HIGHLIGHTS
This
ambitious expedition into the 192-island archipelago of Franz Josef
Land gives you the opportunity to spot such exotic Arctic wildlife as
polar bears, Greenland whales, and an assortment of seal and seabird
species, while also visiting the remains of historic 19th-century
expeditions.
While
all Expeditions to the Polar regions are totally weather dependant and
itineraries are always indicative, we will attempt to visit the following sites.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Quadruple Porthole | Triple Porthole | Twin Porthole | Twin Window | Twin Deluxe | Superior | Junior Suite | Grand Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Quadruple Porthole | (Mid-range)
Twin Deluxe | (High-end)
Grand Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Day
1: The start of your Arctic adventure
We
set out from Longyearbyen at 16.00 hours, hoping to get some initial
sightings of local seabirds and marine life along the way.
Days
2 & 3: Sailing the Spitsbergen ice edge
The
next two days we spend sailing eastward, exploring the ice edge north
of Spitsbergen. Here we might see seals, whales, seabirds, and even
polar bears.
Day
4: First sights of Franz Josef Land
Today
we approach the Russian base Nagurskoye on the Franz Josef Land island
of Alexandra Land. We will the Russian base at Nagurskoye from the
ship, but we will not land there. After getting clearance from Russia,
we will then welcome on board four guides / inspectors from the Russian
Arctic National Park. Later in the day, we aim to make our first
landing on the southern part of Arthur Island. In the Arctic
archipelago of Franz Josef Land, polar bear sightings are likely.
Day
5: Historic expeditions on Rudolf Island
The
goal is to sail to Rudolf Island, the northernmost island of the Franz
Josef Land archipelago. Here we hope to land near an abandoned Russian
station in Teplitz Bay, seeing some reminders of the Italian and
American expeditions here around the turn of the 19th century. We will
try to land at Cape Fligely, the northernmost landmass in Eurasia, but
may also change the order of these visits.
Day
6: Walrus haul-outs and Cape Norvegia
After
sailing south, we will reach Apollonov Island, a large haul-out site
for walruses, which you might be able to see from our Zodiacs. At Cape
Norvegia on Jackson Island, our aim is to visit the site where Nansen
and Johansen spent the winter after leaving the m/v Fram in 1895. Later
we will sail southeast by Ziegler Island, then continue south through
narrow but spectacular straits.
Day
7: Geological and glacial wonders
On
Champ Island at Cape Trieste, we plan to make excursions among enormous
and spherical geological stone formations. Then at Camp Ziegler on
Alger Island, you can see the remains of American expeditions (among
others) from the beginning of the last century. This beautiful area is
surrounded by mountainous islands boasting impressive glacier fronts.
Day
8: Cliffside seabirds and Arctic marine life
Early
in the morning, we arrive at Rubini Rock on Hooker Island’s
Tikhaya Bay. Along this impressive cliff face, you can see colonies of
seabirds, such as Brünnich’s guillemots, black
guillemots, little auks, fulmars, and kittiwakes. You might also see
bearded seals, harp seals, or Greenland whales in this area.
Next
we sail to Cape Flora on Northbrook Island, an important site in the
history of polar exploration. More than a century ago, several
expeditions had their bases here, and on the cliffs behind Cape Flora
are large colonies of Brünnich’s guillemots. It is
exciting to witness the younger birds trying to glide from the ledges
to the sea.
At
Günther Bay, we may take a Zodiac cruise near an important
haul-out site for walruses. If landing at Cape Flora is difficult due
to sea swell and permission, we will try to land at Bell Island, near
Eira Lodge, the station of 19th-century British explorer Benjamin Leigh
Smith.
Day
9: Back to Nagurskoye and Spitsbergen
In
the morning, we will return to Nagurskoye. Here our four inspectors
from Franz Josef Land National Park will leave the ship, after which
we’ll sail west to Spitsbergen.
Day
10: The seven islands of northern Svalbard
In
the northernmost area of the Svalbard archipelago lies an island group
known as Sjuøyane, which translates to “seven
islands.” Here we plan to land at the rugged island of
Phippsøya, where you may be able to see more walruses.
Day
11: Incredible Krossfjorden scenery
Today
we sail into Krossfjorden in the main island of Spitsbergen, where
you’ll pass through staggeringly scenic alpine mountaintops,
active glaciers, and rich vegetation.
Day
12: Journey’s end in Longyearbyen
We
finally return to Svalbard’s principal town, where you will
disembark the vessel, taking home priceless memories of friends made,
wildlife encountered, and a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure.
(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.
- The
customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other
service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Shore-based
Walking
- Zodiac
cruises & Shore Programs
