Spectacular Voyage
This spectacular voyage aboard the MS Expedition takes us northbound, from Longyearbyen to the remote landscapes of Moffen Island.
Arctic Heritage
Starting in Longyearbyen, the largest town on the archipelago, we board our ship and sail through Icefjord to the Russian mining community of Barentsburg.
Continuing north to the tiny settlement of Ny-Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office, we then visit the glacier-fed Magdalenefjord, one of the island’s most beautiful fjords and Smeerenburgfjord – meaning ‘Blubbertownfjord’ – site of a former whaling station set amid dramatically barren mountainscapes.
Informative talks and lectures in the ship’s panoramic lounge will allow us to learn about the natural environment, geology, wildlife and exciting polar heritage as we sail.
Walrus at the 80º parallel
The beautiful Svalbard archipelago is host to over 170 species of plant, 110 types of migratory birds and a mammal population that includes reindeer, walrus, seal, Arctic fox, whale and the majestic polar bear. The Gulf Stream has allowed the island’s 400 kilometres long western coastline to become incredibly rich in animal and plant life, while the remote east is forever under the grips of the Arctic winter. The further north and east that we sail, the more ice we will meet and this ice will gradually build up into large ice floes with seals resting on them. On rounding the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, we will cross the 80th parallel, just 1000 kilometres from the North Pole.
The remote east
Deep within the Arctic Circle, we see lonely Nordaustlandet – the second-largest island in the archipelago – before heading down Hinlopen Strait, lined by fjords and tundra. We plan to visit Vibebukta and the 200 kilometres wide ice sheet of the Austfonna Glacier. Our aim is to sail to the remote polar regions in order to experience the Arctic wilderness, drift ice, flora and fauna. This is very much the kingdom of the polar bear and there is a very good chance to see large males as well as mothers and their cubs. With the dramatic cliffs, hidden fjords, enchanting drift ice and rugged backdrop of the snow-capped landscape this trip is a voyage to the extremes of the Earth.
Itinerary:
DAY 1: SPITSBERGEN
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the capital of Spitsbergen. This was once a coal mining settlement but now a major centre for polar research, is our starting point for this adventure.
Overnight: Hotel, Longyearbyen. (D)
DAY 2: LONGYEARBYEN – VOYAGE BEGINS
After a sightseeing tour of the town we board MV Polar Star after lunch and sail through the Icefjord and onto the Russian mining community of Barentsburg (named after a Dutch explorer). Visit to the Pomor Museum (optional) and a folklore show. Following the stunning northwestern coastline you then pass through a landscape of towering ice fields and hidden fjords that are rich in wildlife and where isolated settlements still struggle to survive along the dramatic coastlines of this most remote and harsh landscape.
Overnight: MV Polar Star. (BLD)
DAY 3: NY-ÅLESUND – MAGDALENEFJORD
Continue north to the tiny settlement of Ny-Ålesund, which has the world’s northernmost post office! Continue to the glacier-fed Magdalenefjord, one of the island’s most beautiful fjords, and Smeerenburgfjord, site of a former whaling station, set amidst dramatically barren mountain-scapes. Informative talks and lectures in the ship’s panoramic lounge will allow us to learn about the natural environment, geology, wildlife and exciting polar heritage as we sail.
Overnight: MV Polar Star. (BLD)
DAY 4 – 7: 80º NORTH
Round the top of Spitsbergen, crossing the 80th parallel, before exploring fjords, glaciers and icebergs. From here our itinerary is based on local sea and ice conditions at the time, with regular landings and Zodiac excursions. We explore remote locations, seek out Arctic wildlife – including polar bears – and have the chance to learn more about the heritage of this fascinating region. If conditions allow, we may circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen. Deep within the Arctic Circle, we see lonely Nordaustlandet, the second-largest island in the archipelago, before heading down Hinlopen Strait, lined by fjords and tundra. We plan to visit Vibebukta and the 200 km wide ice-sheet of the Austfonna Glacier. Our aim is to sail to the remote polar regions in order to experience the Arctic wilderness, drift ice, flora and fauna. This is very much the kingdom of the polar bear, and there is a good chance to see large males as well as mothers and their cubs. With dramatic cliffs, hidden fjords, enchanting drift ice and rugged backdrop of the snow-capped landscape this trip is a voyage to the extremes of the Earth.
Overnight: MV Polar Star. (BLD)
DAY 8: ICEFJORD
Return to Icefjord, farewell dinner on board.
Overnight: MV Polar Star. (BLD)
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
Disembarkation in Longyearbyen. (B)
The above is subject to availability at time of booking and subject to the terms and conditions of ITT (International Travel & Tours CC). The above is based on current air-fares and exchange rates. Fluctuations in air-fare and/or exchange rate will be calculated at time of payment.
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