In the Realm of the Polar Bear
An expedition exploring the Svalbard Archipelago aboard the MS Expedition
- 5 July 2021
- 22 July 2021
- 5 July 2022
For this Arctic expedition we are delighted to be working with our associates at G Adventures and their vessel, the MS Expedition.
There are few places that measure up to Svalbard. This remote and spectacular archipelago of immense glaciers, narrow fjords and abundant wildlife is a true Arctic wilderness and is home to species such as polar bears, walrus, seals and whales, all of which we have good chances of seeing during our expedition. During summer, when the sun never sets, the tundra experiences a warm awakening and ice-peppered fjords ring with the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. The flora and fauna take advantage of the short but extreme summer with blooming flowers and active wildlife.
Join us aboard the MS Expedition for a true Arctic adventure. The vessel’s ice strengthened hull, shallow draft and superior manoeuvrability coupled with a veteran crew will allow us to go into the bays, fjords and pack ice, and the ship’s fleet of Zodiac landing craft will allow us to explore even further, get close to wildlife and make landings for walks ashore.
Svalbard remains a relatively untouched archipelago of astounding beauty and many of our planned locations are pristine and rarely visited. During our voyages you will experience nature in its purest form in the High Arctic and joining you on board will be a knowledgeable expedition team which includes naturalists and geologists, all of whom have a genuine passion for the Polar regions. Their expertise and professionalism will enhance your cruise in so many ways. The voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery; our pace is unhurried and our options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary shown is a thoughtfully considered framework based on the vessel’s long experience in this region.
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Expedition
The 134 passenger Expedition was completely refurbished in 2009 and is perfect for our Arctic explorations being large enough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and ample public space, yet small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas and get you close to the action. She provides an intimate small ship cruising experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London Heathrow to Oslo, Norway.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. This evening is at leisure to relax and explore independently.
Day 2 - Oslo to Longyearbyen.
After breakfast at our hotel transfer to the airport for the flight to Longyearbyen. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Expedition for embarkation. Sail this evening.
Days 3 to 8 - Spitsbergen.
During our time exploring Spitsbergen, each day will be planned to take advantage of local ice and weather conditions. Svalbard is one of the few places on the planet that offers such a wealth and diversity of natural and cultural historical sites and we will visit ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea around us. We will spend time steaming through the ice in search of polar bears hunting seals. Ivory gulls will be a highlight for the birders, while we keep a constant lookout for walrus hauled out on ice floes or on sandy beaches. Ice permitting, we will visit spectacular bird cliffs filled with thousands of murres (guillemots), as well as kittiwakes and glaucous gulls. A little auk colony will also be on our agenda. Our shore stops will be highlighted with flowers nearing or at the peak of their bloom and we will have the opportunity to observe and discuss some of their adaptations to what we consider a harsh environment. At one or more of our stops, we hope to see Svalbard’s unique subspecies of reindeer. They are much smaller than their southern relatives, but still carry impressive antlers. We also have the possibility of seeing Arctic foxes. Apart from the magnificent wildlife, this is also a land of history: from whaling to reaching for the pole, to trapping, coal mining and war, we will visit some of the historic sites. We may cruise in Zodiacs along the ice edge viewing seals or walrus, in fjords with glaciers spilling down to the sea or in front of spectacular seabird cliffs. We will have opportunities to walk on shore, observe and photograph the Arctic flora and fauna. The flexibility of not having a set itinerary allows us to take advantage of weather conditions and wildlife sightings and the experienced Captain and Expedition Leader will take the best advantage of these factors to maximise your Arctic experience. Our last evening on board will be spent anchored off Longyearbyen.
Day 9 - Longyearbyen to London Heathrow.
Disembark this morning for our scheduled flight to London via Oslo. Arrive this evening.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy5 to 13 July 2021 • 22 to 30 July 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Category 2 Twin with two lower berths/porthole | £5495 | |
Category 3 Twin with two lower berths/window | £5995 | |
Category 4 Superior with two lower berths/window | £6595 | |
Category 5 Suite with queen bed/lounge area/window | £7395 | |
Category 3 for sole use | £8695 |
5 to 13 July 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Category 2 Twin with two lower berths/porthole | £5595 | |
Category 3 Twin with two lower berths/window | £6095 | |
Category 4 Superior with two lower berths/window | £6695 | |
Category 5 Suite with queen bed/lounge area/window | £7495 | |
Category 3 for sole use | £8795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCEX050721
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Oslo with breakfast • Seven nights aboard the MS Expedition on a full board basis • Shore excursions • Expedition team and lecture programme • Parka jacket • Transfers • Use of wellington boots on board the MS Expedition • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities.
NB. Please note that the itinerary is subject to flight schedules to Longyearbyen which are yet to be released. Once we have these details finalised it may be necessary to amend the dates or the itinerary and planned hotel stays.
Expedition
The 134 passenger Expedition was completely refurbished in 2009 and is perfect for our Arctic explorations being large enough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and ample public space, yet small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas and get you close to the action. She provides an intimate small ship cruising experience.
Video Library
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