Realm of the Polar Bear In Depth – MS Expedition, Aug 2020

Realm of the Polar Bear In Depth – MS Expedition, Aug 2020

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Trip Summary

Dates: Aug 9, 2020 – Aug 19, 2020
Duration: 11 Days
Adventure Options: Photography
Starting at $6,199.00View Prices

About the 7-day Spitsbergen Highlights Itinerary

A Spitsbergen Classic trip provides you with the opportunity to get a taste of everything the Arctic has to offer, from polar bears and walrus to spectacular mountains and glaciers.  You will have the opportunity for hiking on shore as well as exploring and enjoying the beauty of Svalbard from zodiacs and your vessel. Pack in […]

Itinerary Map

Pricing Information

$6,199 - Category 1A Quad
$6,999 - Category 1 Triple
$8,299 - Category 2
$9,299 - Category 3
$10,299 - Category 4
$11,399 - Category 5

About the 7-day Spitsbergen Highlights Itinerary

A Spitsbergen Classic trip provides you with the opportunity to get a taste of everything the Arctic has to offer, from polar bears and walrus to spectacular mountains and glaciers.  You will have the opportunity for hiking on shore as well as exploring and enjoying the beauty of Svalbard from zodiacs and your vessel. Pack in all the excitement of an epic long arctic cruise into only seven days with the Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief itinerary. In just a week, you’ll cruise through the pack ice up to 80°N along the west coast of Spitsbergen like an explorer of long ago, on a constant search for wildlife. Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a surprisingly thriving and varied ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible will provide optimal opportunities to spot the most iconic of arctic wildlife, the polar bear. The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo, Norway

Your Arctic voyage begins in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and green spaces to keep you busy before retiring at your included airport hotel.


Day 2 - Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, where you’ll have some time to explore before embarkation. As your ship sets sail, enjoy great vistas of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this historic town.


Day 3-6 Exploring Spitsbergen

You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for polar bears and other natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.

Sailing north into Krossfjord, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the indigenous Svalbard reindeer, are possible here.

After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producer. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). At 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.

At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

During your last full day of your arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of the world’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner.


Day 7 - Disembark in Longyearbyen & fly to Oslo

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 return group charter flight to Oslo.


Welcome Aboard the Expedition


With a maximum of 134 passengers, the Expedition provides an intimate small ship cruising experience. Completely refurbished in 2009, she boasts spacious cabins, each featuring ocean-facing windows or portholes and private en-suite facilities. Large common areas and observation decks provide panoramic views of the distinctive landscapes of some of the most remote regions on earth. The Expedition delivers it space, comfort and expertise at a price that few can better.

Technical Specs

  • Passenger Capacity: 134 (maximum)
  • Crew: 53
  • Built: Helsingr Skibsvaerft, Denmark, 1972 (2009)
  • Ice Class: Swedish/Finnish 1B
  • Length: 105m (345 ft)
  • Breadth: 18.6m (61 ft)
  • Max Draft: 4.7m (15 ft)
  • Gross Tonnage: 6334 GRT
  • Cruising Speed: 14.5 knots
  • Stabilizers: Fins, Type Brown/AEG

Cabins & Amenities

  • Observation Deck
  • Fleet of 14 zodiacs
  • Complimentary Bogs Boots for duration of your cruise
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle for every passenger
  • Large Mud Room
  • Library
  • Discovery Lounge
  • Fine dining – one sitting
  • Polar Bear Pub
  • Gift Shop
  • Medical Clinic
  • Sauna
  • Computer Room
  • Gym
  • Public Telephone

Notes

  • Single Supplement is 1.7 times the regular price.
  • Please note that evacuation insurance is mandatory on all cruises.
  • Camping Excursion: $349 per person
  • Kayaking Excursion: $999 per person (Antarctica Classic), $1199 (Antarctica Classic In Depth & Quest for the Antarctic Circle), $1499 (Spirit of Shackleton & Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica)
  • Adventure options must be pre-booked and paid for prior to start of the trip. Space is subject to availability. Some activities require experience.
  • Promos cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount.
  • All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.

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