There are few places that measure up to Svalbard, where you can be assured that nature in its purest form will provide highlight after unexpected highlight. 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 into the sea. The flora and fauna take advantage of the short but extreme summer with blooming flowers and active wildlife.
Svalbard remains a relatively untouched archipelago of astounding beauty and many of the planned locations are pristine and rarely visited. During this expedition you will experience nature in its purest form 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; the pace is unhurried and the options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary shown is a thoughtfully considered framework based on the vessel’s experience in this region.
We are offering this Arctic adventure in conjunction with our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration. The vessel’s ice strengthened hull, shallow draft and superior manoeuvrability allow us to access the bays, fjords and pack ice, and the ship’s fleet of Zodiac landing craft will enable us to explore even further, get close to wildlife and make landings for walks ashore. After a day of exploring you will return to the luxurious ship where you can be assured of superb service, excellent food and sumptuous surroundings and, in between the landings and while at sea, you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife, attend the series of lectures or simply relax on board enjoying wonderful facilities.
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
June Itinerary
Day 1 London to Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to an airport hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the departure airport for the charter flight to Longyearbyen is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
Day 2 Germany to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen.
After breakfast in the hotel return to the airport for the specially chartered flight to Longyearbyen. On arrival transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration and embark. Sail this evening.
Days 3 to 10 Svalbard Archipelago.
We spend the next eight days exploring Svalbard. The route will be determined by nature and the flexible itinerary will be decided by the Captain and expedition leader based on the weather and ice. If the conditions allow we will forge a path through the fields of drifting ice in the Hinlopen Strait and attempt the circumnavigation. Alternatively, we will sail to the ice edge and then explore the west of the archipelago in greater depth. Shaped by mighty glaciers, deep fjords and unspoilt wilderness, the icy habitat of polar bears, Arctic foxes, whales and walrus will awaken true feelings of discovery. See the spectacular 14th July Glacier where the gleaming blue edge showcases its untameable natural power as huge chunks of ice break away from it and fall into the sea, thunderously interrupting the silence of the Arctic. Arctic flowers bloom on the nearby slopes, while kittiwakes and thick-billed murres nest on the cliff. Mountain peaks frame the Liefdefjord as the majestic, shimmering blue Monacobreen Glacier rises at its end. This is a birthplace of icebergs, which begin their journey through the Arctic Ocean from here and there is a good chance of spotting polar bears from the deck. If the conditions allow we venture forth into the waters of north-east Spitsbergen, where a sense of pure expedition prevails. If ice permits us to sail through the Hinlopen Strait we will explore the east coast of Spitsbergen. The captain and officers will constantly look for impressive scenes such as the cliffs of Alkefjellet: the “bird mountain” is inhabited by thousands of birds from numerous species, including thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls, Arctic terns and eider ducks. The Zodiacs will take you ashore in Palanderbukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, which is largely covered in ice caps. With a little luck, you might spot reindeer, Arctic foxes, Svalbard poppies and purple saxifrage on a hike through the sparse tundra. Walrus herds like to lie on the flat ledges of rock in Torellneset, the mighty bulls are a formidable sight even from a respectful distance. However, the sight of surfacing whales beats all of this and if you are lucky, the world’s largest and heaviest creature – the blue whale – will make an appearance.
Day 11 At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we sail to Tromso.
Day 12 Tromso, Norway to Germany.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Germany. On arrival make your way to the airport hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the arrival airport for the charter flight from Tromso is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
Day 13 Germany to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we will return to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
July Itinerary
Day 1 London to Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to an airport hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the departure airport for the charter flight to Longyearbyen is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
Day 2 Germany to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen.
After breakfast in the hotel return to the airport for the specially chartered flight to Longyearbyen. On arrival transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration and embark. Sail this evening.
Days 3 to 11 Svalbard Archipelago.
We spend the next nine days exploring Svalbard. The route will be determined by nature and the flexible itinerary will be decided by the Captain and expedition leader based on the weather and ice. If the conditions allow we will forge a path through the fields of drifting ice in the Hinlopen Strait and attempt the circumnavigation. Alternatively, we will sail to the ice edge and then explore the west of the archipelago in greater depth. Shaped by mighty glaciers, deep fjords and unspoilt wilderness, the icy habitat of polar bears, Arctic foxes, whales and walrus will awaken true feelings of discovery. See the spectacular 14th July Glacier where the gleaming blue edge showcases its untameable natural power as huge chunks of ice break away from it and fall into the sea, thunderously interrupting the silence of the Arctic. Arctic flowers bloom on the nearby slopes, while kittiwakes and thick-billed murres nest on the cliff. Mountain peaks frame the Liefdefjord as the majestic, shimmering blue Monacobreen Glacier rises at its end. This is a birthplace of icebergs, which begin their journey through the Arctic Ocean from here and there is a good chance of spotting polar bears from the deck. If the conditions allow we venture forth into the waters of north-east Spitsbergen, where a sense of pure expedition prevails. If ice permits us to sail through the Hinlopen Strait we will explore the east coast of Spitsbergen. The captain and officers will constantly look for impressive scenes such as the cliffs of Alkefjellet: the “bird mountain” is inhabited by thousands of birds from numerous species, including thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls, Arctic terns and eider ducks. The Zodiacs will take you ashore in Palanderbukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, which is largely covered in ice caps. With a little luck, you might spot reindeer, Arctic foxes, Svalbard poppies and purple saxifrage on a hike through the sparse tundra. Walrus herds like to lie on the flat ledges of rock in Torellneset, the mighty bulls are a formidable sight even from a respectful distance. However, the sight of surfacing whales beats all of this and if you are lucky, the world’s largest and heaviest creature – the blue whale – will make an appearance.
Day 12 Longyearbyen to Germany.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Germany. On arrival make your way to the airport hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the arrival airport for the charter flight from Longyearbyen is still to be confirmed and our destination in Germany will be confirmed closer to departure.
Day 13 Germany to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we will return to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy14 to 26 June 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £8995 | |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £9295 | |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £9695 | |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £10295 | |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £9995 | |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £10495 | |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £10895 | |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £11295 | |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | £12795 | |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | £16695 | |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £12695 |
4 to 16 July 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | On Request | |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | On Request | |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | On Request | |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | On Request | |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | On Request | |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | On Request | |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | On Request | |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | On Request | |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | On Request | |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | On Request | |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | On Request |
Tour Reference Code: SCHA040724
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel between London & Germany • Specially chartered air travel between Germany and Tromso (June departure) or Longyearbyen (July departure) • Two nights hotel accommodation in Germany with breakfast • 10 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes • Loan of waterproof boots and parka during cruise.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Flight schedules are yet to be released at the time of going to print and the itinerary may change on their release. Itinerary subject to change based on weather and ice conditions.
Please note that all bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 20% deposit and that the balance payment will be due 150 days before the date of departure. Please also note that between 149 and 70 days before the date of departure, cancellation charges shall be 40% of the total holiday price payable.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
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