2021 |
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21 Jul - 03 Aug 02 Aug - 15 Aug 14 Aug - 26 Aug |
This unusual, yet remarkable 13 or 14-day voyage takes you to some of the Arctic’s most remote regions. Encounter archipelagos still relatively unexplored. Steeped in history and rich in wildlife, the islands that make up Svalbard and Franz Josef Land are an ideal location for those wanting to get off-the-beaten-track and get a taste for the experiences of the earliest polar explorers.
Please note that itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on ice and weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit the Svalbard Museum or take advantage of quality shopping and dining opportunities in the town centre.
In the afternoon, embark on the M/V Sea Spirit and start your Arctic cruise. Explore the ship and get comfortable as you sail through Isfjorden where there is already the possibility of marine mammal encounters. (D)
From Isfjorden sail to Franz Josef Land across the Barents Sea. Spend cruising time listening to lectures on the area from the expedition team and, en route, look out for marine mammals such as the elusive bowhead whale, arctic seals and the majestic polar bear. (B,L,D)
Part of the Russian Arctic National Park since 2012 the Franz Josef Land Archipelago consists of 191 islands. Eighty-five percent of the archipelago is glaciated, with large unglaciated areas being located on the largest islands and many of the smallest islands.
See immense tidewater glaciers, glittering icebergs and interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island. Walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers at Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Cape Fligely and Cape Tegetthoff. (B,L,D)
Cape Flora on Northbrook Island was discovered by the Lee Smith expedition in 1880. Walk in the footsteps of famous polar explorers and hike to their well-preserved expedition house and visit remnants of the Jackson expedition, whose settlement is still largely intact. The towering cliffs at the southern part of Cape Flora are home to great sea bird colonies. (B,L,D)
Please note that today's port is dependent on weather conditions.
Explore some fascinating geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island and the amazing basaltic columns at the Rubini Rock seabird colony. (B,L,D)
Please note that today's port is dependent on weather conditions.
Cape Fligely is the most northern part of Europe. Almost entirely ice-covered, temperatures only rise above freezing for a few weeks each summer. A variety of arctic flora makes this area particularly interesting for botanists. From 1895-1896 explorers Nansen and Johansen spent seven months here after a failed attempt to conquer the North Pole. Visit the remains of their hut whilst on the lookout for polar bears, belugas and narwhals. (B,L,D)
Please note that today's port is dependent on weather conditions.
Continue exploring the Franz Josef Land Archipelago. (B,L,D)
Cross back through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea and continue along the coastal islands of the Svalbard Archipelago. From panoramic open decks, enjoy Arctic landscapes and wildlife sightings. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to walrus and a wide variety of whales. (B,L,D)
Enjoy lectures on the unique Arctic wildlife and the dramatic landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago. (B,L,D)
Price Includes
*transfer to the ship on day of embarkation and to airport on day of disembarkation
Price Excludes
*Icelandair fly from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Belfast. Other carriers fly from Luton, Stansted, Bristol and Edinburgh
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
Price based on 13-day expedition in Main deck suite cabin.
Itinerary Dates | |
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21 Jul 2021
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03 Aug 2021
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02 Aug 2021
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15 Aug 2021
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14 Aug 2021
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26 Aug 2021
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The ice-strengthened small all-suite expedition ship Sea Spirit (originally Renaissance V) was built in 1991 in Italy. From that time she has changed several operators and regions of navigation, cruising in Singapore, Alaska, Pacific Basin, Arctic and Antarctica. The vessel was modified in late 2010.
Providing spacious suites for accommodation of maximum of 114 passengers (the smallest suite is 20 sq. meters) the Sea Spirit at the same time features maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of the Arctic.
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