DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | QUAD | TRIPLE PORTHOLE | TWIN PORTHOLE | TWIN WINDOW | TWIN DELUXE | SUPERIOR |
|---|
| Aug 09, 2024 | Aug 31, 2024 | 12,400 | 15,000 | 17,500 | 19,100 | 20,400 | 22,700 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
QUAD | (Mid-range)
TWIN WINDOW | (High-end)
SUPERIOR |
|---|
| Aug 09, 2024 | Aug 31, 2024 | 12,400 | 19,100 | 22,700 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Largest town, biggest island
You
touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen,
the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around
this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make
for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more
than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early
evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first
minke whale of your voyage.
Day
2: Cruising Krossfjorden
Heading
north along the west coast, you arrive by morning in Krossfjorden. Here
you might board the Zodiacs for a cruise near the towering blue-white
face of the Fourteenth of July Glacier. On the green slopes near the
glacier, colorful flowers bloom while flocks of kittiwakes and
Brünnich’s guillemots nest on the cliffs. You have a
good chance of spotting an Arctic fox scouting for fallen chicks, or a
bearded seal paddling through the fjord.
In
the afternoon you sail to Ny Ålesund, the northernmost
settlement on Earth. Once a mining village served by the
world’s most northerly railway – you can still see
its tracks – Ny Ålesund is now a research center.
Close to the community is a breeding ground for barnacle geese,
pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. And if you’re interested
in the history of Arctic exploration, visit the anchoring mast used by
polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile in their airships, Norge (1926) and
Italia (1928).
Day
3: Stop at the Seven Islands
The
northernmost point of your voyage may be north of Nordaustlandet, in
the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° north, just 870 km (540
miles) from the geographic North Pole. Polar bears and walrus inhabit
this stark desolate landscape. Later in the day the ship may roam for
several hours among the pack ice in search of wildlife.
Day
4: The great glacier front of Schweigaardbreen
Pushing
east to Nordaustlandet, you reach the area where the Italian captain
Sora tried to rescue the Nobile Expedition in 1928. The focus here is
the great glacier front of Schweigaardbreen, though you may also land
at Firkantbukta, getting the chance to gain some altitude and take a
few higher-elevation photos. Alternately, you could make a Zodiac
cruise near Storøya, where you might encounter walruses.
Day
5: Ice cap at Kvitøya
Today
you try to reach the rarely visited Kvitøya, far to the east
and close to Russian territory. The enormous ice cap covering this
island leaves only a small area bare. You land at the western tip of
Andréeneset, where the Swedish explorer S. A.
Andrée and his companions perished in 1897. Another
objective for the day is Kræmerpynten, where a sizable group
of walruses reside.
Day
6: The longest glacier in Spitsbergen
South
of Nordaustlandet you may land on Isisøya, formerly a
Nunatak area surrounded by glaciers but now an island surrounded by the
sea. You then may pass by Bråswellbreen, part of the largest
ice cap in Europe and famed for its meltwater waterfalls.
Day
7: Barentsøya’s many bounties
The
plan is to make landings in Freemansundet, though polar bears sometimes
make this impossible. Potential stops on Barentsøya include
Sundneset (for an old trapper’s hut), Kapp Waldburg (for its
kittiwake colony), and Rindedalen (for a walk across the tundra). You
might also cruise south to Diskobukta, though Kapp Lee is more likely
your destination. On Kapp Lee is a walrus haul-out, Pomor ruins, and
the chance for hikes along Edgeøya.
Day
8: Land of the pointed mountains
You
start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of
southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind
rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration
of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning
“pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers
in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga
whales, and polar bears.
Day
9: Bell Sund’s flora, fauna, and haunting history
Today
you find yourself in Bell Sund, one of the largest fjord systems in
Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other
areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush
vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both
history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at
the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be
found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting
reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately,
belugas were not hunted into extinction, and you have a good chance of
coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of
Bellsund, you can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as
rock slopes where little auks are breeding.
Day
10: There and back again
Every
adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You
disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home memories that will accompany you
wherever your next adventure lies.
Long
Hikes - Long
hikes are for groups of 24 passengers maximum, accompanied by two armed
expedition staff and a Zodiac that will sail ahead to watch for polar
bears along the shoreline. Passengers who join this activity should
have the willingness and ability to walk at least 15 km (9 miles) in
semi-rough terrain that includes shorelines, tundra, low hills, and
river crossings. Walks will take around six hours from start to finish,
rest times included. We will walk at a modest pace and not cross any
alpine terrain. Passengers who do not take part in long walks will have
a landing in the morning at the start point of the walk, then sail to
the end point of the walk for their second landing in the afternoon.
Day
1: Largest town, biggest island
You
touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen,
the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around
this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make
for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more
than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early
evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first
minke whale of your voyage.
Day
2: Route to Raudfjorden
Sailing
to Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you take in an
expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even
visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this
fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the
possibility of polar bears.
Day
3 – 4: Onward to east Greenland
You
may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice
flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for
whales and migrating seabirds here.
Day
5: Tundra, mountains, and icebergs
As
you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster
Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut
(where Norwegian trappers hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox in the
first half of the 20th century), there is a sprawling tundra populated
by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here you sail
through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and
bright interior icebergs. An alternate route is Sofia Sound, a narrower
waterway.
Day
6: The islands of Antarctic Sound
You
arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with
layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the
intended landing site. In the afternoon you head into Antarctic Sound,
where you find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most
likely spot for a landing.
Day
7: Alpefjord’s lofty peaks
In
the morning you enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the
streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side.
You land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie
right at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good
chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the
afternoon the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the
spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a
Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the
interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, you
experience a definitive Greenland adventure.
Day
8: Sights of the Arctic autumn
The
first half of the day you spend in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley
where you can spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the
sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.
Day
9: Arriving at Earth’s largest fjord
Today
you reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons
Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier
fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of
Vikingebugt. The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where you
find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago.
The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the
winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well
preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches,
and grave sites. In the evening, you continue sailing the berg-crowded
fjords to the west.
Day
10: Colors of the cape
The
goal is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, surrounded by
icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment
slopes nearby. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts
of Røde Fjord and into Harefjord, with the chance to see
musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.
Day
11: Enormous bergs, Arctic hares
In
the morning you encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328
feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most of them are
grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). You
then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot
of seeing Arctic hares.
Day
12: Settlement at Scoresbysund
Today
you make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The
afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in
Scoresbysund at about five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you
can buy stamps for your postcards, or just stroll around to see the
sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon you
sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
Day
13: Sea life under the northern lights
A
sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds
– and at night, the magical northern lights.
Day
14: Journey’s end at Akureyri
Every
adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You
disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer (T) by
chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the
bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki,
Reykjavík, taking home memories that will accompany you
wherever your next adventure lies.
Plancius (Expedition, 108-guests)
MV Plancius offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. The vessel has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the
itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including
snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage
by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by
experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels
and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from
Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout
the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Excluded
from this voyage
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is
strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature
such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- Transfer supplement for bus shuttle between Akureyri (ship)
and bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki,
Reykjavik (6 hours).
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for
stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be
provided).
