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 trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Spitsbergen, independent reviews
 Reviewed 8 Aug 2006 by Peter Horsted |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the polar bears on the beach at Phippsoya (29 of them) and getting up close to walruses in the Zodiac boats (see picture attached).
We also saw fin whales and beluga whales and reindeer really close. We saw arctic foxes and the full spectrum of summer arctic birds including a rare visiting white tailed eagle.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Follow the instructions for clothing fully, particularly good warm socks and the layering system.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It was not apparent that it benefited local people except for shopping opportunities in Longyearbyn. The shop in Ny Alesund shut just after our party landed at 12:30 pm! The ship did not appear to discharge anything over the side and the shore excursions were properly conducted to minimise environmental impacts.
| Reviewed 10 Jul 2006 by Jackie Lover | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Basically the unpredictability of each venue due to variation of the ice conditions and scenery. Remoteness and being totally cut off from the outside world.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Read the booklet re clothing advice. Buy a DECENT pair of Wellington Boots and not just any cheap pair which do not keep feet warm. My best asset were my neoprene lined wellies.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - We visited Longyearben and clearly tourism is a key feature of growth and employment. Likewise there is a large gift shop in the small community in Ny-Alesund which I am sure the income benefits the local people.