofoten

Activity: Å Island Visit

Visit the Tørrfiskmuseum (Stockfish Museum) in Å before a bus tour across the Lofoten Islands to Svolvær. Stop for photos and other visits along the way including the Viking Museum at Bøstad.

Transport: G Expedition

Lofoten to Lofoten.

Summary

The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore to the island of Å, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8

Day 9

Explore

Location: Lofoten

Summary

Continue exploring the beautiful Lofoten Islands, spending time on Andenes Island, a spectacular location for spotting marine wildlife.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Explore

Location: Lofoten to Tromsø

Transport: G Expedition

Lofoten to Tromsø

Activity: Tromsø Guided Tour

Spend the day exploring Norway's largest northern city. Choose between hiking on the mountain top overlooking Tromsø, or wandering the city's streets before taking a cable car to the mountain top. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional open faced sandwiches while gazing over the city. Everyone will have a chance to visit some of the major sites including the Polar and Tromsø Museums and (weather permitting) enjoy a stunning view from a cable car.

Summary

Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Spend the day learning about the history of past expeditions and exploring Norway's largest northern city.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10

Day 11

Explore

Location: Tromsø to Hornsund

Transport: G Expedition

Tromsø to Hornsund

Activity: Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs

Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

Summary

Sail past mist­shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.

Description

Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist­shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac ­ the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Explore

Location: Hornsund

Activity: Hornsund Shore Walks and Zodiac Adventures

Explore the natural beauty of Hornsund and take advantage of the spectacular photo opportunities. The Expedition team will select the best areas to explore by Zodiac depending on weather conditions.

Summary

Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears.

Description

Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12

Day 13

Explore

Location: Hornsund to Bellsund

Transport: G Expedition

Hornsund to Bellsund

Summary

Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like walruses and whales plus land mammals like polar bears, the arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.

Explore

Location: Bellsund to Longyearbyen

Transport: G Expedition

Bellsund to Isfjorden

Transport: G Expedition

Isfjorden to Longyearbyen

Summary

Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 14

Day 15

Explore

Location: Longyearbyen

Activity: Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Transport: Private Vehicle

Longyearbyen to Svalbard Lufthavn

Summary

Disembark the G Expedition in the morning.

Description

Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.

Instructions

After disembarkation at approximately 8:00am, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.

We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).

Meals included: Breakfast

Location
Longyearbyen

CATEGORY 1 - Triple

30 May 2019

Features two lower berths, one upper berth, private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approximately 15 m2 (160 sq. ft.) and includes a porthole view. Located on Deck 2.

CATEGORY 1A - Quad

30 May 2019

Features two lower berths, two upper berths, private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approximately 15 m2 (160 sq. ft.) and includes a porthole view. Located on Deck 2.

CATEGORY 2 - Twin

30 May 2019

Features two lower berths, private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approximately 15 m2 (160 sq. ft.) and includes a porthole view. Located on Deck 2.

CATEGORY 3 - Twin

30 May 2019

Features two lower berths, private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approximately 15 m2 (160 sq. ft.) and includes a larger window than other cabins. Located on Deck 3.

CATEGORY 4 - Twin

30 May 2019

Two lower berths. Private en-suite facilities with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approximately 15 m2 (160 sq ft). Larger window. Located on Deck 4.

CATEGORY 5 - DOUBLE

30 May 2019

Our four suites feature floor to ceiling windows, separate entrances, and living and sleeping areas. Each living area boasts a two-seater couch, armchair, coffee table and desk, while the bedroom contains a double bed and vanity area. Located on Deck 4.

Amundsen Suite & Byrd Suite

Private en-suite facilities with steam showers, toilet and washbasin.

Approximately 30 m2 (320 sq ft). Living and sleeping areas offer two larger windows.

Scott Vista Suite & Shackleton Vista Suite

The two vista suites offer near floor-to-ceiling windows in both the living and sleeping areas and boast superior views. In addition, the private and spacious en-suite facilities offer a steam shower, toilet and washbasin. Approximately 30 m2 (320 sq ft).

  • 14 nts aboard the G Expedition
  • Transfer from meeting point to ship
  • Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
  • Flåm Railway excursion
  • Olden visit
  • Geirangerfjord visit
  • Trondheim excursion
  • Vega Island visit
  • Sanna Island visit
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities
  • Tromsø excursion
  • Visit to a local community (Greenland)
  • Hornsund visit
  • Bellsund visit
  • Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA size 6 - 16
  • Expedition parka

Accommodations

Aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (14 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Meals

  • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
  • Allow USD25-35 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.

Transportation

  • G Expedition, Zodiac, local bus, coach.

Staff & experts

  • One Expedition team member per 10 guests.
Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description

A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. Our expedition ships boast an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The expedition staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.

Group Size Notes

Max 134 on board the MS Expedition.

Meals Included

All meals included aboard the MS Expedition. Breakfast included at the hotel.

Meals

Onboard our expedition ships you’ll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub, or in the lounge.

Transport

MS Expedition, Zodiac, local buses.

Local Flights

Your local flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen are not included in this tour. We recommend arriving at least 1 day prior to the sailing of the ship to guarantee your arrival. While flight delays are not common sometimes they do happen.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Aboard MS Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (10 nights). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

Joining Instructions

MEETING POINT:

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, 4:00 p.m. transfer to M/S Expedition 
Road 500
P.O. Box 554
9171 Longyearbyen
elephone: +47 7902 3450

G Adventures is happy to offer you a complimentary airport transfer if you are arriving on Day 1 of the tour or have booked pre-night accommodation through G Adventures.

Joining Instructions without complimentary transfer:

The most cost effective way to travel from the airport to the city is by local bus that services all Longyearbyen hotels at a price of approximately 50 NOK. If you would like to take a taxi, they are available at the airport or by calling one of two taxi companies at either +47 7902 1305 or +47 7902 1375.

On Day 1 of the tour please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4:00 pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

If for some reason you cannot arrive at the meeting point, please make your own way to the Port of Longyearbyen no earlier or later than 4:00 pm. Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refueling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay.

On embarkation day, you may have to board the ship via Zodiac. You should bring clothing suitable for cold and wet conditions. Waterproof pants are recommended. Once aboard, you will find your luggage stored in your assigned cabin, please ensure that all your luggage is accounted for on arrival.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Local Reprsentative (Longyearbyen, Norway) Barbara Fogden: +47 9500 6076

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

  • Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
  • Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
  • Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
  • Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
  • Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
  • Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Finishing Point Instructions

DEPARTURE DAY - Disembarkation

On departure day, we will offer transfers to Longyearbyen Airport for all passengers with flights scheduled on that day.

We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 0400-0500 (dependent on airline schedules).

For those passengers disembarking at our regular time of 0800, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town center on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.

What to Take

Your baggage should be a clearly labeled suitcase, or frameless backpack, plus a daypack. Most airlines allow one checked bags and two carry-on per person. Most airlines are enforcing much stronger restrictions for checked luggage and carry-on bags. To avoid any problems on check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.

In the worlds most remote destinations that the G Expedition travels to we cannot offload our plastics, glass or tin waste for recycling. Therefore, we try to reduce what single use items that we use. You will see on the ship that every effort is being used to stop the use of single use plastic containers, bags and other items. In an effort to prevent plastic waste for entering the waste stream, we are asking for your help. We offer exceptional drinking water on the ship with refilling stations for your re-useable water containers. So bring your favorite water bottle! Plastic Items such as single use shampoo/conditioner plastic containers cannot be recycled, so please plan to bring any plastics back to your home countries for recycling. Please do not bring single use items that you intend to leave behind such plastic bags and throw away razors. Your participating in helping to prevent pollution and promote recycling is greatly appreciated.

Checklist
GENERAL EXPEDITION CHECKLIST
ACCESSORIES:
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and Accessories
  • Memory card
  • Extra battery
  • Something to protect your camera from water
  • Plug adaptor
  • Onboard is 220AC electrical outlets with European 2 pin round holes as well as 110 volt shaving sockets for electric -razors only
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock
  • At sea distractions
  • Personal entertainment
  • Laptop computer
  • Books/games/movie
  • Water bottle
PERSONAL ITEMS:

Personal toiletries Note: All cabins are equipped with soap and shampoo as well as hair dryers

Personal medication, vitamins

If you are prone to seasickness please consult your doc and bring medication

- Homeopathic and natural options

DOCUMENTATION:
  • Money (cash/travelers checks)
  • Credit Card
  • Visas
  • Passport
  • Airline tickets
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Trip details information
ONBOARD CLOTHING:
  • Comfortable and informal clothing onboard
  • Non-slip footwear for wet decks
BOOTS FOR ZODIAC LANDINGS:

Complementary used waterproof boots will be supplied for the following sized:

  • Men’s USA size 8-14
  • Women’s USA size 3-9
  • Guest must bring their own if they are:
  • Men’s USA size 7 or smaller
  • Men’s USA size 15 or larger
  • Women’s USA size 2 or smaller
  • Women’s USA size 10 of larger

Rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knees (12-16” high or 30-41cm) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via Zodiac. You usually have to step from the Zodiac into water, which can be up to 1 ft or 30 cm high on most landings. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Do not bring boots with metal cleats as they cannot be used for the landings. Try out your boots before your voyage.

TRIP SPECIFIC CHECKLIST
OUTDOOR CLOTHING:

The goal is to dress for many different temperatures and weather conditions. We recommend bringing clothing in layers as the weather can vary between warm and sunny to very cold and snowing.

  • Waterproof pants
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves
  • Scarf
  • Warm socks to be worn inside wellington boots
  • Fleece
  • Long underwear
OPTIONAL CLOTHING:
  • Ski goggle for wet Zodiac rides
  • Walking poles
Laundry

Aboard the M/S Expedition laundry facilities are provided at a nominal charge.

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange
Before and after the cruise:

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work overseas. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

While on board our Expedition ships:

cash and most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) are accepted to clear incidental bills at the end of the cruise by the ship's Purser (ie. bar bills, laundry etc.).

Departure Tax

Usually included in international air ticket

Tipping

Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is USD $10 - 15 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

Please consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We require all passengers traveling on any one of our expeditions to review our medical questionnaire.

Click Here to download Medical Form :Medical Form

Passengers with preexisting medical conditions are required to submit a medical form signed by a physician to their booking agent. It is very important that we are advised of any special meal requirements, food allergies, or prescribed medication when you confirm your tour. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary with typically required medications and limited equipment. The ship's doctor is available for visits during the day and is available 24 hours per day for emergencies.

In case of an emergency, please also bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician (to be given to our doctor on board, as well as for any medical authorities) stating any health problems and dosage requirements. International health regulations do not currently require any inoculations for the countries that you will visit on our voyage. We suggest that you confer with your own physician to be sure your routine immunizations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A, are up-to-date before traveling. Older travelers, in particular, may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Trip Specific Responsible Travel

OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

As a leader in Sustainable Tourism, we are committed to ensuring that all of our marine expeditions operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All expeditions aboard the expedition ship meet and exceed all environmental regulations and protocols in the regions that we visit.

Staff & Crew:

Our crew and expedition team act as stewards of the environment and are well versed in the strict environmental protocols on board and on land. All of our travellers are thoroughly briefed in these protocols before being allowed to participate in excursions and are always supervised by our team when on shore.

4-Stroke Outboard Engines:

In an effort to drastically reduce environmental pollutants 4-stroke outboard engines have been installed on all of our zodiacs. Our 4-stroke outboard motors use less fuel and produce less noise pollution than 2-stroke engines. Since there is no mixing of oil and gas the exhaust is intrinsically much cleaner and friendlier to the environment.

Planeterra Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports local community projects and international charities around the world.

Sea Chart Auction:

At the end of each departure, the Captain’s Sea Chart is auctioned and all proceeds are donated to international organizations through Planeterra.

Our end goal is to minimize the potential negative impact of tourism in the areas we operate while maximizing the positive impact of instilling a widened understanding and appreciation of these regions. During our voyages, we ask all our passengers that they see their visit to these areas as a privilege and that they share their newfound knowledge and experiences with others when they return home. We also hope that by bringing people to these regions that they continue to act as ambassadors and stewards of these areas.

Keeping in Touch on the M/S Expedition

Internet and phone onboard the M/S Expedition

The Expedition receives internet reception in Antarctica, but is sporadic in the Arctic. There is wifi in the public areas on Deck 4 & 5, and in the Deck 4 cabins (Categories 4 and 5). Passengers can bring their own laptop, sign out one of the 2 iPads on board, or use one of the 2 desktops. Your Cell Phone, for calling, will not work in Antarctica.

Internet

Onboard the M/S Expedition we use a BGAN satellite system for internet and phone, which allows passengers to surf the web and make international calls while on their voyage. Please remember that internet speeds are NOT like the speeds you have at home. We operate with a satellite so speeds can be similar to dialup. To log-on, passengers purchase an internet voucher from the Reception Desk. Once you have the internet voucher, web surfers can log-on through our internet café or with their own wireless laptop. A wireless laptop can pick up a signal anywhere in the public areas on Deck 4, Reception, Discovery Lounge, Library, and Deck 5, Polar Bear Bar.

Charges are based on the megabyte downloaded. An amount of 10 megabyte of data would be the equivalent of 5 to 10 web pages. A very graphics intensive web page might be as high as 2-3 megabytes. For example, if a web surfer were to do a Hotmail session of e-mailing, it might generate 3 megabytes in total.

Internet Packages & Prices:

10MB $20.00

30MB $50.00

100MB $130.00

Email:

Passengers may take the opportunity to set up an onboard e-mail account. This will be of interest to those who need to stay in touch, but are not interested in surfing the web. Passengers will have their own unique email account including email address, username and password. E-mail accounts may be accessed either through our public computers in the Internet Room, or passenger may access their account through their wireless laptop in the common areas of Deck 4 and 5, in the Polar Bear Bar. $35.00 includes set up and use of the account for the entire trip and unlimited messages. Messages over 200KB in size will be charged at a rate of .03 cents per KB exceeded.

Telephone

On board we have a telephone room on Deck 4, where calls can be made in private to any destination in the world. Telephone cards are available at reception.

Prices will change each year.

Satellite: $22.00 phone cards are available at reception, roughly 25 to 30 minute per phone card.

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