Franz Josef Land Archipelago: Russian High Arctic – Sea Spirit, Aug. 2019

Franz Josef Land Archipelago: Russian High Arctic – Sea Spirit, Aug. 2019

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Trip Summary

Dates: Aug 1, 2019 – Aug 14, 2019
Duration: 14 Days
Adventure Options: Kayaking
Starting at $9,795.00View Prices

About the Franz Josef Land in the Russian High Arctic Itinerary

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this expedition, which includes islands rarely visited by other expedition ships. A journey to Franz Josef Land in the Russian High Arctic is a specialty of this expedition. This comprehensive voyage also explores Spitsbergen and is an unparalleled Arctic voyage of a lifetime.

Pricing Information

$9,795 - Triple Classic
$13,395 - Main Deck Suite
$14,395 - Classic Suite
$14,695 - Superior Suite
$16,595 - Deluxe Suite
$18,195 - Premium Suite
$23,795 - Owner’s Suite

About the Franz Josef Land in the Russian High Arctic Itinerary

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this expedition, which includes islands rarely visited by other expedition ships. A journey to Franz Josef Land in the Russian High Arctic is a specialty of this expedition. This comprehensive voyage also explores Spitsbergen and is an unparalleled Arctic voyage of a lifetime.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Norwegian territory of Svalbard and starting point of our expedition. After arriving via scheduled commercial flight service, you are free to explore this fascinating Arctic settlement. Be sure to see the excellent Svalbard Museum and take advantage of quality shopping and dining opportunities in the town center. Your hotel for the night has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage.


Day 2: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

In the afternoon we welcome you aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation of your Arctic dreams coming true as we slip our moorings and sail into a true wilderness where wildlife abounds. The scenery as we sail through Isfjorden on our first evening is spectacular and there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters.


Days 3 & 4: Across the Barents Sea

From Isfjorden we proceed forthwith around Svalbard and east to Franz Josef Land across the Barents Sea. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff prepare us for what lies ahead.

In these far northern latitudes it is possible to encounter sea ice any time of the year. All along the way we remain vigilant for sightings of ice-dependent marine mammals such as the elusive bowhead whale, various Arctic seal species, and the majestic polar bear.


Days 5 to 11: Exploration of Franz Josef Land

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. As such, our route and exploration opportunities in Franz Josef Land are heavily dependent on weather and sea ice. Our experienced captain and expedition leader decide our best route and continually adjust plans as opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

Between obligatory initial and final calls at the Russian polar station Nagurskoye in wildlife-rich Cambridge Bay, we are free to explore the many waterways and islands of this unique Arctic wilderness.

The archipelago, part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012, is a nature sanctuary. Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife—such as walruses and some rare whale species—can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls. We’ll take advantage of the 24-hour daylight to exploit every opportunity for wildlife viewing.

Franz Josef Land is also home to some interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Collectors of geographical extremes may take note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island is the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Franz Josef Land also offers visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at well-preserved historical sites. The journals of explorers such as Julius von Payer, Benjamin Leigh Smith, Frederick George Jackson, and Fridtjof Nansen come alive at Cape Norway, Cape Flora, Eira Harbor, and Cape Tegetthoff. Memorials, monuments, crosses and the remains of dwellings are testimony to incredible historical events that are further illuminated by our expert lecturers.

Tikhaya Bukhta is currently a Russian Arctic National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings and was also a major base for polar expeditions. Nearby the fascinating columnar basalt cliffs of Rubini Rock are home to thousands of nesting seabirds.


Days 12 & 13: Back to Svalbard

Following our week of exploration in Franz Josef Land, we cross back through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea and then along the coastal islands of the Svalbard Archipelago. From panoramic open decks, enjoy Arctic landscapes and wildlife sightings. On ice floes and on fast ice, several species of seals watch vigilantly for polar bears, which can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales.

The crossing also gives our expedition team the opportunity to offer a final presentation or two in the Oceanus Lounge.


Day 14: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

After breakfast we say farewell in the town of Longyearbyen, where we started. We provide a transfer to the airport or to the town center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Svalbard, you may already be looking forward to your next incredible adventure to the ice!


Welcome Aboard the Sea Spirit


Carrying a maximum of 112 passengers, this outstanding vessel combines luxury with expedition cruising. All cabins have facilities en suite, king-size beds and exterior views. She boasts all the amenities of a fine hotel, including an open bar, balconies in the suites and a hot tub on level 5. The Sea Spirit is a luxurious expedition vessel that seamlessly dispatches zodiacs and kayaks for excursions and exploration.

Technical Specs

  • Guests: 112
  • Staff & Crew: 94
  • Length: 90.6 m
  • Breadth: 15.3 m
  • Draft: 4.16 m
  • Propulsion: Diesel – 4,720 horsepower
  • Ice Class: 1D
  • Cruising Speed: 14.5 knots in open water

Cabins & Amenities

  • Library/Game Room
  • Elevator
  • Internet access
  • Private facilities – sink, toilet shower, hairdryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • Multi-purpose presentation room with state-of-the-art equipment
  • Stabilizers for smooth sailing
  • Every cabin has an exterior view, individual temperature controls, a lounge area, refrigerator and in-room safe
  • Resident Photographer to assist travelers
  • Open Bar

Notes

  • Cruise Price does not include international airfare. Port charges are included.
  • All cabins are outside, with two lower beds and private shower and toilet. Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
  • Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at: 1.7 times the twin rate in Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites; and 2.0 times the twin rate in Deluxe, Premium and Owner Suites.
  • Cabin share is available only in the following categories: Triple Classic, Main Deck, Classic and Superior Suites.
  • Adventure options: Kayaking Antarctic Peninsula voyages – $795  (double kayaks only), Kayaking South Georgia and Falkland Island voyages – $895, Camping – $285. Kayaking is limited to 16 participants and camping 30.  Adventure Options paid for at time of deposit.
  • Emergency Medical/Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of USD 200,000 is required and is not included in the trip cost.
  • A fuel surcharge may be applied for all bookings if there is a substantial increase in fuel costs.

Antarctica Inclusions:

  • 1 pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa Hotel;
  • Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation;
  • Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
  • Shipboard accommodation;
  • Wi-Fi on board;
  • All meals on board throughout the voyage;
  • Tea and coffee station 24 hours daily;
  • All scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
  • Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader & Expedition Team;
  • Branded Poseidon Expeditions parka;
  • Rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
  • Welcome and Farewell cocktails;
  • All port fees;
  • Group transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation;
  • Pre-departure materials;
  • Digital Voyage Log;

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