Arctic Group Adventure Trips and Tours
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Arctic Cruise: Spitsbergen Explorer
The remarkable islands of the Svalbard archipelago are part of Norway, lying far to the north of the Norwegian mainland and high above the Arctic Circle. They total an area of about 62,000 square kilometers, about the same size as Ireland or Tasmania. These larger islands rise to form a group of wild and rugged mountains, with much of their highland areas being covered in ice and snow. The aim on this expedition is to undertake a complete circumnavigation of the major islands of the group, making frequent shore stops to hike or simply enjoy the amazing scenery, and to undertake zodiac cruises, often in close proximity to sea cliffs and abundant wildlife.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen
This small community of 1,000 souls is the largest community in the Svalbard islands. Please arrive in the morning as embarkation is in the early afternoon.Day 2: Around Svalbard
This expeditions goal is to circumnavigate of Spitsbergen, the major island in the archipelago, but you may visit some lesser islands if conditions permit. Youll be sailing in a clockwise direction and your crew will hoist the Zodiacs over the side for cruising or shore explorations from time to time.Days 3-4: 14th of July Glacier
Lying on the west coast of Spitsbergen, this magnificent ice cliff with the unusual name will be explored by Zodiacs cruising in the waters at its base. Youll also visit Ny Alesund an international Arctic research station with a population of about 80 scientists and support staff. Birders should have their binoculars handy as this is known habitat for Arctic Terns, Arctic Skua, Purple Sandpipers, Common Eiders, Barnacle Geese and Snow Buntings.Days 5-8: Smeerenburg, Moffen Island and Thousand Islands
On the northwest coast of Spitsbergen is Smeerenburg, once known as Blubber Town. Dutch whalers established the community in the 17th century. Blubber ovens, whalebones, and other remains of the whaling industry are still visible. The temperature drops as we sail northward, crossing 80N, 965km (600 miles) from the North Pole. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary that you visit on this expedition. On previous visits passengers have spotted polar bear and Sabine Gulls, in addition to walrus!Days 9-10: Bourbonhamna
There are so many islands in Svalbard that certain areas are known as Seven Islands and Thousand Islands. As you explore, you can expect to hike through geological formations five hundred million to a billion years old. Your Expedition Team will relate engrossing tales of Arctic exploration. Youll be on the alert for beluga whales near Bourbonhamna. The "white whales" are the only whales able to nod and turn their heads sideways.Day 11: Longyearbyen
Disembarkation will be in Longyearbyen.Trip Details
| Ship | Shokalskiy |
| Highlights | Spitzbergen Archipelago, 14th of July Glacier, polar bears, Ny Ålesund, large bird colonies, Moffen Island, kayaking |
| Trip Notes | Weather, ice, or political conditions may require that changes be made to this itinerary or certain shore excursions cancelled. Included: Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage; all shore landings and excursions per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by an erienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities; formal and informal presentations by your Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic album on DVD; a pair of rubber expedition boots on loan for shore landings; hair dryer in every cabin; expedition parka; coffee, tea, cocoa and bottled water available around the clock; comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; emergency evacuation insurance for each passenger with a maximum benefit of $100,000 USD; group transfers from the airport to the ship for embarkation (starting at 12 noon on the day prior to embarkation) and from the ship to the local airport on disembarkation--plus all baggage handling aboard ship. Not Included: Any airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges; telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for stewards and other service personnel (guidelines will be provided); fuel surcharge may apply. |
| Payment Policy | Antarctica 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).Antarctica 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) 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.Arctic 2009:A deposit of $2,000 per person is required to confirm a reservation on Kapitan Khlebnikov and 50 Years of Victory. To confirm reservations on Akademik Shokalskiy, Akademik Ioffe, and Akademik Sergey Vavilov, a deposit of $1,000 per person is required. 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 |
| 2009-06-12 | 2009-06-22 | + |
| 2009-06-22 | 2009-07-02 | + |
| 2009-07-02 | 2009-07-12 | + |
| 2009-07-12 | 2009-07-22 | + |
| 2009-08-01 | 2009-08-11 | + |
Trip Price |
|
| USD | 4490.00 |
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