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Spitsbergen
The accessible High Arctic in Summer

Saturday 25 July - Wednesday 5 August 2009 (12 days)

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.

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 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 and both Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese on the surrounding tundra, which also harbours breeding Arctic and Long-tailed Skuas. 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 on the island of Moffen, an area 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, where 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.

Prices per person:
Twin en suite inside £ 4,495
(as single £ 7,470)
Twin en suite outside £ 4,995
(as single £ 8,580)
Superior Twin en suite £ 5,495
Deposit: £ 800 per person

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 £ 135 pp from the tour cost. Please note that flights from UK regional airports to Oslo may be available. Please enquire for details.

This trip will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.

Leaders: Paul Harvey and guides from Oceanwide Expeditions

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.

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.



click for larger image

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.

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 1 km, longer walks could be several kms.

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 Antarctic Dream in the afternoon.
Ten nights cruise on Antarctic Dream

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.

Numbers: The ship carries a maximum of 84 passengers. We send one leader for every 14 of our clients.