Spitsbergen cruise to the Arctic
| country: | Arctic Circle |
| location: | Spitsbergen |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | 2008: 25 Aug |
| price: | From £2320 (11 days) excluding flights, depending on accommodation chosen (triple cabin - captain's suite). Diving £400, kayaking (including the dry suit) £450 |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This voyage delivers a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen and its off-lying islands (dependent on ice conditions), taking us within 600 nautical miles of the North Pole. With its population of 3500 in five settlements, Spitsbergen is still virtually an unspoilt wilderness.
The east coast is influenced by a cold sea current from Siberia and the resulting lower temperatures mean that, even in summer, frequent pack ice can make access difficult. In contrast the west coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream where an amazing variety of flora thrives. This polar wonderland is also the breeding home for walrus, polar bear, reindeer and millions upon millions of migratory land and sea birds. Several whale species are found in the waters surrounding Spitsbergen. The land is a bewitching combination of towering mountains in the west and fossil-rich polar desert in the east.
*Solar Eclipse Cruise* 26 Jul 2008 – Special Solar Eclipse 12 day departure
For approximately 2.5 minutes, this region of the High Arctic, which is usually bathed in 24 hours sunlight during this time of year, will plunge into complete darkness as the 47th eclipse of the Saros 126 series takes place. We’ll take an expert and all the necessary equipment with us to ensure the best possible viewing so fingers crossed the skies stay clear for an uninterrupted display of natural beauty at its best.
The east coast is influenced by a cold sea current from Siberia and the resulting lower temperatures mean that, even in summer, frequent pack ice can make access difficult. In contrast the west coast is warmed by the Gulf Stream where an amazing variety of flora thrives. This polar wonderland is also the breeding home for walrus, polar bear, reindeer and millions upon millions of migratory land and sea birds. Several whale species are found in the waters surrounding Spitsbergen. The land is a bewitching combination of towering mountains in the west and fossil-rich polar desert in the east.
*Solar Eclipse Cruise* 26 Jul 2008 – Special Solar Eclipse 12 day departure
For approximately 2.5 minutes, this region of the High Arctic, which is usually bathed in 24 hours sunlight during this time of year, will plunge into complete darkness as the 47th eclipse of the Saros 126 series takes place. We’ll take an expert and all the necessary equipment with us to ensure the best possible viewing so fingers crossed the skies stay clear for an uninterrupted display of natural beauty at its best.
| Cabin | Cost |
| Triple | £2,490 |
| Twin public | £3,080 |
| Twin private | £3,490 |
| Mini Suite | £3,890 |
| Suite | £4,210 |
what's included in our Spitsbergen cruise to the Arctic
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners, specialist expedition staff, comfortable cabin accommodation on cruise, all activites while on cruise including zodiac excursions, lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services, use of all ship facilities and public areas, medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board) day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Join Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen), commence voyage out of Isfjorden |
| Day 2-3: | Cruise north along West Coast of Spitsbergen, visit most northerly village of Ny Alsesund and whaling station on Amsterdam Island |
| Day 4-5: | Cruise North Coast of Spitsbergen, onshore excursions with walrus and possible polar bear sightings |
| Day 6-10: | Cruise East Coast of Spitsbergen with land excursions to spot arctic foxes as well as appreciating the prolific birdlife |
| Day 11: | Return to Longyearbyen, trip concludes. |
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society. Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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The wilderness areas of the High Arctic are among the most breathtaking in the world as well as the most fragile. We are proud to be an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and abide strictly by their code of conduct in both the Antarctic and the High Arctic polar regions.
All of our polar guests are briefed not only on the guidelines set by IAATO but also on the scientific reasons for these guidelines. Everyone will learn how to enjoy the wildlife encounters without being intrusive and thus will get the most out of their visit without compromising the pristine environment. From our pre-departure Responsible Travel Guidebook to our on-board comprehensive educational programme, passengers are well informed on all aspects of the environmental issues affecting this polar wonderland. Our belief in small group adventure travel extends to the High Arctic as we cruise in 52 passenger vessels, among the smallest in the business allowing for minimum impact landings and maximum enjoyment. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |