Arctic Cruise: Spitsbergen, Northeast Greenland & Iceland

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation Day

Longyearbyen is the seat of government for the archipelago of Svalbard, Norway’s Arctic islands. Located on the picturesque island of Spitsbergen, the community has a population of about a thousand. Boarding of the Adventure Ship Akademik Sergey Vavilov occurs in the late afternoon, so we suggest that you arrive early to explore the quaint village.

Days 2-4: Exploring Spitsbergen and the islands of Svalbard

The Expedition Team plans all your activities to take advantage of local weather and ice conditions. Anticipate visits to the 14th of July Glacier, the settlement of Ny Alesund, a base station of international Arctic research, and Monaco Glacier. Be on the alert as you explore for wildlife. Sightings of Arctic Terns, Arctic Skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, Kittiwakes, Glaucous Gulls and reindeer are possible. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary, if the conditions are right, you may see walrus hauled out on shore or swimming in the protected waters. Polar bear sightings are another possibility. The optional kayaking will occur at the same time as a shore landing or a Zodiac cruise. The exact location and time will be determined by the kayak master in consultation with the Expedition Leader.

Days 5-6: Greenland Sea

While at sea, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about the wildlife and cultures they anticipate you will encounter in Greenland. The naturalists assist with seabird identification from the deck of the ship. You may participate in as many, or as few, shipboard activities as you choose.

Days 7-10: Eastern Greenland

The coast of eastern Greenland is wild, rugged and often ice-bound. This area is an excellent habitat for wildlife that require ice floes to thrive, such as polar bear. You’ll sail the ice edge, lowering Zodiacs from time to time to cruise at ocean level or to go ashore. If conditions permit, you’ll compare cultures as you visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements and a remote modern day settlement. At all times, you’ll be on the alert for musk oxen, because 40% of the world’s population lives on the eastern coast.Before you leave Greenland you may sail into Scoresbysund, the largest fjord in the world.

Days 11-12: Denmark Strait

While crossing Denmark Strait en route to Iceland, you’ll watch for whales, and learn about the extraordinary geology and history of Iceland and its surrounding islands.

Day 13: Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

The history of the Westman Islands is as shrouded by the mists of time as a Norse Saga. The name refers to a term used by the Norse to refer to Irishmen, or west men. In the 1600’s a fleet from the Ottoman Empire that included Barbary Pirates raided the islands, capturing 400 inhabitants. They were sold into slavery in Algiers. Like the rest of Iceland, the Westman Islands are volcanically active. As recently as 1963, a new island, Surtsey, was created as a result of a volcanic eruption.

Day 14: Reykjavik

This expedition disembarks in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik.

Trip Details

Ship	Akademik Ioffe and Akademik Sergey Vavilov
Highlights	Spitsbergen, Westman Islands (Iceland), Ny Alesund (research station), Monaco Glacier, kayaking, beautiful scenery
Trip Notes	This voyage operates aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov.Mandatory Travel Insurance: Passengers traveling on this expedition are required to be covered by a travel insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. As this voyage travels to remote regions of the world, we recommend that the policy’s emergency evacuation benefit be higher than minimum.Included:Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen, port transfers from/to the meeting point and departure transfer in Reykjavik on last day of the voyage; Shipboard accommodation; all voyage activities and excursions; education program; Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers; All meals and afternoon teas if not on shore; Access to public viewing areas; Shore excursions by zodiac boat; Onboard lectures, videos, slide and film shows; Onboard medical officer; Port taxes; Comprehensive pre-departure booklet, ship’s notes and expedition manual.Not Included:Airfare; Any visa and passport fees, airport taxes; Any pre-trip or post-trip hotel accommodation; Laundry, postage, telephone calls, drinks, medical expenses and gratuities to staff and crew; Travel insurance and emergency evacuation charges; fuel surcharge ($22 per person, per night).
Payment Policy	2008/2009 Season:A deposit of $1000 per person (11-15 day Antarctica expeditions and Arctic Adventure ships); $1500 per person (20 day Antarctica expeditions); or $2000 per person (on board the Kapitan Khlebnikov and Arctic Icebreaker Adventures) is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.* Payment Methods: Deposit: credit cards are accepted (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover). Final payment: check or wire.WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT.* Final payment due 120 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 12/30/2008 (Ocean Nova), 1/5/2009, 1/14/2009 (Orlova), 1/24/2009 (Clipper Adventurer), 2/2/2009, (Ioffe).2009/2010 Season:A deposit of $1000 per person (11-15 day Antarctica expeditions and Arctic Adventure ships); $1500 per person (20 day Antarctica expeditions); or $2000 per person (on board the Kapitan Khlebnikov and Arctic Icebreaker Adventures) is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment Methods: Deposit: credit cards are accepted (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover). Final payment: check or wire.WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-08-18	2008-08-31	+

Browse Similar Trips

• In Search of Northern Lights & Wildlife
• Classic Polar Bear Expedition
• The Antarctic Season Finale

• Arctic Cruise - Spitsbergen - Origo
• Arctic Highlights - Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland
• Arctic Cruise: High Arctic Explorer

• Ultimate Churchill
• Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula (2009/2010)
• Churchill - An Arctic Summer

• Antarctica Cruise - The Peninsula
• Tundra Lodge Polar Bear Adventure
• Arctic Cruise: Northwest Passage

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail