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Spitsbergen
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A cruise to the true High Arctic, to witness its countless seabirds, its wildfowl and waders on their breeding grounds, and its whales, seals, Polar Bears and Walruses! We've chosen one of the very best times of year to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen and explore this most accessible of high arctic regions.
Spitsbergen, with its rugged mountains, fjords, sweeping tundra, ice caps and glaciers, is the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, and only 600 miles from the North Pole. In June the southern part of Spitsbergen becomes ice-free, but it is not until July that the whole of Spitsbergen opens up to ice-strengthened vessels. It is then that, with luck, we can visit the remote north and east coasts, with their abundance of arctic wildlife, including millions of Little Auks and other seabirds, whales, Polar Bears and Walruses. At this time of year, during the brief Arctic summer, Spitsbergen has constant daylight. The tundra responds with a rich array of flowers where Reindeer graze, while birds rush to raise their young before the Arctic winter sets in.
The cruise will be on the Antarctic Dream, an expedition cruise ship that spends much of its time in the Arctic and Antarctic, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Shore excursions will be made by Zodiac, and we'll be in the experienced hands of the Oceanwide guides. |
The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of return flights London/Longyearbyen*, overnight accommodation in Oslo/Longyearbyen, the cruise, meals in Spitsbergen, shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage, leadership, taxes and port charges. The prices exclude travel insurance, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, meals in Oslo, and other personal expenses. *For a cost starting and finishing the tour in Oslo, please deduct £145 pp from the tour cost. This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays. |
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An expedition cruise is always exciting because of its unpredictability. Every decision made by the expedition leader is based on weather, sea ice, travelling times, and, of course, the appearance of wildlife - especially Polar Bears!
A final warning - these cruises book up early - please don't leave it too late or all the cabins will have gone! ‘M/V Antarctic Dream' M/V “Antarctic Dream” is a Dutch built ice-reinforced vessel and served under the name Piloto Pardo for the Chilean Navy. The vessel was rebuilt as an unrestricted, worldwide passenger vessel and was completely refurbished in July 2005. M/v “Antarctic Dream” is registered in Panama. The vessel features a spacious dining room / observation lounge, bar, lecture room, fitness room plus sauna, boutique and Passenger Bridge. 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 vessel is manned by 18 well-trained Chilean crew members. The on board staff consists of 1 expedition leader, 4 guides / lecturers, 1 hotel manager, 1 barman, 1 doctor, 3 chefs and 6 waitresses / cabin cleaners. Please see our full itinerary for a deck plan Accommodation: Cabins as described above subject to availability. Transport: Transport from the ship to shore is by Zodiac (rubber boat). Entry and exit from the Zodiac is assisted. Most landings are ‘wet landings' requiring the wearing of Wellington boots. Walking: At most landings there is a choice of walks varying from fairly energetic to quite slow, exploratory walks which enable passengers to look at plants, rocks, footprints, birds and mammals. The slow walks could be less then a km, while longer walks could be of several kms. Leaders: Rebecca Nason and guides from Oceanwide Expeditions Numbers: The ship carries a maximum of 84 passengers. We send one leader for every 14 of our clients.
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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