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Arctic sailing voyages, Spitsbergen

COUNTRY:
Arctic Cruises
LOCATION:
Spitsbergen
DEPARTURES:
2012: 10 Jun, 20 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jul, 11 Sep, 21 Sep, 28 Sep, 5 Oct
PRICE:
From £1290 (8 days) excluding flights
MORE INFO:
Or from £3790 (16 days) ex flights, based on full board, twin share non private cabins
VOUCHERS:
Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday
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Arctic sailing voyages, Spitsbergen

Arctic sailing voyages, Spitsbergen

How this holiday makes a difference

We work hard to protect and conserve the destinations we visit around the world and the fragile Arctic ecosystem is no exception. In protecting the Arctic and instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in our clients, we employ a range of successful methods and initiatives.

We firmly believe that by offsetting the average CO2 emissions for each trip, we can help combat the effects of global climate change in the Arctic. As a result, we are the only travel company to offset the carbon emissions generated by your polar trip at our own expense and we also automatically offset the carbon emissions of flights booked through us for polar voyages. The funds generated from this initiative go directly into Rainforest Concern’s new Rainforest4Climate programme, helping reforest tropical rainforest habitats in South America.

All of our Arctic trips operate under the policies of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and we endeavour to deliver ‘respectable, environmentally-friendly and safe expeditions in the Arctic’. In working with AECO, we help ensure that our trips are carried out with the utmost consideration for the vulnerable natural environment, all local cultures and the valuable cultural sites.

Our polar trips are also made under the full membership of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and as such, we abide by their strict codes of conduct in both the Antarctic and the Arctic. Encounters with polar bears, walruses and whales are controlled by strict responsible codes of conduct.

Whilst on Svalbard, we actively help the fragile ecosystem there by participating in the ‘Clean up Svalbard’ programme. This interactive initiative has achieved a positive result in making tangible differences to the Arctic environment and its wildlife. Already, the ‘Clean up Svalbard’ programme has seen several thousand tons of rubbish being removed from the shores of the archipelago.

Whilst on these trips, your-on board natural history expert, through guided walks and evening talks, reveals not only the wonders of the Arctic realm and its wildlife but also some of the conservation issues which this fragile habitat and its species face.

Finally, by sailing around Svalbard, we harness the power of the wind; not only allowing passengers to enjoy quiet and unobtrusive travel but reducing the use of engine power (and thus diesel usage) also. The deck of a strong and elegant sailing ship is an appropriate and inspiring way to enjoy the serenity and stunning beauty of the High Arctic wilderness, by environmentally-aware means.

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Arctic sailing voyages, Spitsbergen

Reviewed 21 Oct 2011 by Jonathan Turner5 star rating

Watching a mother and cub polar bear for over an hour, watching a male bear stalking reindeer...seeing and hearing a splendid walrus waking up and bellowing atop a small berg echoing around a small remote glacial bay!!(read full review)

Reviewed 30 Aug 2011 by Justin Watts5 star rating

Most memorable was watching a polar bear unsuccessfully hunting a seal, and then watching the seal taunt the polar bear by swimming and splashing behind it. Seeing blue whales was pretty amazing too. (read full review)

Reviewed 25 Sep 2011 by John Vose4 star rating

Most memorable? Close up views of a polar bear, several curious walrus, a few beautiful flowering plants, rough seas, good company... Excellent especially the animal sightings and the wonderful light plus amazing sunsets. (read full review)

Reviewed 31 Aug 2009 by Jane Mackay5 star rating

Simply stunning. Quite the most inspiring holiday I have ever been on. I would recommend it to anyone. (read full review)

Reviewed 08 Oct 2008 by Keith Brignell5 star rating

Making our way through pack ice on the northern side of Svalbard was the most memorable part.(read full review)

Reviewed 12 Oct 2008 by Annamaria Cozza4 star rating

We saw such wonderful landscapes and animals. In particular I remember our 2 landings in the Recherchefjord. The night before it snowed and the scenery was just breathtaking.(read full review)

Reviewed 01 Aug 2007 by Julie Davis5 star rating

Too many WOW! factors to mention - seeing a mother polar bear and her two cubs being pursued by a male and watching her outwit him by leaving the cubs on a snow patch, doubling back, retracing her steps to collect the cubs and then swimming near the boat with them.(read full review)
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Holiday Reviews

We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!

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