VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Cruise to North Spitsbergen, Polar Bear Special
Sailing along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen, will give us the best opportunities to spot the King of the Arctic. We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bear are often seen here.
PLEASE NOTE: A typical itinerary to North Spitsbergen is illustrated below. This itinerary is for
guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability
of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. The final itinerary will be determined by the
Expedition Leader on board. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises
Departs From
Longyerbyen
The journey begins
Location:Embarkation and departure from Longyerbyen
We 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. In the surrounding area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where in the mouth of the fjord we may see our first Minke Whale.
Highlights
- Svalbard Museum
- Longyearbyen
- Minke Whale
Explore
Location:We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen
We sail to Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seal. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. Polar bear are often seen here.
Highlights
- Snowshoeing
- Polar Diving
- Bearded Seal
Explore
Location:Cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier
Depending on the weather we may now sail into Liefdefjorden, crui¬sing near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco Glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favorite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwake. As well, Polar Bear have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.sss
Highlights
Explore
Location:We will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal
Today we will sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, Polar Bear, and Ivory Gull. At the entrance there is the possibility to see Blue Whale. We’ll navigate the ice floes of Lomfjordshalvøya in our zodiacs and explore the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet with thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemot. On the east side of Hinlopen Strait, we’ll attempt a landing at Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet, home to reindeer, Pink-footed Goose, breeding Ivory Gull, and Walrus.
Highlights
- Zodiac Cruising & Shore program
- Svalbard Reindeer
- Ivory Gull
Explore
Location: At Seven Islands north of Nordaustlandet we will just 540 miles from the geographic North Pole.
We will try 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 Bear inhabit this region, along with Ivory Gull. The ship may sit for several hours in the pack ice, before turning west again.
Highlights
- Polar Bear
- Phippsøya
- Ivory Gull
Explore
Location:We will retrace our route westwards to keep watch for the Polar Bear
Retracing our route westwards, our route takes us through and along the pack ice, keeping watch for Polar Bear and the elusive Greenland Whale (Bowhead). About 40 nautical miles west of Spitsbergen we sail along the edge of the continental shelf, where Fin Whale forage in summer in the upwelling’s along the Spitsbergen banks. At the mouth of the Kongsfjorden we have also good chances to see Minke Whale.
Highlights
- Whale safari
- Bowhead Whale
Explore
Location:Sail into St. Johns Fjord or south to the mouth of Isfjorden
In Forlandsundet at Sarstangen is a haul out place for Walrus. 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 Fox search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. At nighttime we arrive in Longyearbyen.
Highlights
- Arctic Fox
- Walrus
- Alkhornet
Explore
Location:The last day of our voyage. We disembark the vessel in Longyearbyen
We disembark in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, for the flights south to Oslo and onward home.
Location
Longyearbyen
TRIPLE / QUAD PORTHOLE
Quad
15 Jun 2018, 22 Jun 2018
Triple
15 Jun 2018 , 22 Jun 2018
MAX Capacity: 3 and 4
Window: Yes
- 1 porthole
- 2 upper & lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone and Internet connection
- Ample storage space
- This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin
TWIN PORTHOLE
15 Jun 2018 , 22 Jun 2018
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: Yes
- 1 porthole
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone and Internet connection
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
TWIN WINDOW
15 Jun 2018 , 22 Jun 2018
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: Yes
- 1 window
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone and Internet connection
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
TWIN DELUXE
15 Jun 2018 , 22 Jun 2018
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: 2
- 2 windows
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone and Internet connection
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin porthole/window cabins
SUPERIOR
15 Jun 2018 , 22 Jun 2018
MAX Capacity: 2
Window: 2
- 2 windows
- 1 Double bed
- 1 Sofa bed
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone and Internet connection
- Hair dryer
- Refrigeratorbr> Coffee and Tea Maker
- Hair dryer
- Ample storage space
Click here for deck plan : MS Plancius
- 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 of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
EXCLUSIONS
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is mandatory).
- 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).
