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
Arctic sailing voyages, Spitsbergen, independent reviews
 Reviewed 31 Aug 2009 by Jane Mackay |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Finding a land without paths; experiencing the silence and utter beauty of Svalbard; seeing wildlife I had never dreamt of; meeting some very special people.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Read all the literature carefully – it was comprehensive and covered practically everything one would wish to know. Do some long walks beforehand, especially uphill, if possible.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, minimal environmental impact, hopefully. Impact on local people also probably minimal, except for expenditure in shops and bars in Longyearbyen.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Simply stunning. Quite the most inspiring holiday I have ever been on. I would recommend it to anyone.
| Reviewed 8 Oct 2008 by Keith Brignell | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Making our way through pack ice on the northern side of Svalbard - will we make it???
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't expect a close up of a polar bear, that would be very rare, they are usually spotted in the distance on a mountainside or beach. If you want a close up of them go to Churchill with the other tourists.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10 for everything. Food, crew, guide, location, vessel, walks et al.
| Reviewed 1 Aug 2007 by Julie Davis | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
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. He tracked her every step but she did escape to safety! Seeing fin whales and, later on, a humpback whale (not often seen near Svalbard) who entertained us with about ten minutes of tail splashing! Totally unexpected. Watching guillemot chick launch themselves from the cliffs and gliding to the sea - and the gulls and foxes waiting for the unfortunate ones who don't make it. Seeing fresh bear tracks! The last night dinner and celebration - what a surprise.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for long, action-packed days. Ensure your wellies are comfortable or bring walking boots to change into once you have left the Zodiac. Listen to your guide - he knows what he is talking about and is responsible for the safety of you and the rest of the group - don't wander off. Try to read a little about Spitsbergen/the Arctic before you go - there is far too much to learn in the two weeks on the ship and some books aren't in English! The Noorderlicht is like a hotel - don't take your own towels and be prepared to eat well!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, tourism obviously brings money to these isolated places but in Barentsberg I thought we might be seen as 'rich westerners' as our clothes and cameras probably cost much more than they earn in two years. We met people at the Polish Research Centre and a researcher at Kinnvika and learnt much about their work as well as seeing how they lived. We noticed all the debris washed up on the beaches and, on one occasion, did a litter collection - getting at least 6 bags of rubbish, mainly fishing industry debris and plastics.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It far exceeded our expectations. All information provided re the holiday was clear and answers promptly given to any queries raised. There was something for everyone in this holiday. A mixed bunch of people who became friends by sharing our knowledge and experiences re sailing, photography, plants, birds, animals - we all learnt so much. Dan, our guide, knew the answers to all our questions (or had a book on him to refer to!), he gave us detailed insights to the history and geology of the area and lots more. The crew of the Noorderlicht were helpful, friendly and totally competent with regard to the sailing of the ship and dealing with us. Anna, the cook, was excellent! Being vegetarian, I was amazed at the variety of delicious meals she produced for me - just how did she do it? We wanted to bring her home with us. Fantastic! Brilliant!
| Reviewed 12 Oct 2008 by Annamaria Cozza | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I think that everyday on the Noorderlicht has been a memorable one! 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. We walked for about 20 minutes to reach the glacier that was lying in front of us and behind some low hills we suddenly discovered a huge lagoon that was collecting some incredible pieces of ice from the glacier. And then our 4th (yes 4th) polar bear appeared. She lazily walked along the shore, looked at us and then elegantly went into the water to swim towards the glacier.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be flexible and do not expect much of what written in the 'final itinerary' to happen. Decisions are made everyday depending on the weather.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not really! Actually I was very surprised to find our that aluminium, paper and other recyclable materials were thrown in the rubbish together with all the other waste.. that really shocked me and I think it's not acceptable!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An experience to recommend and to re-experience.