Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic

 

Overview

Location: Spitsbergen (Arctic Norway)
Destination: Spitsbergen Cruises
Starting at: $0

 

Description

Cruise the western coast of Spitsbergen on this "classic" expedition cruise to Arctic Norway. We'll take time to explore the breathtaking scenery and get up-close with many Arctic wildlife species including walruses, polar bears and a variety of whales, seals and seabirds.

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Ship

Sea Spirit Sea Spirit
Luxury Expeditions Ships
Capacity: 112

Cabin description & deck plan

 
 
 

Rates & Dates Prices are per person and shown in USD.

No dates have been scheduled for this cruise.
 

Itinerary

DAY 1 Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen

Your Spitsbergen adventure voyage 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 settlement.

DAY 2–10 Exploring Spitsbergen

We cruise around this magical island, on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover 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.

Each expedition presents new opportunities, so we have no fixed itinerary, however we do have some 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 and the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet providing 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 lumbering giants 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, then taking a sea-kayaking excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen is highly recommended. Smeerenburg is a great place for snowshoeing (an optional, complimentary excursion on selected voyages), as 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 hut 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.

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 official expedition parka to keep
  • Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • 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

Adventure Options

  • Kayaking: $595
  • Snowshoeing: Free

Highlights

  • Unique Arctic wildlife—polar bears, walrus, reindeer
  • Polar desert exploration
  • Continuous daylight
  • Tundra hiking
  • Zodiac cruising
  • Snowshoeing on selected expeditions
  • Optional kayak adventure

 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.

 
 
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