HIGHLIGHTS
- Join
a new and exciting voyage onboard Ocean Albatros, exploring Svalbard in
depth
- Experience
the raw beauty of nature in this high Arctic paradise, which is kept
warmer than other lands at the same latitude by the last gasp of the
Gulf Stream
- Spot
the endemic Svalbard reindeer, puffins and maybe even the elusive yet
charismatic Arctic fox in this chilly utopia.
- Enjoy
the rich history and local culture of Longyearbyen, with its excellent
museums, galleries, dining and shopping through to challenging but
rewarding hiking and other outdoor activities.
- Visit
the Northwest Spitzbergen National Park, the northernmost region of
planet Earth - the Arctic Ocean
- The
nutrient-rich waters of the northern Barents Sea nourish a plethora of
wildlife, much of which can be found in the Arctic pack ice and nowhere
else - including the King of the Arctic, the polar bear
- Our
talented Captain, Bridge Team and Expedition Leader will artfully
exploit the leads and cracks in the ice, endevouring to explore as much
of this unearthly realm as possible
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | Cat. F | Cat. G | Cat. E | Cat. D | Cat. C | Cat. B | Cat. A | Freydis Suite | Brynhilde Suite |
Jun 16, 2024 | Jun 26, 2024 | 8,990 | 12,990 | 11,890 | 10,790 | 12,990 | 14,490 | 15,990 | 17,990 | 21,590 |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Cat. F | (Mid-range) Cat. C | (High-end) Brynhilde Suite |
Jun 16, 2024 | Jun 26, 2024 | 8,990 | 12,990 | 21,590 |
ITINERARY
DAY
1: LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD - EMBARKATION
Board
your flight in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard - the
world's northernmost... everything! This remarkable little city is not
only the northernmost town in the world (if one excludes the tiny
research community of Ny-Ålesund, slightly further north on
Svalbard), but also hosts the world's northernmost civilian airport,
schools, bank and supermarket. The town's rugged frontier edge belies a
core of warm Nordic hospitality and coziness - hyggligt, as we say in
Denmark!
Immediately
after landing in Longyearbyen, you find yourself in a different world.
The chilly Arctic breeze can be felt as soon as you step onto the
tarmac, and the famous signpost outside the terminal reminds visitors
how far north they really are; as well as to keep watch for bears! The
snow-capped mountain Hjorthfjellet looms over the airport on the far
side of Adventfjorden, and off in the distance can be seen the
saw-toothed peaks and languid glaciers of northern Spitzbergen.
After
arrival, you will board the awaiting Ocean Albatros. After our
mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, head onto the outer decks
to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching your expedition vessel
leave civilisation behind... And set a course for adventure!
DAYS
2-5: SOUTH AND EAST SVALBARD
During
the night, your expedition vessel will reposition away from the last
vestiges of civilisation on Svalbard, and head into the wilderless of
this storied land. Roughly triangular, the southern half of Svalbard
comprised the lower half of the island of Spitsbergen, the island of
Edgeøya, and countless fjords, islets and skerries, all of
which beckon exploration.
At
a first glance, this region may seem barren and lifeless. But look
closer and the exact opposite it true - saxifrages, Svalbard poppies
and other tundra plants defy the brutal weather, their jewel-like
flowers reaching for the weak Arctic sunlight. Tiny calico snow
buntings flit between crags, while perfectly camouflaged purple
sandpipers scamper along the shore. Look higher up on the vegetated
slopes, and there - greyish white 'boulders' move and resolve
themselves into sheep-sized reindeer: the unique subspecies native to
Svalbard. A flash of bluish-black, and the screeches of nearby birds
herald the arrival of the Arctic fox, the only native land predator on
Svalbard (the polar bear being classified as a marine mammal).
Life
on Svalbard relies on the sea - even the few land mammals such as the
reindeer and Arctic foxes rely on the moisture brought by the frigid
Arctic waters, and it is in the marine environment where Svalbard's
biodiversity is richest. Walrus haul their vast bodies onto flat
beaches to rest, where they snuggle together for warmth and protection.
Belugas frolic in vast pods in the waters off the coast, harvesting
fish and crustaceans from the seabed, and further offshore the vast
gentle baleen whales feast upon copepods and small fish.
Southern
Svalbard is arguably the first part of the island to be exploited by
humans. On Edgeøya, vast piles of snow-bleached bones bear
witness to the systematic and industrial-scale slaughter of walrus an
beluga in their thousands. The earliest humans on the islands (mainly
English and Dutch whalers and Russian Pomor trappers) had little regard
for conservation, seeking only profit, a situation which continued well
into the 19th century. Thankfully all wildlife on Svalbard is now
protected by law, and vast tracts of the archipelago are designated as
nature reserves and National Parks - some of the largest and richest in
the world!
The
exact landing sites we will visit in the south of Svalbard will be
determined by wind, sea and ice conditions, which can wildly vary day
to day and year to year; this far north, all human activity is subject
to the whims of Mother Nature. Possibilities to explore on south
Spitzbergen include the fjord systems of Bellsund and Hornsund, where
birds cluster together on high cliffs and reindeer graze on the fertile
slopes below while icebergs drift by from the various large glaciers in
the area. Further east on Edgeøya, sites include the walrus
colonies of Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, and the spectacular
raised shorelines and bird colonies of Sundneset.
DAY
6: LONGYEARBYEN - WE EXPLORE A COAL MINE AND DELVE INTO THE HISTORY OF
THIS FAR NORTH TOWN
Pylons
that once carried buckets of coal, and an increase in the number of
huts along the shoreline herald Ocean Albatros' return to the town of
Longyearbyen. Around two thousand hardy souls call this unique
settlement home, and many are fiercely devoted to their high Arctic
home. It is very easy to see why!
Longyearbyen
occupies a small valley at the head of Adventfjorden - a small inlet
off Isfjorden (the vast fjord which bisects the island of Spitzbergen).
The town was originally established as a mining settlement in the late
1800s, and is named after John Longyear - an American prospector whose
company began exploiting the black gold beneath the city in 1906.
One
small mine produces coal which is used to provide electricity for the
town - changing market conditions and safety concerns meant that mining
has now almost ceased in Longyearbyen. The mining heritage of the town
remains strong however, and several unique traditions developed from
this history - removing one's shoes is customary upon entering many
shops and cafes in the town for example, and mining ruins can be
observed throughout the surrounding hills. Longyearbyen has since
reinvented itself as a hub for high Arctic tourism and research, with
several hotels and the University Centre in Svalbard established. The
modern airport was opened in 1975, allowing year-round access for this
formerly isolated community.
After
our breakfast on the ship we set off to learn more about Longyearbyen's
exciting mining history as we enter now inactive Mine number 3. As we
walk through the defunct mine, we can get a closer look at some of the
machinery and equipment left behind as production stopped. Certain
techniques apply to mines that are this high into the mountains, which
we will be introduced to by our guides. We end our tour in the main
tunnel that was excavated back in the 1970's. Nb. dress warm for the
trip, as the mine is quite cold. Helmets and headlamps are handed out.
Back
on our ship we will follow up on our experiences and after lunch it is
time to explore the city further.
Longyearbyen
has several unique laws as a result of it's high Arctic environment.
Due to the delicate environment of the islands, nobody is permitted to
own a cat for example, as a family pet could still decimate local bird
populations. Anyone leaving the boundary of the town is required by law
to carry a firearm to protect themselves from polar bears. Despite the
challenging environment of the town, it is a bustling thriving
community which offers excellent amenities to visitors. Visit the
peerless Svalbard Museum and see relics of the whaling era, perfectly
preserved in the frigid permafrost, alongside exhibits on the natural
history of this remarkable archipelago. Shop for memories in the many
excellent boutiques of the town, selling locally produced souvenirs,
artworks and homewares, or simply relax on a sunny cafe terrace and
watch this remarkable little town in action.
DAY
7: NORTHWEST SVALBARD - THE WILDERNESS OF THE HIGH ARCTIC
One
of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe, North West
Svalbard was declared a national park in 1973. The area is famed for
its history, which documents some of the earliest human arrivals on
Svalbard. While Norse explorers may have sighted these icy shores
during the Viking Age, the first definite arrival was the expedition of
William Barents, the legendary Dutch explorer for whom the Barents Sea
is named. While now protected from human distruption, when Barents
arrived in 1596, he noted the vast numbers of whales and seals which
were soon prey to English and Dutch whalers, who arrived within a
decade of Barents to pillage the area's wildlife. The area occupied the
triple point between land, sea and ice, and as such was the perfect
location from which to harvest the gentle giants of the oceans. Sites
used to dismember whale carcasses and render them for their precious
oil include the Dutch settlement of Smeerenburg, where the remains of
16th Century blubber ovens and building foundations can still be seen.
Other sites such as nearby Ytre Norskøya record the darker
side of this industrialised slaughter, where hundreds of young men who
hoped to make their fortunes are buried thousands of miles from home.
Today,
all that remains from this period of history are bones and the scant
remnants of human habitation. Slowly reclaimed by creeping Arctic
nature, the region is now a anture lovers paradise. Tiny Arctic poppies
and purple saxifrage defy the brutal conditions to flower in the brief
summer, while geese, eider ducks and other seabirds return to the
island to raise their young. Walrus can be found hauled out on beaches,
and we must always be on careful lookout for wandering polar bears in
this now again wild region.
DAYS
8-9: INTO THE PACK ICE
An
icy breeze touches your exposed cheeks. The scent of snow and sea fills
your nostrils. Sunlight reflects off the floating ice, illuminating the
clouds overhead. Enter an environment like no other, the vast
shape-shifting realm of floating ice which crowns our planet. The vast
ever-changing ice pack to the north of Svalbard stretches from this
already isolated archipelago to the North Pole, and onwards across the
Arctic Ocean towards the northern shores of Chukotka and Alaska.
The
Arctic ice pack is one of Earth's largest habitats, although unlike
most it varies hugely year on year, expanding in winter and retreating
in summer. The location of the sea ice around Svalbard can also vary
wildly - however, with two full days planned to explore this icy
wilderness, we maximise our chances of finding and exploring this
impossibly remote environment. At first glance, this stark white
wilderness seems barren, empty and lifeless. This icy wilderness holds
on to its mysteries, and of course wildlife sightings are at the whims
of Mother NatureWith a little perseverance however, the ice reveals its
secrets.
As
Ocean Albatros pushes through the narrow channels in the ice, tiny
cod-like fish can be seen silhouetted against the ice in the clear
water. Kittiwakes and Gloucous Gulls follow the vessel as it distrubs
the water. Further out on the ice, black dots appear; moving closer,
they resolve into seals, basking on the ice. A plume of water reflects
the sunshine - a pod of belugas perhaps, or maybe even the vast gentle
bowhead whale crushing this ice from below as its massive body
surfaces. There, beyond the banks of rucked ice - a yellowish dot pads
along the ice, the head swinging from side to side: the King of the
Arctic continues his never-ending quest for prey. This is the kingdom
of the polar bear, the vast icy wastes at the top of the world - a
remarkable place which is the goal of this expedition.
DAY
10: RETURN TO LAND - NORTHWEST SVALBARD
As
we retreat from the icy wastes of the north, we return to the
(relatively) hospitable shores of northwest Spitzbergen. Once the haunt
of whalers and sealers, these shores have an equally fascinating role
in the modern history of Svalbard.
These
islands' geographical location has made them the staging post for
exploratory and scientific expeditions for centuries - a proud legacy
which continues to this day. The names of these pioneers and their
ships still loom large in world history - the Nobile, the Norge and the
Fram, Amundsen, Nansen and Nordenskiöld, all legends of polar
exploration who passed this lonely outpost seeking to push the
boundaries of humanity. Nearby stands the tiny settlement of
Ny-Ålesund, the world's northernmost community, once a coal
mining town, Ny-Ålesund is today a research settlement,
hosting permanent research stations from 12 countries. Where whalers
once slaughtered, now researchers study in an effort to conserve the
precious biodiversity of the region.
Look
closely and signs of this courageous history can still be seen. On
Danskøya, rusting remains hint at the hot air balloon and
airship attempts at the pole by Salomon Andrée and Walter
Wellman. In Ny-Ålesund, the airship mast to which Amundsen's
Norge was moored still stands proud over the barren landscape. Follow
in the footsteps of the explorers of yesteryear and learn how
researchers persevere to preserve this high Arctic paradise.
Explore
the fascinating little research town of Ny-Ålesund as Ocean
Albatros pulls into Kongsfjorden, and see modern Arctic scientists in
action in the northernmost settlement on Earth.
DAY
11: LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD - DISEMBARKATION
During
the evening, the Ocean Albatros will reposition to return to the port
of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after
days of isolation in the sea ice!
After
enjoying exploring Longyearbyen, return to Svalbard Airport and join
your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a
lifetime.
Ocean Albatros (Luxury Expedition, 184-guests)
With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 11-day,
10-night cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double room with
a private bathroom in the category chosen
- Flights:
Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
- Local
transport in Longyearbyen on days 1 and 11
- English-speaking
expedition staff
- Guided
walks with the expedition team
- Nature
hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
- Information
briefings and lectures by the expedition team
- Special
photo workshop
- Full
board on the ship
- Free
coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Dinner
drink package
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Taxes,
tariffs, and landing fees
- Digital
visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list, and more
EXCLUSIONS
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single
room supplement and cabin upgrades
- Meals
not on board the ship
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink package)
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day)
- Personal
expenses
- Travel,
cancellation, and senior insurance
- Anything
not mentioned under ’Inclusions’
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Hiking
- Zodiac
Cruises
- Photography
- Lectures