Spitsbergen
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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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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. |
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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 the island's coast 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, to encounter 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.
We begin the cruise at Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, with a population of over 3,000. The coasts are ice-free in the summer and colourful wild flowers, mosses and lichens abound. Here we can encounter the only two land birds - Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting - and may see our first Purple Sandpipers feeding along the shore, along with the ubiquitous Arctic Terns, Glaucous Gulls and stunning blue-phase Fulmars. We may visit the world's northernmost settlement, Ny Ålesund. Here Long-tailed Ducks breed on the village pools, along with Red-throated Divers. Both Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese nest on the surrounding tundra, which also harbours breeding Arctic and Long-tailed Skuas. Here Svalbard Reindeer graze, and Arctic Foxes roam, and at this time of year the flowers can be superb. Grey Phalaropes in their stunning red breeding plumage can also be encountered along this coast along with King and Common Eiders. Ivory Gulls are regularly found around the bow of the ship as she pushes through ice. If we are lucky we may find the rare Sabine's Gull on its breeding grounds, an island that can be approached by the ship, but where we are not allowed to land. The even-rarer Ross's Gull can be seen in some years. Depending on the ice conditions we will circumnavigate Spitsbergen clockwise or anti-clockwise, with the emphasis on locations in the east where Polar Bears abound. During these voyages we will encounter a lot of sea ice and have a chance to observe impressive calving glaciers at close quarters. Our timing of the trip will give us the best chance of cruising the Hinlopen Strait, between Spitsbergen and the isle of Nordaustlandet, and around the eastern isles of Barentsøya and Edgeøya. Here we hope to encounter Walruses and several species of seal, including Bearded, Ringed and Harp Seals. Seabirds will be encountered frequently and will include Little Auks and Brünnich's Guillemots as well as Black Guillemots, a few Puffins and Kittiwakes, all of which may be harassed by the ever-watchful Arctic and Pomarine Skuas. At Diskobukta on the island of Edgeøya we visit a canyon with thousands of breeding Kittiwakes - Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears regularly roam around the base of the cliffs. If possible we will visit Tusenøyane, where we will see the well-preserved remains of 17th century whaling activities. We hope to encounter Minke and Beluga Whales in this area. In West Spitsbergen lies the large and rugged Hornsund Fjord, which has imposing glaciers and a rich marine fauna. As a result it has huge breeding colonies of Little Auks, one of which is readily accessible. To stand almost within arm's reach of groups of Little Auks, whilst thousands more fly to and from the colony all around you, is a truly thrilling arctic experience. We may also be able to visit a Polish research station in the area. The cruise will be on the Plancius, 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. 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! Itinerary: Day 1: We take an evening flight to Oslo where we stay overnight, or, alternatively, depending on flight schedules, we may continue to Longyearbyen for an overnight stay there. Overnight Oslo/Longyearbyen Day 2: We fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen arriving either at lunchtime or in the early hours of the morning. We embark on the Plancius in the afternoon. Nine nights cruise on Plancius Day 12: We disembark at Longyearbyen in the morning, and fly in the afternoon to Oslo, where we connect with an evening return flight to the UK. Plancius M/v 'Plancius' started her life in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named 'Hr. Ms. Tydeman'. In June 2004, the vessel was taken out of active service and was purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions in December 2006. Available for Polar expeditions, the vessel has been completely rebuilt as a 112-passenger vessel and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea), is classed by Lloyd's Register in London, and will fly the Dutch flag. The vessel is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxurious vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are and will still be primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. This vessel will fully meet our demands to achieve this. M/v 'Plancius' can accommodate 112 passengers in 54 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 triple private cabins, 40 twin private cabins (ca. 15 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). The vessel is manned by 30 international crew members (inc. 10 stewardesses/cabin cleaners), 6 hotel staff (4 chefs, 1 purser and 1 steward-barman), 6 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 5 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor. 
M/v Plancius Deckplan - click for larger image M/V Plancius Length: 89 meters (293 feet) Breadth: 14,5 meters (47 feet) Draft: 5 meters (16 feet) Ice class: 1D Displacement: 3175 tonnes Engines: 3x Diesel-Electric Speed: 10 - 12 knots Passengers: 114 Accommodation: Cabins as described above subject to availability. All cabins are en suite. 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. Numbers: The ship carries a maximum of 112 passengers. We send one leader for every 14 of our clients. |
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