HIGHLIGHTS
HIGH
ARCTIC WILDERNESS
Franz
Josef Land, part of the Russian Arctic National Park, is a nature
sanctuary. Polar bears, walrus, endangered bowhead whales, and other
Arctic wildlife can be spotted anywhere, anytime in and around the
archipelago. Svalbard is a similarly protected wilderness where we find
flowering tundra and tidewater glaciers.
Steep
cliffs and scree slopes in both island groups accommodate enormous
colonies of nesting seabirds such as dovekies, guillemots, and rare
ivory gulls. 24-hour daylight allows us to exploit every opportunity
for wildlife viewing in this unique polar ecosystem.
HISTORY
OF POLAR EXPLORATION
In
Franz Josef Land we encounter a stark and enigmatic landscape steeped
in the drama and heroism of early polar exploration. At places like
Bell Island, Cape Flora, and Cape Tegetthoff we have the opportunity to
walk in the footsteps of Fridtjof Nansen, Frederick George Jackson,
Julius von Payer, and other polar explorers.
At
Tikhaya Bukhta we find the ruins of a Soviet-era research facility that
was also a major base for polar expeditions. Across the archipelago
there are monuments, memorials, crosses, and the remains of makeshift
dwellings, all testimony to incredible historical events.
SPITSBERGEN,
SVALBARD
On
this voyage we also experience stunning scenery and abundant wildlife
in Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island. This classic
Arctic destination is home to reindeer, Arctic fox, millions of
seabirds, numerous marine mammal species, and a high concentration of
polar bears.
In
this multifaceted landscape of glaciated mountains and coastal plains
we also find historical sites and the Arctic research community of Ny
Ålesund, complete with gift shop, post office, and museum.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Triple Classic | Main Deck Suite | Classic Suite | Superior Suite | Deluxe Suite | Premium Suite | Owner's Suite |
|---|
| Jul 10, 2022 | Jul 23, 2022 | 10,695 | 14,695 | 15,695 | 15,995 | 17,995 | 19,695 | 25,295 |
| Jul 22, 2022 | Aug 04, 2022 | 10,695 | 14,695 | 15,695 | 15,995 | 17,995 | 19,695 | 25,295 |
| Aug 03, 2022 | Aug 16, 2022 | 10,695 | 14,695 | 15,695 | 15,995 | 17,995 | 19,695 | 25,295 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | Aug 28, 2022 | 10,695 | 14,695 | 15,695 | 15,995 | 17,995 | 19,695 | 25,295 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Triple Classic | (Mid-range)
Superior Suite | (High-end)
Owner's Suite |
|---|
| Jul 10, 2022 | Jul 23, 2022 | 10,695 | 15,995 | 25,295 |
| Jul 22, 2022 | Aug 04, 2022 | 10,695 | 15,995 | 25,295 |
| Aug 03, 2022 | Aug 16, 2022 | 10,695 | 15,995 | 25,295 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | Aug 28, 2022 | 10,695 | 15,995 | 25,295 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrival in Longyearbyen, Svalbard (hotel night)
Welcome
to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and starting
point of our Arctic expedition! At the Longyearbyen airport, you will
be greeted by our staff and transferred to a quality hotel, which has
been arranged by us and is included in the price of the itinerary. You
will then be free to explore the charming, walkable town center.
We
recommend starting your discovery of the High Arctic at the excellent
Svalbard Museum, where you can also purchase hard-to-find polar books
and maps. Afterward, you can enjoy an excellent dinner at one of
Longyearbyen’s many delightful restaurants. If you are still
awake at midnight, you will notice the sun has not set. In fact, the
sun will not set for the entire duration of our time in Svalbard and
Franz Josef Land.
Day
2: Welcome Aboard!
After
breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Longyearbyen.
Take in the views of icy fjords and glaciated mountains surrounding
this historic coal-mining town. Take advantage of shopping for
souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear.
Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and
waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship. For lunch, Longyearbyen
offers quick and easy meal options including the most northerly pizzas
and kebabs in the world.
In
the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where we will warmly
welcome you aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Get
settled in your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your
comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure to come. Once
underway, a full schedule of events kicks off with informative
briefings and introductions from your expedition staff. After the first
of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks to
admire the gorgeous scenery in endless evening light as we pass through
the wildlife-rich waters of Isfjorden, one of the largest fjords in
Svalbard.
Days
3-4: Across the Barents Sea
From
Isfjorden, we sail south along the beautiful western coast of
Spitsbergen before rounding Sørkapp to enter the wild
Barents Sea. During our northeastward crossing to Franz Josef Land, we
are likely to encounter large swaths of sea ice. Such conditions were
the bane of early explorers in wooden sailing ships. But for us, with
the benefit of an ice-strengthened ship and advanced navigation
systems, the ice is a welcome opportunity for finding harp seals and
polar bears. These cold, nutrient-rich waters are also home to numerous
whale species, including humpback whales, fin whales and endangered
bowhead whales. Our veteran wildlife guides are on duty around the
clock to point the way to marine mammals and Arctic seabirds in this
vast frontier of ice and water. Sometime during the second day of
sailing, we expect to see the massive ice dome of Alexandra Land come
into view through the icy mists—our first sighting of the
enigmatic Franz Josef Land archipelago.
Days
5-11: Franz Josef Land Archipelago
Upon
reaching Russian waters, we head directly to the extremely remote
military base at Nagurskoye for immigration clearance into the Russian
Federation. During this process, we will be anchored in Cambridge Bay,
one of the best places in Franz Josef Land for spotting marine mammals.
For
the rest of our time in Franz Josef Land, we will be free to explore
the many islands of this dramatic High Arctic wilderness in whatever
way best suits the conditions we encounter. As with any true polar
expedition, our schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice.
At this time of year, we expect to find sea ice almost everywhere. This
will give us plenty of chances to enjoy the incredible sight of polar
bears and walrus on ice. With the advantage of 24-hour daylight, we
will make the most of every opportunity for exploration and wildlife
viewing, no matter where we may find ourselves in this vast polar
wilderness.
The
entirety of Franz Josef Land belongs to the Russian Arctic National
Park, one of the most remote and inaccessible nature sanctuaries on our
planet. Ubiquitous glaciers and ice caps create a scene of otherworldly
beauty. Polar bears and Arctic foxes are especially abundant in the
stark and primeval icescapes of this virgin wilderness. Icy channels
and fjords are home to ice-dependent seals, including harp seals,
bearded seals and a large population of walrus. Keen observers are also
likely to spot Arctic whales such as bowheads, belugas or even narwhal.
Mountainsides and sea cliffs throughout the islands host enormous
nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, little auks,
northern fulmars, ivory gulls, and many more. Arctic flora is
particularly abundant now at the peak of the blooming season.
Since
its discovery in 1873, Franz Josef Land has been a stage for incredible
events in the history of polar exploration. The heroic struggles of
Fridtjof Nansen and other famous explorers feel unexpectedly poignant
at well-preserved historical sites such as Cape Norway and Cape Flora.
Memorials, monuments, crosses and the remains of dwellings are
testimony to incredible events that are further illuminated by our
polar historians.
Additional
highlights on our itinerary include Tikhaya Bukhta, a Russian Arctic
National Park ranger station occupying Soviet-era research buildings.
Here you can talk to station personnel and buy unique souvenirs at the
gift shop. We also hope to 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. Collectors
of geographical extremes may also take note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf
Island is the northernmost point of land in Eurasia and the Eastern
Hemisphere.
This
exciting Arctic cruise is your chance to explore one of the
world’s most intriguing polar environments. Each trip to
Franz Josef Land is a one-of-a-kind adventure. Your custom voyage map
will reflect an expedition as unique and memorable as this incomparable
destination, full of unscripted wildlife encounters and unforgettable
discoveries.
Days
12-13: Back to Svalbard
After
our amazing time in Franz Josef Land, we head back across the icy
Barents Sea toward Svalbard. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be
enjoyed from panoramic open decks and from the windows or balcony of
your suite. Presentations by our expert staff and range of onboard
recreation facilities also ensure that these sea days are not idly
spent.
As
we head back toward Longyearbyen, we round the southern tip of
Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. As time
and conditions permit, we may have the opportunity to visit the
magnificent South Spitsbergen National Park, a pristine polar
wilderness abounding with Arctic animals. The centerpiece of this park
is Hornsund, a picture-perfect fjord system where countless mighty
glaciers cascade from soaring mountaintops into icy inlets. This is a
prime location to spot polar bears and other marine wildlife from the
ship.
We
also have a chance to explore North Isforden National Park. This
outstanding protected area is characterized by lush and beautiful
landscapes, striking geological features and excellent wildlife-viewing
opportunities. Along these virgin coastlines, it is possible to observe
endemic Svalbard reindeer and playful Arctic fox romping in flowering
tundra meadows. The area also hosts huge flocks of migratory seabirds,
including Brünnich’s guillemots, little auks and
Atlantic puffins.
Day
14: Disembarkation in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Sea Spirit (Luxury Expedition, 114-guests)
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 and Antarctica.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 1
pre-voyage night on Day 1 in Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen in
Longyearbyen;
- Group
transfer from the airport to the hotel on day 1;
- Group
transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2;
- Shipboard
accommodation;
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage;
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily;
- All
scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions);
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team;
- Branded
Poseidon Expeditions parka;
- Rubber
boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise;
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails;
- All
port fees;
- Group
transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation;
- Pre-departure
materials;
- Wi-Fi
on board.
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Airfare;
- Transfers
from the airport to the hotel if arriving prior to Day 1 of the program;
- Visa
and passport fees. For this trip Russian visa is required. See your
country’s Russian consulate or embassy for details;
- Luggage
and trip cancellation insurance;
- Soft
drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and
celebrations;
- Personal
expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges;
- Mandatory
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$ 200,000 per
person;
- Kayaking;
- Staff
gratuities.
- Kayaking:
USD 655
- Photography:
Free option
