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North Spitsbergen
ATD05 12 - 19 June 2009 (07 nights) aboard Antarctic Dream
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© Gail Johnson/Nature Portfolio
A group goes exploring by zodiac |
The Norwegian name for this archipelago including Bear Island and Jan Mayen is Svalbard. However it is usually known as Spitsbergen. Covering an area almost as big as the Republic of Ireland, Spitsbergen with its population of 3,500 in five settlements is still today virtually unspoilt wilderness.
With its rugged mountains, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers, it is a true High Arctic archipelago, and only 600 miles from the North Pole. Its abundant wildlife was once a huge draw for whalers and trappers but now discerning visitors are discovering the attractions of huge Arctic seabird colonies and the chance to enjoy and photograph species like Walrus, Reindeer, Arctic Fox and of course, Polar Bear. Spitsbergen with its population of 3,500 in five settlements is still today virtually unspoilt wilderness. Despite it closeness to the North Pole, it has surprisingly diverse scenery, including tundra, glaciers, fjords and mountains which, in the western part of the island rise to over 5,000 ft. From time to time the coastal glaciers calve icebergs into the seas with a noise like thunder. Being an eyewitness of such an event is quite an experience. Almost everywhere the subsoil is permanently frozen from 80cm to a depth up to 400mtr - permafrost. In summer when the topsoil thaws, the water is unable to drain and the ground becomes boggy. Due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream temperatures are relatively high and there is an amazing variety of flora: in addition to the typical tundra vegetation of mosses and lichens, there are also 250 species of fungi, 7 species of ferns and 164 flowering plants. There are very few terrestrial mammal species on Spitsbergen, only the Spitsbergen Reindeer being entirely terrestrial. All the other mammals rely in part - Arctic Fox, Polar Bear, or entirely on the sea - Walrus, Bearded, Harp and Ringed Seals, and of course Polar Bear. Several whale species are still to be found in the waters surrounding Spitsbergen. Although the bird species are not as diverse as in other regions, the huge seabird colonies are very much an attraction. Please note that the following itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Itinerary ATD05, ATD06 Day 1 Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting, while in the surrounds of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plant have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden. Day 2 Heading north along the west coast, we arrive by morning in Krossfjorden, where we take to the Zodiacs for an exhilarating cruise along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier. On the surprisingly fertile slopes near the glacier, a colourful variety of flowers bloom, while large numbers of Kittiwakes and Brünnich's Guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. There is also a good chance of spotting opportunistic Arctic Foxes, patrolling the base of the cliffs in case a hapless chick falls from its nest, and Bearded Seals, who cruise this scenic fjord. In the afternoon we sail to Ny Ålesund, the world's most northerly settlement. Once a mining village - served by the world's most northerly railway, which can still be seen - Ny Ålesund is now a research centre. Close to the village is a breeding ground for Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese and Arctic Terns. Visitors interested in the history of Arctic exploration will want to walk to the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile in the airship Norge in 1926 and Nobile in the airship Italia in 1928 before their flights to the North Pole. Day 3 Depending on the weather we may now sail to the mouth of Liefdefjorden and go ashore for a walk on the tundra island of Andøya. Many Common Eiders and Pink-footed Geese nest here, and the rarer King Eider may also be seen. We hope to sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes and on previous voyages Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography Day 4 Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, polar bears, and ivory gulls. We'll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich's guillemots. On the east side of Hinlopenstrait, we'll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, pink-footed geese, breeding ivory gulls, and walruses. Day 5 Today we will reach our northernmost point at Phippsøya, in the Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet. Here we will be at 81 degrees north, just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears inhabit this region, along with ivory gulls. We may sit for several hours in the pack ice, taking in our spectacular surroundings and seeing a Ross gull, before we turn south again. Day 6 Retracing our route westwards, we visit Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seals. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. On the offshore island of Ytre Norskøya, we visit a 17th century Dutch whaling site, whose large graveyard is a poignant reminder of the hardships and dangers of life here at the time. The island's bird life is prolific, with colonies of Little Auks, Black Guillemots, Brünnich's Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic Skuas accessible to visitors. Day 7 We land at the northern tip of Prins Karls Forland near Fuglehuken, where Barentsz probably set foot on Spitsbergen for the first time. Seabirds nest on the cliffs and along the coast we see Harbour Seals the only population in Spitsbergen. Further we also will observe the remains of the Polar Bear hunting era, with demolished set guns and bear traps. At the opposite site of Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walruses. Alternatively we sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Foxes search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. The reindeer may seem unbothered by human presence, but this is not really the case. The animals must survive the harsh winter, when temperatures plummet and food is hard to find, so they preserve what energy they can, fleeing only when it is absolutely necessary. In the afternoon we cruise through beautiful Borebukta, following a glacier front before continuing to Longyearbyen. Day 8 Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Oslo and home. |
Antarctic Dream
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© Oceanwide Expeditions
'Antarctic Dream' |
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The vessel offers accommodation for 84 passengers in 42 twin cabins with private toilet and shower, 4 suites, 6 superior cabins and 29 twin private cabins have portholes or windows and either two separate lower beds or queen beds. 3 additional twin private cabins have no portholes / windows (inside cabins). All cabins have furthermore a desk, closed circuit TV, and inter-cabin phone service. Satellite email and phone service is available in the library.
The Captain and the expedition leader will assess conditions daily with the intention of maximizing your time ashore. This means taking full advantage of opportunities to land passengers with our zodiacs and making best use of the light of the long summer days. On board lectures are offered by geologists, historians, naturalists, expedition leaders, and the captain himself. Join the captain and the rest of our 40 crew members for an awe-inspiring journey of discovery and adventure. 
Antarctic Dream Deckplan - click for larger image Accommodation : Cabins as described above subject to availability. Travel : A taxi can be used for the transfer from the airport to the vessel. We can arrange flights and overnight accommodation for you if necessary. Leaders: Guides from Oceanwide Expeditions Prices per person:
The prices are per person and are fully inclusive of the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage, lectures and leadership by expedition staff, taxes and port charges and pre-departure information. The prices exclude return flights UK/Longyearbyen return, travel insurance, passport and visa expenses, Government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, excess baggage charges and other personal expenses. | ||||||||||||||