North Spitsbergen, Arctic Spring

This 8-day expedition cruise takes you to the highlights of Svalbard, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. You'll visit the administrative center of Longyearbyen, the northernmost community in the world, and see stunning scenery including glaciers, towering mountains, and lush tundra. You'll also have the chance to spot Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, walruses, seals, and reindeer.

8 Day Artic Itinerary

Day 1: Largest town, biggest island

Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Spitsbergen - the largest of the Svalbard islands. This former mining city is a fascinating place to stroll around. The parish church and Svalbard Museum are both interesting attractions. The landscape may appear barren, but it is home to more than 100 species of plants. Early evening, the ship leaves Isfjorden. You might see the first minke of the voyage. The evening sail is to Trygghamna where the remains of an 18th century Pomor hunting and whaling station from the 17th century are visible.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Foxes, seabirds, and grazing reindeer

You can walk from Trygghamna to Alkhornet. This is a seabird cliff, where birds scout out nesting sites. You can often see Arctic foxes below the cliffs. If there is not much snow, you might also be able to observe reindeer feeding on lush vegetation.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3 & 4: Earth’s northernmost community

You head north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. It is possible that the landscape will still show evidence of winter. The crags, slopes and peaks may be covered in snow. We provide snowshoes and offer a variety of activities, including snowshoeing and historic sites such as Ny London where the remains of the early 20th century marble mining can be seen, or Ny Alesund which is the most northern community on earth. The research stations, the anchor mast from the Norge dirigible, and other historical sites are all located in the area. Krossfjorden is a place where you can see colossal mountains and glaciers, but the fjord's ice determines your itinerary.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: Walrus watching, seal seeing

Poolepynten is a popular haul-out spot for walruses. Near Gaffelbreen, you can also see St. Johnsfjorden. Seals, both ringed (bearded seals) and bald-headed seals may be in abundance. The winter ice is still holding on to the water.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 & 7: Wide tundra, tall mountains

This time you will return to Isfjorden, and then travel onwards towards Ymerbukta. You may want to take a hike in the mountains. You will find a vast tundra, with its own birdlife, when the spring comes. There are also spectacular geological features along the coastline. You can also hike further northeast near Ekmanfjorden. Numerous glaciers terminate in or near the sea. You can walk along the shore of Gipsvika near Templet. This mountainous area is eroded sedimentary rocks from the Upper Carboniferous Period - approximately 290 million year ago.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8: There and back again

All adventures must come to an ending. As you disembark from the ship in Longyearbyen and head home, your memories will follow you to wherever your next journey takes.

Meals Included: Breakfast

8 Day Artic Itinerary Includes

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.

All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

Free use snowshoes

Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.

Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

8 Day Artic Itinerary Does not Include

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.

Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Meals ashore.

Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

8 Day Arctic cruise activities

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.

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